Admit it. It’s easier to slog along in life without great spikes of joy or great valleys of sorrow. It’s easier to follow the path of least resistance. But are you merely existing? Do you feel you could do more with your life? If so, it’s time to jolt out of your comfort zone. Here are a few quotes that will help you do it.
“We must do that which we think we cannot.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
There’s one immutable truth in life: We will all die, sooner or later. If you have not done what you want in life, if you are not yet who you want to be, what are you waiting for? If you are too timid to try something because you think you cannot achieve it, then that is the thing you must try. Because if you do not, then you are not really living fully, and that is tragic.
“If the problem can be solved, why worry? If the problem cannot be solved, worry will do no good.” – Shantideva
In other words, don’t sweat the small stuff. Or the big stuff either, since there’s nothing you can do about it. Oh, a certain amount of thoughtful review of a situation (okay, worrying) may help you think through what you need to do to avoid disaster. But once that productive thinking is complete, it won’t help to obsess. It’s time to move on. Worry that takes over your brain deprives you of time you could be spending in happier pursuits.
“If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun.” – Katharine Hepburn
Most of us try to do what’s expected of us. Or what we think is expected by friends, family and society. That way we won’t be criticized or confronted, which, of course, is unpleasant. But what if a little unpleasantness is the price to pay for marching to a different drummer, for achieving your own goals, for forging a different but more meaningful path for yourself? Maybe a little unpleasantness is worth it. And maybe you won’t encounter it at all. Maybe you’ll be admired.
“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned to buy things they don’t need to impress people they don’t like.” – Will Rogers
It’s so easy to get caught up into trying to please others, or impress them, since that seems to be the way to make friends. But that kind of friendship is based on the falseness of the impression you’re trying to create, and therefore, not really a friendship. True friends love you for who you are, just as you are. So be a true friend to yourself first, and love yourself. Then you won’t need anyone else’s approval to be happy. Your friendships with others will be a nice bonus.
Nancy Travers is an Orange County Counseling professional. If you need safe, effective counseling services, please get in touch. You can reach her here: https://nancyscounselingcorner.com/contact-us.
