Quotable Quotations as a Reflection of Self

Summer break allows me a lot of time to declutter. This process not only refers to the purging of cupboards and closets but to the times I sit, take pause, reflect, and listen to my innermost thoughts. I try as much as I can to be grateful and maintain a positive outlook. However, there are times when it isn’t difficult to have insecurities. Blame it on PMS, crappy weather, or a seemingly incessant stream of b-s on some social media outlets, it’s not difficult some days to have the outside world get in the way of achieving true peace of mind. It’s all a matter of perspective, I suppose. Writing or a good chat are cathartic. A hot mug of tea, time with my family, or a cuddle from my pugs are too. I'm not a high-maintenance person and take much joy in the little things.

Anyone who knows me is aware that I not only love literature and poetry but inspirational quotations as well. (This blog post will not turn into a list of all the ones I love as there are far too many to count!) I have numerous books on hand and websites “favourited” for my perusal. Whether penned by some renowned individual or without proper credit to an author, I often take comfort in the short snippets or simply look to them for inspiration. Other times, they sum up perfectly what would take me paragraphs to do. I recall my 3^rd and 4^th grade teacher used to share little pearls of wisdom with her bright-eyed and fresh-faced charges. Of those, “Yesterday is gone. . .forget it; Tomorrow is not here . . . don’t worry about it; Today is here . . . use it” continues to resonate with me many years later.

As I sat down and mulled over my tea earlier and contemplated which task from my list needed to get done today, I reached for my copy of I Think I’ll Just be Happy Today. Taken from its pages and simple enough, the following quotation is one that can be profound words of wisdom fit for the young, the young at heart, and every age in between:

This is simple in meaning but oh so true in its depth. I KNOW in my heart of hearts what’s important. Through the guidance and love of my family, I knew how to recognize matters of importance and otherwise from an early age. Recognizing what’s important can certainly cross-over into so many different facets of life.  Some are simply no-brainers!

At times, a lack of better judgement or clarity can allow one to ignore that small voice. Though I consider myself to be a fairly self-assured and confident individual, those darn insecurities can creep in. Other times, the small voice is carried with blaring alarms and clanging cymbals. Through many chats with my husband and through much soul searching in recent months, I’ve reflected on some things I’ve wasted time thinking about. Perhaps I needed reaffirmation that life is too short to spend time pondering on trivial things.

My family - whether related by blood or not – is important. My kids’ health, happiness, their educational pursuits, their hobbies, their passions – hold much importance to my existence. The same goes for my husband. Meaningful friendships are important. My pugs are too! Memories, my books, reading, music, photography, a beautiful sunrise or sunset, going to mass – are all of significance to me. My exchanges at school with my students and colleagues – whether in the classroom, on the stage, or in the gym at cheer – you guessed it! 

I know that I’m important. I know that I matter. At the end of the day, I am grateful for my ability to listen to that small voice and to know what matters most. As the late Sylvia Plath wrote, "Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences."