Reading Between the Lines of Dr. Seuss

Many people have their favorite quotes from their favorite people. Not only do I love Dr. Seuss, but his words are immortal. As little children we all thought his rhymes were priceless - this guy is a goon. Does he even know what he is saying? I encourage you to go back and read some of his books as you continue to grow. At some point his silly little rhymes will turn into words of wisdom. Here are some of my favorites:

Be True to Yourself - You are the only you, no one else can be you.

"You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go."

- Oh, the Places You'll Go

Focus! - Set your goals and achieve them!

"This was no time for play.

This was no time for fun.

This was no time for games.

There was work to be done."

- The Cat in the Hat Comes Back

Don't Be Afraid to Accept Help - Asking questions and seeking help is the only way we learn.

"I floated twelve days without toothpaste or soap.

I practically, almost had given up hope.

When someone up high shouted, "Here! Catch the rope!"

Then I knew that my troubles had come to an end

And I climbed up the rope, calling, "Thank you, my friend!"

- I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew

Expect the unexpected because in all honesty not a lot turns out the way we expect it.

"I heard a strange 'peep' and I took a quick look

And you know what I saw with the look that I took?

A bird laid an egg on my 'rithmetic book!"

- "Marco Comes Late"

Try New Things - You never know what you will end up liking.

"I do not like

green eggs

and ham!

I do not like them,

Sam-I-am.

You do not like them.

So you say.

Try them! Try them!

And you may.

Try them and you may, I say."

- Green Eggs and Ham

Take Chances - A chance not explored is a waste of your abilities in the world.

"The places I hiked to!

The roads that I rambled

To find the best eggs

that have ever been scrambled!...

If you want to get eggs

you can't buy at a store,

You have to do things

never thought of before."

- Scrambled Eggs Super!

Think Outside the Box - There is always a solution to the problem.

"And ZATZ is the letter

I use to spell Zatz-it

Whose nose is so high

that 'most nobody pats it....

So, to get there and do it,

I built an invention:

The Three-Seater Zatz-it

Nose-Patting Extension."

- On Beyond Zebra!

Embrace Your Strengths - Simply just be who you are.

"Shout loud, "I am lucky to be what I am!

Thank goodness I'm not just a clam or a ham

Or a dusty old jar of sour gooseberry jam!

I am what I am! That's a great thing to be!"

- Happy Birthday to You!

There is power in his writing and not only can it get a child to laugh, but he can also hit a point to those who care to listen to what he has to say. So next time you pick up a Dr. Seuss book, read between the lines, because:

Kid, you'll move mountains!

- Dr. Seuss