We can all be our own worst enemies and criticize ourselves harshly or feel despondent with the world, our looks, our achievements etc. This negative self-chatter is not only harmful but it can also stop us from achieving our dreams.
The following quotes have been compiled to encourage and inspire.
#1: Do you really want to look back on your life and see how wonderful it could have been had you not been afraid to live it? – Caroline Myss
Many of us can be paralyzed by our fears. We literally cannot put one foot in front of the other for fear of what may or may not happen, we fear we may fail, or we are afraid what other people might think of us.
At the end of the day, we have to ask ourselves if we will we be happy looking back at all the things we could have done? I don’t think so. Never be afraid to live your life to its full potential.
#2: Women are never stronger than when they arm themselves with their weaknesses. – Madame Marie du Deffand
Once we recognize what our so called ‘weaknesses’ are we can use them to full effect. Some people think that a woman’s vulnerability and gentleness is her weakness, when in fact it is one of her greatest strengths.
There is no stronger power in the world than gentleness, love and compassion. Something women have in spades.
#3: A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. That’s why they don’t get what they want. – Madonna
Coming from a woman who always appears to get what she wants, she clearly knows something about how to go about getting it. Women can be reluctant at times to put themselves first.
Our natural instinct can be to put our children or loved ones needs before our own. But to get what we want in life we have to ask for it. It really is a case of ‘don’t ask don’t get’.
#4: You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens. – Louise L. Hay
One of the most poignant things I ever witnessed, when it comes to female self-deception, was on a talk show where a well-known female radio presenter was visibly moved when she was presented with photos of her younger self.
When she was young she had never realized she was so beautiful. Instead, like many of us, she had agonized over her looks, and in her case – to a point of self-loathing.
To be happy with who we are we need to accept ourselves and approve of ourselves. Going around with a negative self-image is hugely self-destructive. You are beautiful, we all are, never forget that.
#5: The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others. – Sonya Friedman
Nicely following on from the previous quote, it is true that the way we treat ourselves will be reflected in the way others treat us. If we see ourselves as a no good, good for nothing, then that is how others will treat us.
In other words, if you act like a doormat, then be prepared to be walked all over.
#6: Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are. – Marilyn Monroe
Let’s face it; we all have wished we were someone else at some point in our lives. Or at least looked like someone else. But the fact of the matter is, we are who we are and we cannot be anyone else, and more importantly why would we want to be anyone else but ourselves?
We were all born with the same potential, to be the best we can be. Other people’s lives may look like a bed of roses but in truth that is rarely the case.
Be thankful you have a life.
#7: I am not pretty. I am not beautiful. I am as radiant as the sun. – Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games
These are such inspiring words by the character Katniss Everdean, from Suzanne Collins’ book The Hunger Games. The character is comparing herself to the sun because she is on fire, nobody can or will stop her in her quest.
I think this line makes a great mantra for any woman. It is saying you are more than pretty or beautiful; you transcend that and are as radiant as the ultimate life giver itself.
#8: The strength of a woman is not measured by the impact that all her hardships in life have had on her; but the strength of a woman is measured by the extent of her refusal to allow those hardships to dictate her and who she becomes. – C Joybell
Everyone encounters difficulty in their life in some form or another. The number of challenges we encounter are not the measure of who we are or our strength.
Our strength is measured by how we do not allow challenges to dictate our lives. Strength is about moving on from difficult times, not dwelling on past events and letting them shape our reality.
Don’t become that person stuck in the past, blaming their circumstances on what they have had to overcome.
Don’t allow your life to be determined by your excuses; this is the coward’s way out.
#9: You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it. – Maya Angelou
The message here is that although you may well encounter defeat, never be defeated. There is a huge difference between the two.
Once you allow yourself to be defeated you will never get up and fight again or rise to any challenge. Furthermore, you will not get to become the person you were born to be.
Once we allow ourselves to be defeated our spirit dies, so, never ever allow yourself to be defeated.
#10: A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform. – Diane Mariechild
A woman is biologically a creator, and that inner feminine power also makes us natural nurturers and transformers, not just in the physical realm, but also in the spiritual and outer realms. We have an incredible ability to perceive and conceive ideas and see them through to fruition.
And because of this we always have the potential and the power to turn our lives around, regardless of what situation we find ourselves in.
#11: Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, champagne in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming… Woo hoo, what a ride! – Anon
This funny quote has been going around the internet for a while now. I am not sure who it is originally attributed to, but it is both wise and humorous. All too often we can obsess and worry about our looks, or our weight, or whether there is a hair out of place.
Looking after ourselves is one thing, but constantly obsessing about our outer appearance or the calorific content of our meals is not the way to live a full and happy life. And it’s not an attractive trait either.
Come on, live a little, show your fun side before it’s too late, after all, none of us get out of here alive.
Finally, for the ultimate encouraging quote, remember the following:
#12. The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me. – Ayn Rand
Cover photo: weheartit.com
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