Allow the world to live as it chooses...

Allow the world to live as it chooses, and allow yourself to live as you choose.

--- Richard Bach ---

In light of some of the recent tragedies in the news, as well as the way society reflects what is portrayed in the media, I thought this was a timely and important reminder of respect and freedom.  If we took the time to pay more attention to the betterment of ourselves rather than critiquing and putting down others, the world would be a more peaceful place.  This quote reminds me to have empathy and compassion for others, and ourselves.

 

When I dare to be powerful...

"When I dare to be powerful - to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid."

--- Audre Lorde ---

This is another favorite quote which happens to be in a large framed photograph right above my computer at work.   When I first started at the job, I didn't know what impact this quote would have on my work and my personal capacity for action, but I often find myself glancing up at this big poster, seeing her face with her arms in the air, and thinking about how I can dissipate my own fears in life.  I have also heard this particular quote mentioned time and time again at a workshop that our department hosts each year on the 'imposter syndrome.'  This quote is a reminder not to let your fears stand in the way of what you want to do, and emphasizes how important it is to identify and develop a strong vision for our own lives.  Audre Lorde was a powerful poet/activist whose words demonstrate a wisdom beyond what is written on paper.  Enjoy!

 

I have today...

I have no yesterdays time took them away, tomorrow may not be, but I have today.

--- Pearl Yeadon McGinnis ---

If you want things to be different...

If you want things to be different, perhaps the answer is to be different yourself.

--- Norman Vincent Pearl ---

It is simple...

It is simple, we are where we should be, doing what we should be doing.

Otherwise, we would be somewhere else, doing something else.

--- Stine ---

...Capable of Becoming

I want to be all that I am capable of becoming.

--- Katherine Mansfield (wikipedia) ---

I found this quote in a book that I received as a gift from a friend in college, and also found this quote to be quite simple, inspiring, and to the point.  It's a reminder that at the end of the day, regardless of all other things, we want to fulfill our own capacity for becoming who we want to be as individuals.