I haven’t been productive outside of work for a long time… There are always periods of intense productivity then lulls where nothing gets done, but it’s frustrating when that happens, and I don’t know how to force myself out of that. Everything in life enters a lull, a sort of limbo, when I should be propelling myself forward, intent on improving as a person, as a writer, as everything I want to be. Everyone can always use a bit of inspiration, so I put together some quotes that really hit home for me that could maybe help others reflect on their lives, as well. Especially as the new year comes around, I have my resolutions to think of.
It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all.
-J.K. Rowling
I am a cautious being by nature. I have little spontaneity in me, which is one thing I don’t like but am not so willing to change, either, because it’s just such a huge part of who I am. When making plans with friends, I need to know every detail beforehand so I can prepare myself. I need to prep for every possibility. This prudent nature translates to everything in life, which means I’m less likely to go for something because I’m worried all the efforts will be for naught. It’s so true, though, that I will always 100% fail for sure if I don’t do anything at all.
My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.
-J.K. Rowling
Pretty similar to the above one, except the focus is more on being an anxious worrywart who imagines ghastly things before they happen… when they’re not even going to happen. What’s the point, really? For me, it’s, again, because I like to prep myself so the blow lands more softly. My philosophy is that it works… but then again, it doesn’t really if I’m just stressed out all the time.
Usually if they don’t like you, it has nothing to do with you.
-Ellen DeGeneres
This really struck me when I read it in ‘People’ magazine. But I felt like I was on the other end of the stick. These days, it’s so easy to hate one another. While, of course, it is not possible to like every person you stumble across, it’s a nice moment of introspection to wonder, “Why don’t I like this person?” and figure out that the problem might actually be you. I do think it’s immature when people’s first reaction is, “You’re just jealous,” because, yes, there may be some envy involved but it isn’t as shallow as they usually make it out to be. For example, you may be exasperated at an overrated actress or singer, but you don’t want to look like them or have their bod so much as you are frustrated that you could have gone for something as diligently as they did, but you didn’t. They are standing in success because they really pursued their passion and dream, even if they are not as talented as they could be, and that’s really what matters in the end (re: first quote). Confidence! It’s probably frustration that that could be you there! Living the life! What can’t you do that they can do? There’s no point in comparison or displacement, though. I’ll focus on myself.
Either I will find a way or I will create a way. But I will not create an excuse.
-Unknown
It’s easy when you’re wallowing in despair to grow defensive and whine about how the world is against you. Of course circumstances play a key part in everything and there has to be a bit of luck. They don’t have to play as huge a role as pure hard work, but a lot of successful people admit to having been lucky. But just because circumstances aren’t great and luck isn’t on your side doesn’t mean you can’t find a way to where you want to go. Just look for that path instead of waiting for the right circumstances or luck to come your way because life isn’t about being on standby.
And everyone…
You are far too smart to be the only thing standing in your way.
-Unknown
Happy chasing for happy living!
Best,
Annie
eunicornworld 