Everyone who reads my blog knows I focus on “Living Life to its Fullest.” And, almost everyone who receives the blog has been able to ride out this recession relatively well.
But all of us could use a pick-me-up, so please take time to absorb some of the following words of inspiration, hope and encouragement. I’ll start with the quote I used in my very first blog, “A Beautiful Day”:
“Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything, that lets the light get in.” – Leonard Cohen
Another one of my favorites comes from Alcoholics Anonymous. Even if you don’t fall in that category, the ‘Serenity Prayer’ is meaningful for all of us:
“God, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference.”
Here are some others, some of which are anonymous:
“No matter what situations life throws at you…No matter how long and how treacherous your journey may seem…Remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
“Never give up. No matter what is going on. Never give up. Develop the heart. Be compassionate. Not just to your friends, but everyone. Work for peace, and I say again, Never give up.” – excerpt from Tenzin Gyatso
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful.” – Proverbs 15:13
“If I could, I’d comb the sky and collect the stars, quickly pile them into a basket until it overflowed with silvery light. And then I’d give the basket to you, because all things precious and beautiful should be yours today.”
“Life isn’t what you want it to be, it’s what you make it become.” – Anthony Ryan
“It really is the little things that mean the most of all. The “let me help you with that” and the “I’ll be glad to do it” things…make your cares much lighter, The “laugh with me, it’s funny” things…make your outlook brighter” — Mary Dawson Hughes
“There is no such thing in anyone’s life
as an unimportant day.” – Alexander Woollcott
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending” – Maria Robinson
“Don’t count the days, make the days count.” – Muhammad Ali
“Do not go where the path might lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein
“Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
Keep me safe all through the night,
And wake me in the morning light.” – Childhood prayer
“Just one song can spark a moment. One tree can start a forest. One bird can herald spring. One smile begins a friendship. One handclasp lifts a soul. One sunbeam lights a room. One candle wipes out darkness. One laugh will conquer gloom. One step must start each journey. One word must start each prayer. One hope will raise our spirits, and one touch can show you care.” – Unknown
“Today is the first day of the rest of my life.” – Cortland Anderson (my father)
Please feel free to put your favorite inspirational quotes in the comments section below!
This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Wow. I wish I had thought of that!
Laura, our mutual friend Tish Signet sent me an email to push me to your blog and to Mike Collins’ web page. I obviously have much to catch up on — but in what I’ve read so far, it is wonderful to see the energy, creativity and zest you are bringing to this greatest of challenges. My memories of working with you while I was at First Union are flooding across me now — especially the night at our offsite retreat when you and Tom stayed up until morning to help us create a strategic plan.
I’m going to keep you in my thoughts, and I’ll do my very best to send powerful energy your way. I ran on the treadmill this morning and listened to the song “No Day But Today” from the musical “Rent.” I want to add some of its lyrics to your terrific list of inspiration on your blog. Here you go:
There is no future.
There is no past.
Thank God this moment’s not the last.
There’s only us.
There’s only this.
Forget regret
Or life is yours to miss.
No other road.
No other way.
No day but today.
Your friend,
Jeep
Jeep, it is SO GREAT to hear from you! Please fill me in on everything that’s going on with you all.
I am doing well – and, in fact, after the WFAE show, the Charlotte Observer assigned a reporter to do a whole series on Alzheimers (with me as the ‘poster child’ for early-onset Alzheimers.) I am thrilled to be able to help grow awareness of this illness and, hopefully, funding!
KEEP IN TOUCH!. If you’d like me to let you know when I have a new blog, I’ll be glad to put you on my ‘Life List.’
Just let me know!
Love,
Laura
Here’s one of my favorites: “It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.”
Laura, you were WONDERFUL on the radio show–warm, humorous, and insightful. The special relationship you and Greg have also came through–what a gift you gave to others struggling with any of the many challenges life throws our way.
I’ve really been enjoying your blog too! Keep it up, girl!
GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!! How is everyone? Sarah is now 24 and a second-year HS English teacher. Cortland is president of the student body at UNC-Asheville. I wish you could come out here some time!!!!!!
Love,
Laura
“If you’re going through hell, keep going.” –Winston Churchill
and
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.” — Henry Ford.
Wish I could have heard you and Greg on the radio, Laura. Maybe next time you can get the word out in advance. Even distant stations often stream online.
Keep up the good work!
xxoo
Laura, your philosophy on living resonates with me. I am an author, entrepreneur, cancer survivor and am currently dealing with Parkinson’s disease.
I have a saying. “Life is a test. It’s a test of perseverance, a test of faith and a test of will. I’VE DECIDED TO PASS THE TEST.”
Keep your positive attitude. All my best to you.
Hi Laura,
Your blogs are like a warm cup of tea. We served on the hospice board of directors together… I thought you were a smart and savy woman as you always had such focused things to add to the discussion…
I am retired now as Dean of the College of Health and Human Services at UNC Charlotte.
My favorite saying is:
“I am still learning” Michaelangelo on 80th birthday
A few years ago, my husband gave me a silver necklace with this saying inscribed in Italian. I love wearing it.
warm regards, Sue Bishop