Given that we’re at the start of a new year, I figured what better way to enter it than to post some favorite sayings and wise words in an effort to keep our thoughts and minds positive, healthy, forward-looking, happy, productive, and more. Of course, when formulating this, I had to get some input from my trusted group of friends and colleagues. And so here are a few of our collective favorites:
- “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” ~ The Golden Rule, Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12. The golden rule is something to remember each day, one of the best rules of the universe both personally and professionally, and a tremendous guiding philosophy to share with your children.
- “A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.” ~ John Ray’s A Hand-book of Proverbs. Having something certain is better than the possibility of getting something better. This adage comes to mind quite often during the home selling and offer process.
- “If you’re bored, you must be boring.” ~ Author unknown. I first heard this from my brother-in-law when we were at a wedding, and the kids were saying they were bored. I thought it was the best retort ever. (A similar quote is, “Boredom comes from a boring mind.” ~ Metallica.)
- “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” ~ English Proverb. You can always get more and further by being sweet than by being harsh. And this is certainly a great thing to remember and will help you as you journey through life.
- “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” ~ Dr. Seuss. I just came across this saying as I was writing this post, and it was too perfectly said not to include it. Incredible!
- “When you point your finger at someone, three fingers are pointing back at you.” ~ Anonymous. Touché – and so true. When you find yourself blaming another for something, you might want to look at your own involvement as well.
- “People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.” ~ English Proverb. To me, this is all about judgment and being critical. In other words, don’t judge others and call them names because we all have faults.
- “You can’t get the new car in the driveway if the old one is still parked there.” ~ former Soul Cycle instructor Sal. What a perfect visual about not bringing baggage from our past on our new path forward.
- “Right around the corner is love, happiness and success. And just because you can’t see these things, doesn’t mean they’re not right around the corner.” Thanks again to former Soul Cycle instructor Sal for that one too. I love this as many of us might be waiting for the other shoe to drop but this is a supremely positive way of approaching the uncertainty that lies ahead, especially as we enter the new year of 2015.
- “If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” ~ Lao Tzu. A good reminder to live in the present.
- “The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists.” ~ Japanese Proverb.
- “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” ~ Reinhold Niebuhr, also known as The Serenity Prayer.
- “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am, however, a product of my decisions.” ~ Stephen Covey. Power is in acting and making decisions.
- “Remember that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt. Love this – a well-said, no-nonsense reminder!
- “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” ~ English Proverb. I think we all heard this as children. And there’s no need to interpret this as the words say it perfectly and succinctly.
- “Not always right, but never in doubt.” ~ Commonly used for several decades*.
- If you never try, you’ll never know what you’re capable of.” ~ John Barrow. I’ll say!
- “If you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready.” ~ Will Smith. That’s a fun one!
- “And in the end it is not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.” ~ Abraham Lincoln. Such true words from such a wise man.
- “I would rather have eyes that cannot see; ears that cannot hear; lips that cannot speak, than a heart that cannot love.” ~ Robert Tizon. Isn’t that really the essence of life?
- “In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” ~ Buddha.
- “A monkey in silk is a monkey no less.” ~ English Proverb. No matter how one dresses, it is the same person underneath. This is a similar concept to the proverb, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
- “Pray like it all depends on God, but work like it all depends on you.” ~ Dave Ramsey.
- “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.” ~ A popular expression and song written by Jim Brown and Don Rollins and performed by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffet. I love this saying, and it’s a perfect way to end this post.
On that note, are there sayings and wise words that you find yourself saying under your breath or uttering out loud to those around you? Are any of your favorites on the list above? If not – because there are thousands upon thousands of these types of incredible wise words – please chime in and add some of your cherished quotes, phrases and sayings. I can’t wait to hear. And a final thanks to all my trusted confidantes who contributed to this.
