Tag Archives: #motivationalmonday

Be the Rain

Waterfall in El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico Photo Credit: Doree Weller

Waterfall in El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico
Photo Credit: Doree Weller

I think we’ve all been in a situation where we desperately want to make our words understood, but for whatever reason, the person we’re speaking to can’t hear us.  It’s a definite temptation to get louder, more animated, and more insistent.  I can tell you that from my own experience, and from what others have told me, it almost never works.

“Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.”

― Rumi

This is such a lovely quote for so many reasons.  First off, it’s true.  Second, I want to be the person who meets every situation with grace and poise.  I’ll never forget the story of the man who tried to publicly shame a Sikh woman on Reddit, and instead of responding with anger (which would have been totally justified), she responded in such a beautiful way that even though I read this story three years ago, it still hasn’t lost its impact on me.

I aspire to be the rain.

As you start your Monday, take a moment to think about who you want to be, and then remember that as you go forward and interact with the world.

Laws of Attraction

Grand Turk Photo Credit: Doree Weller

Grand Turk
Photo Credit: Doree Weller

Some people believe that if they want something enough, they can attract it.  I don’t believe that.  If wanting something were enough, we’d all be gorgeous millionares.

“The world is a great mirror. It reflects back to you what you are. If you are loving, if you are friendly, if you are helpful,the world will prove to be loving and friendly and helpful in return. The world is what you are.”

~ Thomas Dreier

I’ve noticed that people react to me in the same way I react to them, like a mirror.  Most people can’t help but smile back at someone who’s smiling at them.  If you’re polite, it’s hard to be rude to you.  Sure, some people are jerks and will act the way they do, no matter what you do, but in general, your attitude defines your reality.

As you start off on this Monday morning, remember that.  Remember that your attitude defines your reality.  And if others are treating you badly, ask yourself if your own attitude plays a part in it.  By the same token, if people are treating you well, know that means you’re probably doing your part to spread sunshine.

Have You Tried Turning It Off and Then Turning It On Again?

That's why I take pictures of my feet looking out on the ocean or the beach... so I can remember what it feels like to be there. El Jardin del Mar Photo Credit: Doree Weller

That’s why I take pictures of my feet looking out on the ocean or the beach… so I can remember what it feels like to be there.
Photo Credit: Doree Weller

That’s the first question IT always asked me, and it made me crazy.  But a large majority of the time, it actually worked.

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
–ANNE LAMOTT

The thing is, it’s not just good advice for computers; it’s good advice for people too.  If you find yourself getting upset, frustrated, irritated, or just generally out of sorts, take a few minutes and walk away from whatever situation is frustrating you.  Take a few deep breaths.  Take a walk outside.  Look up a favorite picture on your phone, or a beach picture on your Pinterest.  Turning your brain off, even for 5 minutes, can be really helpful for dealing with whatever it is that’s bugging you.  Because really, it’s so much harder to solve a problem when you’re upset than it is when you’re just a bit calmer.

Working Toward Goals

Hello!  It’s Motivational Monday.  Here’s today’s quote.

Roosevelt Lake, Arizona Photo Credit: Doree Weller

Roosevelt Lake, Arizona
Photo Credit: Doree Weller

“We are at our very best, and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy on the journey toward the goal we’ve established for ourselves. It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep.”
-Earl Nightingale

I’m definitely happiest when I’m busy, but not busywork-busy, actual goal-directed, productive busy.  So as you start your week, when things seem tough, remind yourself of what goals you’re working toward.

How To Succeed

“Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.”
-Samuel Johnson

Very few people get anything really important on the first try.  The difference between someone who is successful and someone who fails is often how many times you’re willing to try.  This week, keep in mind that no matter what happens, you can be ultimately successful if you keep trying.

Be Kind Today

On Motivational Mondays, I share a quote to set a positive tone for the week.

Sunset, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Photo Credit: Doree Weller

Sunset, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Photo Credit: Doree Weller

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

-Audrey Hepburn

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.”

-William Arthur Ward

Be the most beautiful and kindest version of yourself that you can be this week.

Impossible?

Happy Motivational Monday to you!  Are you glad to be headed back to work on this lovely morning?

“The person who says something is impossible should not interrupt the person who is doing it.”

-Chinese Proverb

Yes, it's a purple cabbage. But isn't it pretty?

Yes, it’s a purple cabbage. But isn’t it pretty?

I’ve always loved this quote, because it reminds me that most limits only exist in your mind, and you can do almost anything.  I prefer to think nothing is impossible; it just hasn’t been done yet.

I was reminded of this quote yesterday when I read an article about a blind painter.  He creates wonderful works of art through touch, using textured paint.  Even if you’re not interested in the article, scroll through and take a look at the paintings.  It will remind you of all the possibilities out there.

One last thought:

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says “I’m possible!”

-Audrey Hepburn