Inspiration …

Whether it’s a beautiful sunrise, or a special message, each one has the power to move us, emotionally. I discovered this power long ago and began collecting inspirational quotes that spoke to me.

I placed them around my home—near the mirror in the bathroom for my first uplifting thought of the day; on the fridge in the kitchen; inside cabinet doors. I sometimes purchased quotes on strips of wood and three-dimensional blocks and placed them strategically where I would just come upon them during the day—on the fireplace hearth; on the top jamb of doorways; on shelves; or, if the quote was especially inspirational, on a wall.

As the director of several early childhood programs, I posted quotes here and there in my childcare centers as well. They were relevant to our life and work, and in the course of a day we saw and read several.

And, you know, they served a valuable purpose. They set the tone. They shifted our thinking. They lifted our moods. They brought us peace. They made us smile. 

Just reading a good quote can quickly take us from the moment we’re in, to another—and positively change our focus. Reading a quote provides a quick and timely burst of wisdom—often, just what we need. And, it only takes 10-20 seconds. Yet, the message it contains can propel us for months or years. 

This is powerful inspiration.

These messages appeal to our subconscious mind, where creativity resides. And in the reading of these messages, our entire thought process can change—directing our energy toward a more positive path. For me, a win-win!

So, yes, I have always been a big fan of inspirational quotes because with very little effort on my part, positive things happen. I have watched the subtle changes take place—the aha! moment, the epiphany—all because of a posted quote.

Here are some of my favorite inspirational messages:

Wherever I am, be all there.

When writing the story of my life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.

When the decision is clear, the doing is effortless.

We are the sum total of everything we have experienced.

I must stand guard at the door of my mind.

Thoughts become things – choose the good ones!

Light up every room I walk into.

Dear Past,
Thank you for all the lessons.
Dear Future,
I’m ready!

Trust the timing of my life.

The mind is everything –
What I think I become
.

Notice what I notice.

When it comes to the words I choose,
Whether in my mind
or amongst friends,
Let them be of what I like and love
What I care about and cherish
What makes me happy
What gives me wings
What makes me dream—
And very little else.

Be careful how I am talking to myself, because I am listening.

I am going to be very, very, very happy,
And then do everything I have time to do after that.

Tell the negative committee in my head to sit down and shut up.

Good night,
Sleep well,
Dream of possibilities,
and behold the magic that is within me.

If I can imagine it and I can visualize it, I can create it.

Go confidently in the direction of my dreams. 

Before we are leaders, success is all about growing ourselves;
When we become a leader, success is all about growing others.

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.

What we send out to others returns to us magnified.

Say what we mean,
Do what we say,
Own what we do.

How do we know when we have arrived, if we don’t know where we are going.

People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.

Seek first to understand, and then, to be understood.

Do not get upset with people or situations; both are powerless without our reaction.

Leadership is not a position or a title. It is an action and an example.

Surround ourselves with people who push us to do better. No drama or negativity. Just higher goals and higher motivation. Good times and positive energy. No jealousy or hate. Simply bring out the best in each other.

Passion + Persistence = Results

Go farther.

Reach for the stars and we may hit the treetops.

In everything, give thanks.

Did you find an especially good quote for you?

I’d love to add to my collection. So, send along your favorite inspirational message/s—and I’ll post them as well. We can call it a team project! This I know—we need all the inspiration we can receive.

This entry was posted in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Leadership, Early Childhood Teachers, For Early Childhood Directors, Managing Early Childhood Programs, Performance Management Skills, Quality Early Education and Care, Training for Early Childhood Directors, Training for Early Childhood Professionals. Bookmark the permalink.

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