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 place 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 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.
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.
Notice What I Notice.
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.
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.
Say what we mean,
Do what we say,
Own what we do.
People don’t know how much you know, until they know how much you care.
Leadership is not a position or a title. It is an action and an example.
Passion + Persistence = Results.
Go farther.
In everything, give thanks.
I’d love to add to my collection. So, send along your favorite/s and I’ll post them as well. We can call it a team project!
We need all the inspiration we can receive.
For more tips, techniques, and how-tos that worked for me, take a look at Beginning to End: The Life Cycle of a Child Care Center—A Director’s Story, at amazon.com books.
