It is remarkable how a brief quote can be so powerful, and provide the inspiration for action and positive change.
I often use quotes in my life coaching work with clients. By then asking appropriate, at times poignant, questions triggers people into making action plans to translate the quote into reality.
As we approach one year end and the start of the new, I would like to share with you five of my favourite quotes relevant to the season.
1. “Feeling gratitude & not expressing it, is like wrapping a present & not giving it” (William Arthur Ward). Have you ever felt a sense of gratitude, however big or small, yet the moment to give it passes and is then forgotten? Have you ever regretted not saying those simple words “Thank you” or “I really appreciate it”. Who will you thank today, tomorrow, by the end of the year?
2. “Ask yourself: have you been kind today? Make kindness your daily modus operandi & change your world” (Annie Lennox). A simple act of kindness can change someone’s day, even a smile or a brief chat, or an offer of a warm blanket and hot drink to someone who is sleeping on the street. Acts of kindness can boomerang back and give you a positive feeling about life. What kindness will you do today?
3. “There are four things that you cannot recover in life: The Stone after it’s thrown, The Word after it’s said, The Occasion after it’s missed, and The Time after it’s gone. So live life to the fullest” (Unknown) Have you ever regretted your words or actions, wished you could take them back? Remember to bide your time, especially if emotional, rather than jumping in or giving a knee-jerk reaction in the moment. The opposite is true of opportunities: take them quickly before they disappear as time is precious. What opportunity could you take to make 2017 a special year?
4. “Learn from the past, prepare for the future, live in the present” (Thomas S Monson). The close of one year and the start of a new is a time for reflection, review and things new. So consider, what are 3 key things you have learned from the year gone by? What is one thing you can do to prepare for pastures new? And remember to enjoy the moment, to enjoy what you are doing at any given time, to be mindful.
5. “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon” (Paul Brandt) When it comes to making resolutions for 2017, don’t let others tell you they are pie in the sky, follow your hopes and dreams, set the goals you want and consider carefully the steps to achieve them.
I trust you will start to make some positive changes as a result of this blog. If you would like to discuss and change your own situation, I also offer coaching support by appointment. You are also welcome to a free 15 minute discussion before making an appointment.
