From time to time we find ourselves in need of a little inspiration. Life is a massive web of thoughts and feelings that often times has to be tackled on a day to day basis. At times, we don’t even know how or why we arrived at the thoughts in our head and wish they would never arise. We then get distracted and for the moment, all is forgotten. Finding some fundamental truths about our desires in life will help to relieve the weight we feel on our shoulders at times.
There are many trains of thought on how to approach a life of joy and happiness, maybe even content with our lives. There are others who believe wholeheartedly that a feeling of content will only act as a deterrent to enlightenment. Either way you look at it, we are here right now. We hope we will be here tomorrow. Let’s make sure we address each of these thoughts in our journey to happiness. The following 5 quotes are just a sampling of the inspirational words from the listed authors, let alone the myriad of eloquent figures in our past and present.
1. Yesterday is History. Tomorrow is Mystery. Today is a Gift.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor was a woman who believed firmly in acting on life to create fulfillment. Sitting by the waste-side would mean a life of emptiness to our most memorable first lady of the United States. With our knowledge of yesterday, we may learn from the our mistakes and those of others to help bring understanding into our lives. Given that tomorrow is so mysterious, we should feel content in the fact that we cannot control it, nor can it control us. Things happen and life is full of surprises. Today is the true gift in every sense. Just as a child opens a gift on Christmas with a clear focus on the moment, we need to look at our surroundings and feel this same feeling of life and gratitude, in the moment.
2. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams quote
Eleanor Roosevelt
Once again, Ms. Roosevelt provides an articulate gem for us to ponder. Some may say it was easier from her vantage point to view life in this fashion, but it is true that 99.9% of people who rise to such fortunes believe in the beauty of their dreams. Having dreams is obviously the first place to start, but believing in them and yourself is the recipe to success. No matter what you want, there will always be people along the way telling you that you should think more practical or dream a little less. Without even realizing it, people will always defend their own lifestyle as a means to ensuring their own happiness. Don’t be fooled, your dreams will only come true if you believe in them first and foremost, above anything else.
3. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.
Henry David Thoreau
Plucking the same cords as our previous quote, Thoreau believes in his dreams. In life there are two different types of people: 1. People who simply don’t find it logical to dream up too much and could never actually accomplish these things. 2. People who simple can’t imagine living a life that is not in accordance with their dreams. Both parties continuously fall into the trap of everyday life and struggle to find joy in their routines. The difference is in the fact that some are confident in the direction they are on and hold hope that their lives will one day become the fruits of their labor.
4. It’s not the years in your life that counts. It’s the life in your years!
Abraham Lincoln
By now you may be feeling a bit of a recurring theme. Succumbing to mediocrity will not lead to a fulfilling life, no matter how you measure it. When your dreams begin to take precedence, your life becomes more meaningful. We all know the accomplishments made by Lincoln and they were the result of a man with such visionary hope for his country and fellow man. When you do evaluate your life, start with the present and move on from there. When you drive hard enough in one direction, it will lead to many more. By the time you get to the end of the road you will realize that you never could have predicted the scenery.
5. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.
Anonymous
This quote should not only help to conclude on our previous 4, but help stimulate the memories of such moments in your own life. While some can be somewhat planned – Your fist child, vacations/travel, etc.. most of these amazing moments in life will come as a surprise. These moments take our breath away because they bring us down to earth in the present moment so much so, we may forget such a vital life function as breathing! These moments almost certainly never occur in the throught of tomorrow or reflection on the past. They happen when you approach life with passion and without restraint.
The more you count these moments, the more you realize they are unpredictable. Life in general is quite unpredictable. It is up to you to follow your dreams, focus on your goals and/or take pride in the impact you have on other people’s lives. Remain confident in the fact that along this journey, your life will be filled with many unexpected breathtaking moments!
Maya is an avid traveler and freelance writer most notable for her work with inspirational gifts from Shop Sanctuary.