Whether it’s a beautiful sunrise, or a special message, each has the power to move us emotionally. I discovered this power long ago and began collecting inspirational quotes that spoke to me. I have journals of them.
I placed my favorites around our 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 when we need it. It only takes 10-20 seconds. Yet, the message it contains can propel us for the day, week, or more.
This is powerful inspiration.
These messages appeal to our subconscious mind, where creativity resides. 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!
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 a few of my favorites:
“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.”
“Notice what I notice.”
“Be careful how I am talking to myself, because I am listening.”
“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.”
“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 your reaction.”
“Leadership is not a position or a title. It is an action and an example.”
“Go farther.”
“Tell the negative committee in my head to sit down and shut up.”
“Reach for the stars and you may hit the treetops.”
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
“Dear Past, Thank you for all the lessons. Dear Future, I’m ready!”
“Good night, sleep well, dream of possibilities, and behold the magic that is within me.”
“In everything, give thanks.”
Did you find one you like?
I’d also love to add to my collection, so send along your favorites and I’ll post them as well.
We can call it a team project!
For more examples of Inspiration in the workplace, take a look at Beginning to End: The Life Cycle of a Child Care Center—A Director’s Story, available on Amazon.com.
