Inspirational quotes
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What you don’t want
“Sometimes knowing what you don’t want is as valuable as what you do.” ~Oprah Winfrey Choices, choices! Whether I’m shopping for a cosmetic product, laundry detergent, or a jar of peanut butter, I’m often overwhelmed by the sheer number of items available. It’s a privilege to have access to a wide selection of goods — but making the right decision can be harder when I’m presented with several things that serve the same purpose or perform the same task. As today’s quote suggests, it’s important to know what you don’t want as well as what you want. Keep it in mind whenever you have to make major life decisions or…
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The light of gratitude
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” ~Albert Schweitzer The gratitude list is a tool I often promote in the workshops I coach, whether we use it as a writing prompt or a personal growth exercise. And I try to practice what I preach. One of my favorite exercises is to jot down the names of everyone, past and present, who has made a difference in my life. The medical doctors who’ve taken care of my family and me are at the top…
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The gift of quiet time
“There’s no such thing in anyone’s life as an unimportant day.” ~Alexander Woollcott The month of December includes several family birthdays and holiday events, so most days on our calendar are typically marked with things to do. But our dog Coco was hit by a car before Thanksgiving, so this season has been different. To ensure Coco’s recovery, we’ve had to cancel a few plans, stick close to home, and keep our outings short. It might seem anti-social (or boring) to some, but I love seeing blank spaces on my calendar. It’s not that I don’t look forward to gathering with family and friends. But I have to admit that…
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All-inclusive gratitude
“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson When we consider Thanksgiving, we usually think of our good fortune. But as my old friend Emerson suggested in today’s quote, “all things” have made us who we are today. That includes setbacks and struggles such as health crises, personal losses, career challenges, and other difficulties. We all face hurt and disappointment at some point. The pilgrims who left England to start new lives here — including my own maternal ancestors on…
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Do you believe in magic?
“Surrender to the way things want to happen next, even though this often involves a vast and terrifying loss of control. Trust the magic that was born into your soul.” ~Martha Beck, Finding Your Way in a Wild New World Now that it’s October, my email is brimming with lists of the best spooky movies I can watch this month, from Alfred Hitchcock classics to Practical Magic and John Carpenter’s Halloween. Get the popcorn ready — I’m in! Some folks don’t enjoy scary films or ghost stories — or anything else in which events are manipulated by unseen forces. Are you one of those people? According to research, if you…
