Life teaches us stuff when we are least expecting it. And, it is at such times that quotes come to our rescue, to reassure us that this is, indeed, Life and it is best to accept it as it is, along with all of its idiosyncrasies. These words of wisdom give us light when we find ourselves in the dark, and show us the way forward.
There are some quotes that resonate with me, instantly, and make me realise a few truths about Life. Of course, every quote I read speaks to me, but, there are some that, I feel, are tailor-made for me, especially when I come across them at some specific juncture in Life.
Sharing today, three of those that are now a part of my daily self-talk that I give myself as the day begins. Well, two of them, actually. I am yet to inculcate the third one. I mean, it does make the rounds of my mind on a regular basis, but I am yet to give it the respect it deserves!
This is the number one quote on my list since some time now. For every time I slip back into the past or fast forward into the unknown future, these words echo in my mind and bring me back to the present–the present moment, the only moment we have with us.
We are forever losing ourselves in either the past or the future–revisiting some beautiful memories from the days gone by or planning for a future that’s really a mirage. Rarely do we make efforts to live in the here and the now–the present.
I realised how the amount of stress and anxiety reduced once I began practicing it, you know–living in the moment. Whatever happened in the past is dead and gone, and the future is still on the distant horizon, a moment that’s still to come. So, why not concentrate on this moment and give it my very best?
Saves me a lot of heartache, time and energy, too.
Now, this is the number one fact of Life…of every aspect of Life. Nothing, however big or small, significant or insignificant, is constant in this Universe. Everything– from the seasons, to the days, to people, to feelings, to phases– is transitory, ever-changing.
Be it good, bad or ugly, if it’s here today, it will be gone tomorrow! That’s the rule of our Universe, and the sooner we realise it and accept it, the better for us. Don’t you think?
So, let go! Let go of the grudges, the anger, the hatred, the bitterness. It’s really of no use to you; it only poisons the heart and wears you down. At the same time, soak in the good moments, for some day they will be gone, too. And, give your best during the difficult moments, for they are the once that teach us so much about the world and about Life.
And, don’t stress. Whatever’s here today, won’t last. I promise.
Isn’t it true?
Actually, we all know and understand this one perfectly well, yet we invest all of our energy in creating a mountain of expectations from people, from Life and then despair over everything that doesn’t turn out as we imagined.
I came across this really cool quote on expectations..
“What screws up most in Life is the picture in our head of how it is supposed to be.”
This one is something I really need to work on. Really! In spite of knowing fully well that neither people nor situations will turn out the way I want them to, I hope against hope and look forward to stuff happening as per my imagination. And, then, when it doesn’t, I find myself crying in a corner.
Stupid me!
But it’s never too late to begin afresh and I can always turn over a new leaf, for I am a work in progress.
We all are!
So, starting today, I hope to expect less from others and more from myself, because I know my strengths, my limitations and my potential. Let’s see how soon I learn.
How about you? What are the quotes you live by? Do share.
Love,
SHILPA…
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All three of them are golden quotes, Shilpa and if someone follows them can be the happiest person in this world.
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Yes, Anshu. It’s just that we need to remember these words every waking moment, which is actually quite a tough task! 🙂
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Very true. All three of them can guide you through tough times
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True, Rakhi. Thank you for visiting! 🙂
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I love how all three of them are interlinked, Shilpa. Living without expectations is the one I struggle with the most. When I love someone, I give my all and sometimes when they don’t reciprocate, it’s tough.
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Ditto here, Corinne! That’t the reason I want to work hard on that last one! 😛
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Well, I live by these quotes too and I completely agree with you. One of my favourites though is this one translated from the Marathi one which goes thus :
One has to die in order to see heaven.
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Oh yes, Sunita. I have heard that one so often! 😀
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All these three quotes are absolute gems that we need to follow religiously. But sadly we dont.
During trying times, this thought by John Lennon gives me strength and hope… ‘Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.’
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True, Shilpa! It’s during the trying times that we forget all about these and find ourselves despairing over the difficulties.
I like this quote, too…how true, isn’t it? If it’s not okay, it’s not the end!
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The three quotes are so true, live in the moment, no expectations and permanency, I try to adhere to them. I shall try the first one more and agree that the past can ail our mind and well being.
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And, I need to work on the last one! 🙂 It gives me too much heartache, really, when my expectations aren’t met! 😦
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The last quote is bang on. True, expectation is indeed the root of all evil. Lovely post Shilpz
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Hai na?
Thanks Balaka! 💟
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Fabulous quotes Shilpa- mine is the first one! I have gotten so used to it and love it everyday. The second one is what I really want to wrap my head around but ……………………….
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Yes, Shalz. It’s always the buts, that butt their heads and spoil everything! 😛
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Live in the moment is so true, and probably that’s what most of us fail to do . We worry about the future and feel guilty about the future. We never give time to the present, to enjoy and appreciate it. When it comes to expectations, another of the human weakness . we fill it in our lives, and thats what brings in the bitterness within us.
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Yes, Ramya. Like, right now, when I am supposed to be living in the moment, I am worrying about the future, despite knowing it is wrong to do so! When will we make it into a habit? 🙂
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Nice quotes…Mine are : 1. A leader is a person who never sits in comfort zone; 2. Fake it until you make it; 3. Success is how many people are better off because you lived.
Thanks for reminding me mine.
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