Inspirations:

  • It is said that good things come to those who wait. I believe that good things come to those who work. - Wilt Chamberlain
  • A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit. - Richard Bach
  • You don't find time to write. You make time. It's my job. - Nora Roberts
  • Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most. - Buddha
  • Luck is when an opportunity comes along and you're prepared for it. - Denzel Washington
  • I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying. - Michael Jordan

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Words to Live By

I'm feeling philosophical today. Maybe it's the fever, or the pressure in my head. But before I climb back into bed, I wanted to share with you some of the words I've picked up over the years that have shaped me into the person I am today.

1)   Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. (I live this one daily.)
2)   Character is doing the right thing even when no one is around to see. (I instill this in my children constantly.)
3)   Praise often, and in public. Criticize in private. (I am good with praising others. I can, however, be rather critical of my family. (I am a perfectionist.) But I am trying to improve.)
4)   When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. (It usually takes me 24 hours to implement this one.)
5)   You never know until you try. (I started my business based on this one.)
6)   You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. (I think of this each time I send out my writing for someone else to review.)
7)   Love deeply. (I do.)
8)   Laugh out loud. (Every chance I get.)
9)   Those who row the boat don't have time to rock it. (Or: Stop complaining and get to work!)
10) To get to the top you have to get off your bottom. (Or: Stop talking about it and do it!)

What words and phrases do you incorporate into your daily life?

9 comments:

  1. Love all these bits of wisdom for living well. But 9 and 10 are particularly apropo for me today. So it's back to cleaning out the kitchen cabinets.

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  2. Good for you, Regina! There's nothing better than seeing the results of your hard work! Hey, maybe I should have posted that one, too!!!

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  3. Those are all good. I'm especially fond of the second one. I rediscover my favorite sayings over and over (uh... by forgetting them). Probably the one that has affected me most profoundly goes something like, "Remember that in the instant between action and reaction there is always time enough for us to choose." It puts you in control, and gives you responsibility for your own feelings.

    The one my colleagues would probably identify with me would be "When things around you look like they're going from bad to worse, don't mope -- immerse yourself in your work and do your best."

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  4. They are all good, of course. Wish I could stick with any one of them. Unfortunately, I take my own personal mantra from Chicken Licken and Henny Penny:
    "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!"

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  5. All 10 are good to live by, but especially #1,#7... and #8 which we do a lot of...belly laughs are so cathartic!

    Have a magnet on my refrigerator that says "think deeply, speak gently, love much, laugh a lot, work hard, give freely, and be kind."

    Hope you feel better soon!!!

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  6. John, I've often experienced that instant between action and reaction. I'd like to say I've always chosen well, but no one is perfect.

    Terri, you crack me up! But I think you're more in control then you let on.

    Dale, laughing with you is often the highlight of my day.

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  7. Speakin' of which, my inner control freak would be much obliged if you'd email me your phone number for my HVRWA contact list.

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  8. Great list! I loved the part about the praising and family -- so true! I'm hardest on those who are near to me, yet I do praise them a lot, too.

    I needed this list today.

    Thanks!

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  9. Thanks for taking a break from revising to visit me, Christine!

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