This week instead of a long, well-thought-out article, I’m going to simply share a few quotes that I’ve been thinking on the past while.
I have a deep appreciation for a short, impactful quote. I love when someone can put so much meaning into so few words. It’s certainly an art to accomplish this and it fascinates me.
One of the people who did that was Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. I like to imagine him as a man who listened much, observed much and spoke little.
Watch your thoughts
Lao Tzu
For they become words
Watch your words
For they become actions
Watch your actions
For they become habits
Watch your habits
For they become character
Watch your character
For it becomes your destiny
Isn’t that provoking? Read it again and think through it slowly.
Truly, all things begin in the mind: the thoughts, the beliefs, the assumptions. What we believe about ourselves, about other people and what we believe about God has everything to do with who we are.
King Solomon -another philosopher whom I admire and quote often- states:
Guard your heart [thoughts] above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23
Two more quotes from Lao Tzu, then I’ll sign off. Be blest, be challenged, be provoked to live life well! Here’s to 2021, a year of growth, improvement and living fully!
Knowing others is intelligence
Lao Tzu
Knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength
Mastering yourself is true power.
If you are depressed, you are living in the past.
Lao Tzu
If you are anxious, you are living in the future.
If you are at peace, you are living in the present.