Words of encouragement

I thought that I would share with you the affirmations posted throughout my apartment in the form of fortune cookie fortunes, cut-outs from magazines and greeting cards. Maybe they can inspire you as well:

Fortunes posted on my bathroom mirror:

"In great attempts it is glorious even to fail."
"Be tactful: do not overlook your own opportunity."

Cut-outs on the fridge:

"The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself."
"First say to yourself what you would be; then do what you have to do."

Cards in my room:

"Sometimes life takes sudden turns... without using its turn signal. Hang on and hang in there!"
"Success takes... perseverance, ambition, passion, courage, heart, humor and talent. You've proven you've got what it takes to meet challenges, overcome obstacles and pursue excellence to fulfill a dream."

Other cut-outs on my bedroom door:

"Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is a nobler art of leaving things undone."
"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength."
"Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is a wonderful moment."
"It's only by starting in a place of peace that we find our purpose and power."
"Be the heroine of your life, not the victim."
"A good time to laugh is anytime you can."
"The best way out is always through." <<< One of my favorites.
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out just how far one can go."
"Expect nothing. Live frugally on surprise."

What affirmations do you live by? (<<< Click for suggestions)



Luck under pressure

Thanks to someone's recommendation, I am currently reading: It's Not Ok With Me written by Janine Maxwell. This book is meant to open the eyes of the reader to the dire need of orphaned children in Africa; Saying "it's not okay with me either" and then acting on it. The relevance of this book to my desire to volunteer abroad in Africa this summer is remarkable.

I feel so fortunate to have come across so many resources that have helped guide me on this journey of fulfilling my passion. While talking to my aunt on the phone the other day, she said something that made a lot of sense. Upon sharing with her my effortless access to resources, she said to me: "The pressure of your time constraints is probably working with you, rather than against you."

Now, I have always been one to work well under the pressure of some sort of deadline. Though I usually do try to get a head start on things, saving some things for last minute has proven to surprise me. Being only 2 months away, preparations are constantly on my mind, it tends to come up in conversations and making arrangements is a priority needing immediate action.

Being under pressure isn't always a bad thing. What is important to remember is to recognize it as an opportunity to push you into action. It all starts with your attitude!