Are you usually the cheerleader for everyone else, while rarely receiving so much as a “you can do it” from your circle of friends or family? Are you the go-to person for advice, a shoulder to cry on, etc? If so, what do you do if you need a little push in order to brighten your day? It’s common to find yourself in need of a little pick-me-up if this describes you. This spring, instead of trying to turn to others for motivation, try motivating yourself. (Clearly if everyone finds you motivating, then you are a natural at it.) You don’t need to give yourself long, drawn-out inspirational speeches in the mirror in order to get your spirits going. Using inspirational quotes may help you encourage yourself and give you the extra ‘umph’ you need to achieve your goals. Here are a few inspiration quotes borrowed from the ladies at ‘For Harriet’ that are sure to get you motivated and moving.
“Faith and prayer are the vitamins of the soul; man cannot live in health without them.” -Mahalia Jackson
“For all of its uncertainty, we cannot flee the future.” -Barbara Jordan
“Don’t agonize, organize.” -Florynce Kennedy
“The greatest gift is not being afraid to question.” -Ruby Dee
This quote by Ruby Dee has bee relevant in my own life. As women, there are times when society would rather us observe the “seen and not heard” adage. However, finding your voice and questioning those things in life that require explanation is the natural way to overcome fear, break out of a stagnant stage in life and more. In my own circumstance, the question “why not me” was the first in a long line of questions that opened my eyes to the fact that I can do anything. If she can write a screenplay, why not me? If she can start her own business, why not me? Those are just a few examples of the types of questions you can begin to ask yourself in order to elevate your reach. If you find that you ask very little questions about your life’s circumstances or the world at large, examine what is important to you and begin asking yourself what you can do to achieve your goals. Chances are you will go a lot further in life by inquiring more and truly heeding the responses in your own journey.
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” -Rosa Parks
“Faith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without it, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.” -Mary McLeod Bethune
“If you’re going to play the game properly you’d better know every rule.” -Barbara Jordan
“Give light and people will find the way.” -Ella Baker
“A revolutionary woman can’t have no reactionary man.” -Assata Shakur
“Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face.” -Carol Moseley Braun
Again, as women we can be tempted to allow others to define us. Maybe it’s a husband, a family member, your co-workers or your kids; but any way you cut it, if you allow others to dictate who you are, you will stay trapped in their perception of you. Constantly reassessing who you are in the space you occupy currently will allow you to project a confident, self-assured person to the world.
“The triumph can’t be had without the struggle.” -Wilma Rudolph
