In this world of ours, it seems that our society has gone to shreds. Many are selfish, with not much care for others.
Because of this unfortunate tragedy that has struck us so, I have decided to compile a list of life-changing quotes. I hope these insights will have as large of an effect on you as they did on me.
1. "Forgive others, not because they deserve your forgiveness, but because you deserve peace." -Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Just like many of you, there was a certain person in my life that I have had the hardest time forgiving for the past 6 years. But about a couple months ago, I finally chose to forgive this person and I can honestly say I have never felt as light or as free as I do now. It quite literally lifted this burden that was suffocating my soul and heart. Don't do it for them, do it for yourself.
2. "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand. Most people listen with the intent to reply." -Stephen R. Covey
Whenever in public, I generally assume the role of being a people-watcher; therefore, listening and observing day-to-day tasks done by strangers, without intending to make an impression on them. But unfortunately, I relate to this quote all too much when I am participating in class seminars. I am usually so focused on receiving a decent grade that I wait for an appropriate moment to jump into the conversation to ensure my thoughts are heard. I wish, for myself as well as us all, that listening did not have to be followed up by an immediate response. Instead, maybe we all ought to truly digest, understand, and empathize with what is said before we leap out and reply.
3. "The reason why we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind the scenes with everyone else's highlight reel." -Steven Furtick
This one is incredibly powerful. It is so often that we envy others for their achievements when they very well might be putting on a mask, as to hide parts of themselves they are not fond of. We all have insecurities about ourselves, so as long as we can remember that even the greatest of them all are self-conscious about something (excluding Jesus), then we can truly equate ourselves to each other and begin to (hopefully) think higher of ourselves, and approach others with more empathy.
4. "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." -Maya Angelou
I can think of individuals that I might not care much for, and yet cannot remember exactly what it is they did or what they said that made me dislike them.But, I associate negative emotions with them because of their treatment of me. Words may "never hurt me," but the sticks and stones do. Brokenness takes time to heal.
5. "A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for." -William G. T. Shedd
So many times we may hear from our peers, get out of your comfort zone! And though we may not always want to, it does tend to do us good, either through pure benefits or through teaching us a lesson. We may live in our houses, but that doesn't necessarily mean our lives should revolve around a building that is meant to shelter us. It is meant to be a source of protection, not a source of life. Remember, stillness can be healthy for the mind and soul, but sitting around can do just the opposite.
6. "No one can hurt you without your permission." -Unknown
I can remember some moments where people have said things to me expecting a certain reaction out of me; as if they intended to insult me. Unfortunately for them, I don't get offended easily, and will probably just laugh in their face if they try to do so. No one forces any sort of emotion on you. It is all how you perceive it and how you choose to react to it.
7. "If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything." -Mark Twain
The more educated our society becomes, the more we seem to take note of all the lies within our world and all of those who execute them (ahem, Hillary Clinton #sorrynotsorry).We have discovered body language and technology that prove when someone is lying, and yet we all do it anyways. Honesty really does make things easier. As a prior avid liar (when I was like 10), I now am so dang honest that I never worry about remembering any story I've concocted up because I just say the truth. It'll save so much trouble in the long run.
These are only 7 of millions and millions of powerful and influential quotes around the world. Some are probably being said as we speak. I hope these sat well with you, as they have with me.
