Words are a powerful thing. They can tell a story. They can paint a picture in your mind. Words can break you. Or words can inspire you to do things that you never thought were possible…
THE POWER OF WORDS
Think about it for a second…every single thing that we think, read, write, or speak is made up of words. The power of words is everywhere. Sure, we might form mental images in our brains as part of our thought processes, but how do we describe those images? Yep. Words. I feel like it would be impossible to overemphasize the power of words.
Today I want to focus on words that inspire or motivate us, more specifically quotes. Not everyone is interested in or influenced by words that are meant to inspire, and that’s totally cool if this isn’t your jam. But for those of us that are, there is actual science backing the power of the inspirational word. According to a 2003 paper by Thrash & Elliot, “the ability if not desire to become inspired is a psychological disposition that varies from person to person.” So just like so many other things that make us unique humans, some of us are genetically hardwired to be more affected by inspiration.
I don’t know about you, but personally I have always found quotes to be highly motivational whether they be words attributed to someone else or quotes of my own creation. A well-written motivational quote is like a sublime piece of high end chocolate; you consume it in one bite, savor it & enjoy a yummy little dopamine hit. The nice thing about quotes though is unlike a piece of chocolate, you can go back to it again & again and eventually it can change the way you think.
The quote above is one of my current favorites. It’s a little longer than your typical inspirational quote, and that’s why it’s currently framed & hanging in my bathroom so that I can read & reread it every time I’m in there. Because of where I am in my life right now, it really really resonates with me & I feel motivated down to my toes every time I read it.
If you’re like me & find inspiration in the written word then I suggest displaying your favorite quotes in prominent places where you’ll see them & soak them in frequently. Buy or make beautiful prints & hang them on your walls, pin them to a corkboard in your workspace, write them on sticky notes & post them on your bathroom mirror, write them in your daily planner/journal…just make sure they’re readily visible to you. The more that you read & absorb them, the more your brain becomes rewired to put them into action.
We’re all very different & unique so what one finds inspiring another might not. I do want to share with you a few more of my favorite quotes though just in case you might find a little inspiration in them as well
- “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive & to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor & some style.” ~Maya Angelou
- “It is time to start living the life we’ve imagined.” ~Henry James
- “We can do hard things.” ~Glennon Doyle
- “This life is mine alone. So I have stopped asking people for directions to places they’ve never been.” ~Glennon Doyle
- “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” ~Les Brown
- “Your mood. Your vibe. Your mindset. Your life. Only you have the power to change it.” ~Me
- “Real growth happens in the mundane. It’s the little things that you do, or don’t do, every day that determine your growth. So be mindful of how you spend your time.” ~Me
Do you have a favorite quote that has made a difference in your life? Share it in the comments!
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more good reads & style ideas…
