Inspiration for the Mind, Body & Soul
A BLOG DEVOTED TO SHARING POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGING MESSAGES FOR THE HUNGRY HEART
“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.”
― Anne Bradstreet
In order to appreciate the highs, you must experience the lows. Likewise, you can’t have joy without having experienced sorrow. Or, happiness without sadness. It all goes hand in hand. So, although you may be experiencing emotional turmoil and hard times, it is preparing you for the cleansing showers of Spring yet to come.
“You know, life fractures us all into little pieces. It harms us, but it’s how we glue those fractures back together that make us stronger.”
― Carrie Jones
We all go through hard times. We all have our storms we must weather. And sometimes we will fall apart. But it is how we put the pieces back together that ultimately matters.
“Don’t quit.
When your latest efforts fail, don’t quit. When your performance is scoffed and ridiculed, don’t quit. When you’re told you have no talent, don’t quit. When you come in dead last, don’t quit. When it seems an uphill fight to keep going, don’t quit. When you can’t see any possible way to achieve your goals, don’t quit. When your last supporter is you alone, don’t quit. When discouragement and depression seem your constant companion, don’t quit. When you feel like quitting, don’t quit.
Time and time again you will crave relief from the harsh fight of trying to succeed. You will falsely think that quitting will bring peace and reprieve, but alas, only regret and disappointment await the quitter. Victory means never ever ever quitting.
So don’t quit.
Do not quit.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich
Sometimes life wears you down, and you are so tired that you just want to give up. But no matter what, don’t you dare quit. Dig deep within yourself and find that inner strength to push through.
“Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means that you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.”
― Gerard Way
Happiness isn’t synonymous with perfection. To be happy does not mean one has the proverbial white picket fence and poster card family. It doesn’t mean that everything is perfect and amazing. You can be happy when the world around you is in chaos and things are a mess, because at some point you will hopefully learn that happiness stems from accepting yourself and others for who they are. It is about learning to love the imperfections of life. It’s about accepting that life is this beautiful chaotic mess and that’s okay.
“You need to spend time crawling alone through shadows to truly appreciate what it is to stand in the sun.”
― Shaun Hick
Life is filled with highs and lows. And you cannot avoid the lows, the darkness, and the messiness of life. It’s a part of the journey we must all experience. And by crawling around in the mud, you truly appreciate the Sun when it comes out. For life’s pain and heartbreak teach us to appreciate the blessings surrounding us everyday.
“Never lose faith in yourself, and never lose hope; remember, even when this world throws its worst and then turns its back, there is still always hope.”
― Pittacus Lore
When the going gets tough, don’t ever give in. No matter what obstacles are thrown your way, never lose hope. Always believe you are strong enough, smart enough and worthy enough to overcome life’s greatest hurdles.
You were born with potential.
You were born with goodness and trust. You were born with ideals and dreams. You were born with greatness.
You were born with wings.
You are not meant for crawling, so don’t.
You have wings.
Learn to use them and fly.
― Jalaluddin Rumi
I truly believe each of us has a purpose in this life. And each of us has the potential to do good in this world and make a difference. Whether or not you realize that potential is completely dependent upon the choices you make. You must find the courage and inner strength to take that leap of faith when the time comes. And never forget that in order to fly, you must be courageous enough to let go of the branch.
“There comes a time in your life when you have to choose to turn the page, write another book or simply close it.”
― Shannon L. Alder
In life, sometimes you have to let go of friendships, relationships and jobs in order to move forward along your path. It is important to continually evaluate where you are in your life journey and acknowledge what’s holding you back. Let go of negativity and toxicity in your life. Remember that there will always come a time in your life when you must let go and turn the page in the story of your life.
“When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, and set sail once more toward your coveted goal.”
― Napoleon Hill
Defeat does not mean game over. It doesn’t mean it’s time to throw in the towel and give up your dream. Defeat only means that your plans weren’t sound and so you need to go back to the drawing board, regroup and rebuild those plans. And then go after your goals once more with a firmer set of plans meant to survive the roughest weather.
“You’re not obligated to win. You’re obligated to keep trying. To the best you can do everyday.”
― Jason Mraz
There will be many times in life when you come up short. You will inevitably lose more battles than you will win. That’s just life. But the key is no matter how many times you fall, you must get back up and try, try, try again. Because life isn’t about how many times you fall; rather, life is about how many times you find the strength to stand back up and continue to fight for what sets your soul on fire.