That’s how I fell in love with quotes. Reader’s Digest carried a column on some wonderful quotes. I remember reading and memorizing those quotes in my teen years. Even before that, I would always enjoy inspirational quotes which my teachers used to write on the school board.
I always take a moment to ponder on a quote and analyze its deep meaning. Really, quotes are just a few words, but they carry such deep meanings. And once in a while you find a quote that just tugs at your heart. You can totally connect with some quotes; some make you smile, while others leave a lasting impression and bond with us forever.
Over the years, I luckily bumped into people who also had a penchant for knowing and sharing good quotes. Be it my ex-boss who would email me a few chosen quotes, be it friends who would put up beautiful quotes on Facebook, or my dad who would always get wonderful diaries filled with numerous quotes.
Still, good quotes are hard to find. My chosen topic for this month’s group blog activity was “five quotes you love and live by”. I thought it would be an easy affair to write this post as I had chosen the topic. But as I sat down to write this post, of course, just an hour before deadline, all the quotes I knew over the years screamed at me “Pick me, pick me”. After much deliberation, I picked these:
Tough times never lasts, but tough people do!
This is by far my most favorite quote. I love the quote, the poem based on it, and also the book by Robert Schuller. This quote, poem, and book have given me immense strength when I went through a rough phase or when I feel down.
What it means to me?
We all go through ups and downs in life. But when we are going through the down phase, we have to remember that the “up” phase will soon arrive. And while the down phase may not last long, the strong people, who have the courage to keep it going during the down phase, will definitely lasts.
This quote is a reminder to me and my advice to everyone who’s reading this. When you are faced with a difficult situation, just hang in there and good times will meet you soon. I highly recommend the book to everyone.
You have to walk before you run
In one of my previous jobs, we had to attend conference calls with the clients. Our boss handled the conference calls and we girls just sat around pretending to listen. I wouldn’t follow 80% of what was said during those calls because I couldn’t follow the client’s accent, or I would be far away from the receiver. One fine day, my boss didn’t come to the office and asked me to handle the call. I was truly terrified and unsure if I would be able to handle it. My boss said “You have to walk before you run”. I hesitantly handled the first call, became a tad more confident in the next, and was superbly managing well within the next two months.
What it means to me?
You take one step at a time. If you are unsure of something, start slow. Analyze what’s holding you back. Trust yourself and take the first step. Then the next. And surely, you will be running in no time and then there will be no looking back.
Courage is not the absence of fear but the judgment that something else is more important than fear.
I first heard this quote in the movie “Princess Diaries”. The father has written a wonderful letter to his daughter and he mentions this quote, urging her to let go of her inhibitions and face the world.
The extended version is “Courage is not the absence of fear but the judgment that something else is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all. For now you are traveling the road between who you think you are and who you can be.”
What it means to me?
All through our life we are faced with something or the other that makes us pause before taking the next step. We are unsure of our self and find enough excuses from taking that next step. We are filled with questions. Will people mock me if I do this? What if I fail? Isn’t it easy to be where I am now?
But I guess I have realized that the best thing to do is to ask ourselves “What is the worst that could happen if I do this?” If I let go of my fear for a while, surely there must be something great awaiting me. It’s important to realize that something else; our happiness, our life, our future is more important than fear.
On a recent trip we went horse riding with some friends. My stomach developed a tight knot even before I sat on the horse. It worsened when the horse moved. And I was about to shriek when the horse treacherously went down a slope. But before screaming my lungs out, I took a deep breath and asked myself “What is the worst that can happen to me?” Surely, there was a guide who would come to my rescue if the horse galloped away. Surely, I would break a few bones if the horse skidded down. But I may not die. The minute I let go of my fear, I started enjoying the ride. I breathed in the fresh air and enjoyed the nature surrounding us. It was the best 45 minutes of my life. Surely, the horse must also be questioning himself “For how long do I have to carry this horrible weight on my back?”J
Apologizing doesn't always mean that you're wrong and the other person is right. It just means that you value your relationship more than your ego.
I don’t remember how or when I came across this quote. But it totally struck home.
What it means to me?
A lot of times, we spoil important relations because of silly squabbles. We hold on to the little three letter word with an amazing destructive power. Ego. So what if the person who was your friend for 10 years may never talk to you again. Your ego seems more important after a fuming fight.
Well, it always helps to remember that a few harsh words said in the heat of the moment may not be true. In any relation, differences are bound to happen. But it’s always important to learn to apologize before it’s too late. Apologizing doesn’t mean that you are a looser. That you bent down and let the other person hold the triumph card. It means that you valued the relation more than your ego and were ready to take the first step in amending things.
There are three types of people in this world: those who can count, those who cannot, and those who count
When I first read this one, it took me a while to figure out its meaning. But once I did, I totally agreed.
What it means to me?
To me, this quote simply means there are three kinds of people. The first are those who can count numbers; the second are those who cannot count numbers. And the third are those who make efforts to make themselves count/matter to anyone or anything. Their deeds speak more than their words.
This quote aligns with my purpose of life. For me, it’s very important to matter to somebody.
A few other chart busters
- A child gives birth to a mother.
- The only difference between ordinary and extra ordinary is the little “extra”.
- It’s better to wipe the slate clean and make a fresh start.
- Change is the only constant in life.
- All that happens, happens for the best.
I always share inspiring quotes with my friends; I update my Facebook status using these quotes. I also like to add them as my email signature and make sure I change them regularly. After all, it’s just a small way to thank the quotes who teach us so much in such a short sentence. Great things always come in small packages!
Phew, this was a long post but I totally loved writing it. If you have a quote which is close to your heart, please share it with me. I would love to add in my collection.
