Below are some quotes that I have repeatedly visited in moments of self-doubt. These are the quotes that have provided solace during times of anxious frenzy, the times when I was having difficulty adapting to change, the times when I was fearful and hesitant of both the present and future.
The quotes that have each found their way, at some time or another, scribbled on a Post-It in fine-point black Sharpie and meticulously plastered on the hutch that sits atop my desk. The quotes that have found their way diligently typed and stored in a Notes document on my iPhone, in the company of a copious amount of other quotes that have accumulated there over time. The quotes that, in my moments of resilient pessimism, have offered me an alternative perspective to consider.
1. “You will either step forward into growth, or back into safety.” — Abraham Maslow
2. “A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” —Unknown
3. “You know, sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.” — Benjamin Mee
4. “Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid.” — Frederick Buechner
5. “Don’t miss out on something that could be great just because it could also be difficult” — Unknown
6. “It’s important to wake up everyday and remind yourself what you’re working towards. You create your own life, it’s not set out there for you.” — Shay Mitchell
7. “When you refuse to let fear run your life, the possibilities become infinite.” — Gail Lowe
8. “Your life unfolds in proportion to your courage.” — Danielle LaPorte
9. “Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life." — Robin Sharma
10. "There is no passion to be found playing small — in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." — Nelson Mandela
Never underestimate the profound effect a string of words can have on the way you view a situation. All of these quotes have resonated with me at different points of my life. Maybe now after reading them you find that some will resonate with you too.
