Stepping Stones

By Ellen Brown

When I’m dealing with a life challenge, whether it’s transitioning into a new career or dealing with a loved one who has a serious illness, it’s so important for me to surround myself with great sources of inspiration. And I guess I’m not alone, because many of my clients say they reach for a little inspiration, to lift them up out of the muck, when they’re facing tough times.

While there are many different sources of inspiration (I’ll discuss some others in my next post), to choose from, I’m a big believer in inspirational quotes, because they offer us comfort and hope. Many of my clients say they like to hang inspirational quotes around their homes during difficult times, because the sayings fuel them with positive, rather than negative, energy.

One of my favorite quotes is simply this: “this too shall pass.” Why? Because so often, when we’re dealing with a tough situation, we feel sad or depressed. And sometimes our depression or hopelessness is exacerbated by negative thinking. We may tell ourselves that what we’re facing will never get better. But that simply isn’t true, because change is inevitable, and nothing stays the same forever, whether that’s our health or our relationships or our jobs or our feelings.

So, if you’re dealing with job loss or the loss of a loved one or a parent who has Alzheimer’s Disease, or any type of life challenge, consider searching out some inspirational quotes. While they’re hardly a panacea, they may just provide you with the boost you need.

Listed below are some inspirational quotes that I find helpful when dealing with adversity, as well as some websites that feature inspirational quotes on a variety of topics. Try posting your inspirational quotes in conspicuous places around your home. And see if they don’t offer you a little lift when you’re feeling down.

Some of My Favorite Inspirational Quotes

“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” –- Moliere

Happiness doesn’t depend on what we have, but it does depend on how we feel toward what we have.” — William Dempster Hoard

All misfortune is but a stepping stone to fortune. — Henry David Thoreau

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.” — Helen Keller

Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them. –Rabindranath Tagore

Each difficult moment has the potential to open my eyes and open my heart. — Myla Kabat-Zinn

We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey. — Kenji Miyazawa

The healthy and strong individual is the one who asks for help when he needs it. — Rona Barrett

Perhaps all the dragons of our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us once beautiful and brave. –- Rilke

God brings men into deep waters, not to drown them, but to cleanse them. –John Aughey

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do.” — Confucius

Possible Sources for Inspirational Quotes

The Quote Garden

http://www.quotegarden.com/

Inspiration for Change

http://www.heartsandminds.org/quotes/quotes.htm

The Quotations Page

http://www.quotationspage.com/subjects/

Thinkexist.com

http://en.thinkexist.com/topics/

So what are YOUR favorite inspirational quotes?

How have inspirational quotes helped you as you’ve moved through difficult life challenges?

I’d love to hear what you have to say. Please join in the conversation by leaving a comment here on Stepping Stones (scroll down to the bottom of the post).

Are you dealing with a challenging life transition? If so, I’d love to help out. Visit my website at http://tinyurl.com/yc7meqo to sign up for an introductory session or a coaching package that’s right for you. Since coaching sessions are conducted by phone, I can work with clients anywhere in the world.

Ellen Brown is a certified professional coach based in Cleveland, Ohio.

Note: in my next blog post, I will look at other sources of inspiration that can help propel you forward on your life journey.