We are like violins. We can be used as doorstops, or we can make music.
Little by little, the process of writing your ideas in your Daybook will change the way you feel about not following up on every one of your good ideas, because it becomes so clear that planning, designing, and making a record of your ideas in something called a Scanner Daybook isn’t making a promise; it’s the way inventive people enjoy themselves.
Isolation is the dream killer. It will stop you every time.
Parents have their own dreams – and it’s those dreams they’re pushing, not yours.
Parents have their own dreams – and it’s those dreams they’re pushing, not yours. In their heads, they have images of successful sons and beautiful wealthy daughters, children who are impressive – and secure. Very few parents have the luxury, the calmness of spirit, to realize that the most practical thing any child can do is to find its own vision – and follow it.
The Idea Party is a potluck dinner where you invite people into your home for the express purpose of sitting down with a plate of good food and brainstorming on your particular problem.
If you’re unhappy, something important is going on. When your body hurts, it needs attention. When your heart hurts, it needs just as much attention. Your mind knows what you’ve been taught, but your heart knows who you really are.
If you’re burned out, learning something new or doing something creative is the cure.
And you’re probably spending too much time in a job that doesn’t mean anything to you. A person who can’t make a choice often works far below her capabilities to avoid making a commitment and to send out the message that her present job is only temporary.
Frustration is supposed to create action, not make you give up.
Your love belongs to you. You mustn’t let anyone touch it, not even him. You can keep away from him, but don’t try to destroy your love. That love is yours. Keep it.
We all fight sorrow as if it would harm us. The opposite is true. Sorrow can heal us. Letting your heart break can be good for you.
You’ll never feel like exercising less than now when you need it most – but do it anyway.
Protecting yourself by stopping your own enthusiasm is unavoidable. No one can take endless doses of hurt. Unfortunately, stopping your enthusiasm can get to be a habit.
People who aren’t interested in anything are people who can’t stop protecting their enthusiasm.
If you feel defined by any job, your self-image isn’t solid enough.
Pride is a thin substitute for sincere, openhearted dignity.
A gripe session gets that negativity out where we can see it instead of letting it lurk around inside where it has too much power.
Some people have a pattern of getting exhausted to cover up resentment – or one of grouchiness to cover up fear.
You’re obviously capable of achieving a lot, but ability can never take the place of desire. Don’t be tempted to do something just because you can. That’s what got you off course in the first place.
I think there’s a special saint who protects unfinished projects. Unfinished projects are just as valuable to us as the projects we finish.