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, the fear and the anxiety. 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 ones 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 expect.

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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We all know  Maya Angelou, the multifaceted personality, whose quotes speak volumes about what an inspirational woman she was…IS!  Her words  motivate countless people to live a better life, become a better person, and thus she lives on – through her words, through every little nugget of wisdom she shared with the world.

Bringing for you today, 10 of her top inspirational quotes that never fail to make an impact, never fail to leave us reflecting on life, on ourselves enough to turn a new leaf. Quotes that are a personal favourite.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

“Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

“If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.”

“A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.”

“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”

“It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.”

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

 

“All great achievements require time.”

“I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.”

Words that instil in you an attitude to work towards being a better version of yourself. Words that inspire you to love yourself and strive to achieve that what you wish for.

Every quote here seems to speak to me…I know how  much I need to hear such words, to keep me from falling in the dark abyss that life often threatens to push me in. Nay, not life, but  my own self-esteem that hits rock bottom during certain careless moments.

Thank you, Maya, for being the flag-bearer of hope and positivity in a world that can be so dark and despairing!