Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart.
You know how you always turn down the volume on the radio when you need to think clearly about something complicated or confusing?
The same is true for your life in general. The noise you need to cut out to concentrate? That’s the noise in your head – the busy, worried thoughts screaming over your better judgment.
Turning down the radio refocuses your mind and offers you clarity when you need it most. You don’t really think about how or why this makes such a huge difference, you just know that it does.
Now it’s time to apply this same strategy to all the other noise in your life, starting with the noise in your head. And although it’s not quite as easy as spinning the radio’s volume dial, the good news is you can quiet your mind and train it to think more rationally simply by reminding yourself to do so every day. Some people call them affirmations, or mantras, or convictions, but in any case these daily reminders keep you on track by keeping peaceful, productive thoughts at the top of your mind, even when life gets noisy.
Here are 40 quotes gathered from our blog archive that can be used as reminders to help tweak your thoughts and quiet your anxious mind:
- Everything is created twice, first in the mind and then in reality. So pay close attention to the thoughts you choose. They have a way of becoming real.
- There is absolutely nothing about your present circumstances that prevents you from making progress, one step at a time.
- Worry, and you get what you worry about. Work, and you get what you work for. It’s often just that simple.
- You can’t let one bad moment spoil a bunch of good ones. Don’t let the silly little dramas of each day get you down.
- Happiness is allowing yourself to be perfectly OK with ‘what is,’ rather than wishing for and worrying about ‘what is not.’ ‘What is’ is what’s supposed to be, or it would not be. The rest is just you, arguing with life.
- Frustration and stress come from the way you react, not the way things are. Adjust your attitude today, and the frustration and stress is gone.
- Be positive and smile right now, not because everything is good, but because you can see the good side of everything.
- Lies only exist if you believe in them. The truth shall indeed set you free in the end. Whenever negativity creeps into your mind, ask yourself: Is it true? Can I be 100% certain that it’s true? (And then let the lies GO!)
- No book is just one chapter. No chapter tells the whole story. No mistake defines who we are. Keep turning the pages that need to be turned.
- Remember, letting go isn’t about having the courage to release the past; it’s about having the wisdom and strength to embrace the present.
- The past has absolutely no power over the present moment. (Read The Untethered Soul.)
- No amount of regret changes the past. No amount of anxiety changes the future. But any amount of gratitude changes the present.
- Replace the phrase “I have to” with “I get to” whenever you catch yourself starting to complain. So many activities we complain about are things others wish they had the chance to do.
- The more beauty you find in someone else’s journey, the less you’ll want to compare it to your own.
- Feeling stuck is a FEELING, not a fact. So never assume that you’re stuck with the way things are. Life changes every second, and so can you.
- In almost every situation, a little more willingness to acknowledge that there may be something you do not know could change everything. Go somewhere new, and countless opportunities suddenly appear. Do something differently, and all sorts of great new possibilities spring up. Keep your mind quiet and peaceful, by keeping it open.
- Be careful about who you give the microphone and stage to in your life. Don’t just listen to the loudest voice. Listen to the truest one.
- The unhappiest people in this world are the people who care the most about what everyone else thinks.
- Saying yes to happiness and peace of mind means learning to say no to the people and things that hurt you. Be wise enough to ignore the needless negativity around you.
- When people undermine your dreams, predict your doom, or criticize you, remember, they’re telling you their story, not yours. (Read The Four Agreements.)
- The person you liked, loved or respected in the past, who treated you like dirt again and again, has nothing intellectually or spiritually to offer you in the present moment, but headaches and heartache.
- One of the most freeing things we learn in life is that we don’t have to agree with everyone, everyone doesn’t have to agree with us, and it’s perfectly OK.
- Be OK with walking away… Rejection teaches you how to reject what’s not right for you.
- You have to accept that some chapters in our lives have to close without closure. There’s no point in losing yourself by trying to fix what’s meant to stay broken.
- Everyone you meet can teach you something important. In fact, the people who are the most difficult to deal with can also be your most valuable teachers.
- Some life changes look negative and painful on the surface, but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new and beautiful to emerge.
- Without letting go of thinking there’s somewhere better to be, or someone better to be, you’ll never relax with where you are and who you are.
- The curious paradox of life is that when you accept yourself just as you are, right where you are, only then can you change and grow.
- Take constructive criticism seriously, but not personally. Listen, and then operate with your own intuition and wisdom as your guide.
- Sometimes your mind needs more time to accept what your heart already knows. Breathe. Be a witness, not a judge.
- Don’t run away from things; run toward them – the best way to move away from something negative is to move toward something positive. (Marc and I discuss this in more detail in the “Adversity” chapter of 1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently.)
- If you’re being pulled in every direction by forces beyond your control, take time to realign yourself with what you value most in life. What is important in your life is what you decide is important. Nothing can overwhelm you unless you let it.
- True purpose has no time limit. True purpose has no deadline. Don’t worry and stress yourself out. Just do the one thing you can right now.
- Patience is not about waiting; it’s the ability to keep a good attitude while working hard for what you believe in.
- Remember, “I don’t have time,” is really just another, perhaps politer, or perhaps naive, way of saying, “It’s not that important to me.”
- You cannot always wait for the perfect time, because there may be no such thing. Sometimes you must dare to jump.
- Don’t be afraid of your fears. They’re not here to scare you. They’re here to let you know that something is worth your while.
- Don’t let not knowing how it’ll end keep you from beginning. Uncertainty chases us out into the open where life’s true magic is waiting.
- Look at how far you’ve come. You have made progress. And now, imagine how far you can go.
- And finally… Stop worrying so much about what’s in it for you every single second. If you’re making a positive contribution to others, there’s always something in it for you in the long run.
Your turn…
What’s one quote or personal reminder that helps you quiet your mind, think more clearly, or live more positively when life gets noisy and stressful? Please share it with us by leaving a reply below.
Dev says
As I’ve said before and I’ll say it again, your 1,000 Little Things book has been helping me let go of a lot of stress and pain from my past, and quiet my mind when life gets the best of me. I’ve been reading a couple small experts every morning before I eat breakfast and every evening before I settle down for the night. Doing so helps me keep a positive mindset.
Here’s one quote from your book that I actually wrote on my white board in my home office almost a year ago, and it’s still there:
“Someday all the pieces will come together. Unimaginably good things will transpire in your life, even if everything doesn’t turn out exactly the way you had anticipated. And you will look back at the times that have passed, smile, and ask yourself, “How did I get through all of that?”
Rachel says
One of my favorite lines from my favorite bands, Rascal Flatts – “I’ve been burdened with blame trapped in the past for too long, I’m moving on.”
I truly enjoy your site! Lots of important lessons and reminders. Thanks.
Valencia Ray, MD says
This quote has been a great reminder to me over the years:
“There ain’t no way you can hold onto something that wants to go, you understand? You can only love what you got while you got it.” -Kate DiCamillo
And like Dev, I also love many if the thoughts and quotes you share via your blog, book, FB page, etc. Thank you.
Ethan says
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” – Albert Einstein
Well, almost everybody (every time) reminds me of this quote, too. Sometimes in my head, I just say “Why aren’t you doing this for a living?” when I see that someone can do really good on something else. On the other hand, this quote speaks a truth to myself. On being unique, and embracing whatever I can in the present.
There’s really something about 40. It’s quite few, but seems too much. And when you’re done it’s like the exact dose you just need for the day. 🙂
Thank you, Angel. Another powerful post.
Ria T says
These quotes are so true. I appreciate reading your inspiring words. It has helped me deal with many issues in my life. Whenever I feel my mind isn’t at ease, I go through your website for real words of wisdom. Its great having a psychologist at my finger tips.
Cathy S says
C.S. Lewis said,” Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.”
I use this in classes as a writing prompt. Depending on the group, we sometimes share. As a teacher in Newtown on 12/14, it was instrumental in helping my students start to process the shooting.
Diana says
What a wonderful post. I latched on to the power of affirmations, quotes, mantras many years ago when a good friend of mine was dealing with a tragedy. She had these little sayings posted all around her house in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom to remind her to stay on an even keel. When I first discovered your site, I would write down the concise advice you offered on little post its (before I had purchased your book) and would plaster them all over the place. Thanks for compiling this list which continues to help me keep my mind focused on the positive and helps me to keep improving as I grow older.
Amy says
“Today is the tomorrow you dreamt about. Make it a yesterday to remember.”
This helps me to appreciate the present day (and moment) rather than always wishing ahead to the next job, holiday or achievement.
David Rapp says
Take ownership of the past. When the bad stuff happened, it probably owned you for a time. If you dwell on it now, it owns part of your present. If you worry about it coming again or influencing you with fear, its owning your future. So own it by processing disownership of it; that time and those circumstances are long gone and there is almost no way it will happen again like it did then. Plus, you are wiser know then you were then.
There is no way to complain your way to happiness.
We do not raise statues to celebrate mediocrity.
If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission.
Yatin Khulbe says
I have read it somewhere. I don’t know the author. But, it’s really effective:
Inner peace comes when you’re able to quiet those negative and critical voices whether, they are from within or from the people in your life. Take care of yourself and learn how to banish the negativity that robs you of joy and peace.
saverne smith says
Just be still and wait to hear God.
Christian M says
Very truthful and inspiring quotes from your blog.
Bonnie says
I have pages and pages of motivational quotes, perspective quotes, and inspirational quotes that I read through quite often. Picking just one proved challenging, but I finally settled on the following quote by Robert Holden which helps remind me of what’s truly important.
“…it’s impossible to be grateful and lonely, grateful and depressed, or grateful and unhappy.”
Jane says
“Look at how far you’ve come. You have made progress. And now, imagine how far you can go.”
This one made me smile. Thank you for the quotes, from the bottom of my heart. You are making a difference in my life by planting seeds of positivity and truth in it.
Madeline says
“One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.” -Sigmund Freud
patty alicia says
The risk it takes to remain tightly closed in a bud is more painful then the risk it takes to bloom.
(this is an element of freedom)
Heidi says
You have no clue how much I needed to read this post this week!! Thank you.
A favorite quote of mine that has gotten me through many a situation is by Wayne W. Dyer: “You are not stuck where you are unless you decide to be.” I need to remind myself of this again. 🙂
Julie G says
I really appreicate your blogs and emails. These quotes are great and I will be posting them around my house and desk at work over this next week.
Thank you.
Deborah says
Some words that have helped me… “It will be alright in the end; if it’s not alright then it’s not the end.”
Carla L. says
I have many:
– Yesterday is history,tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift, that’s way they call it the present.
– Those who live in the past do so because they are unhappy with the present.
– Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles,it takes away today’s peace.
…
Brenda says
@Deborah: I liked what you said about “if it is not alright then it is not the end.” It was interesting to thinkthat when something is broken, maybe it not meant to be fixed. I do believe in making a gratitude list every day (although I have not done so) I need to start. I need to be thankful for the things that are, not for the way I would have it. Also, dismissing those lies in my head so they do not become reality and send me off the deep end. I appreciate reading these notes on my computer, it is about the only thing I look forward to; it calms my heart.
Lennae says
I needed to hear these, thank you for sharing!
Lennae xxx
lennaesworld.com
Shawn Griffith says
My dad always said, “Things fall into two categories, things you can do something about, so you do it and move on and things you can’t do anything about so you pray about, give it God and move on.” Really cuts down on worry time 🙂
Rabi says
Marvelous and rather thought provoking ideas and tips …..bundle of thanks for sharing these beautiful Golden lines… 🙂
Patrick Bredland says
My favorite motivational quote, which I got from a comic book is, “impossible is a matter of perspective.” I have always loved that idea.
Thank you for these quotes. This has been an especially hard week and reading these quotes brings life and meaning back into me.
Matt Kim says
Great stuff!
“Once you stop learning, you start dying.” – Albert Einstein
Not exactly a relaxing quote, but it motivates me when I’m especially tired.
Cheers,
Matt
Brian says
I have been reading your blog for years, and am still taking notes and thouroughly enjoying them! Thank you so much.
dan says
So grateful… so helpful. Keep on doing hat you’re doing, Marc and Angel.
Paola says
I like to remind myself that “Rome was not built in one day”.
Bethany @ Online Therapy and Coaching says
I love #6. So many people think that suffering comes from external circumstances, when it really comes from the meaning and interpretation that our minds give those circumstances.
My favorite quote? My mentor once said to me, “There is no past, only memories and the meaning we give to them.”
Angel Chernoff says
Everyone, thank you for the kind words and for sharing some of your favorite quotes and reminders with us.
I think it’s fitting that I add one of my favorite (famous) quotes to the list too:
“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”
? Dalai Lama
Brucelin says
These simple quotes urges us to not keep our minds idle:
“Always put your mind to active work, other than the time that it deserves rest. You will save yourself from a lot of trouble.”
“An idle mind is a devil’s workshop.”
Claudia says
I really love your website, it has so many great and inspiring articles.
One of the quotes which make me relax and keep calm is a old positive thought that a wise man taught me:
“I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy”.
Smile.
Rhonda Holmes says
“It ain’t what they call you; its what you answer to” ~W.C. Fields
Val Taylor says
“It’s better to be interested than interesting!”
vaishnavi says
I don’t know where I heard this but I love it:
Smile in pain
Smile in pleasure
Smile in the middle of the storm
Smile even if someone hurts you
Because someone is still there who wants to see you smiling.
Pat McDonald says
So many hit home. I’ve picked out 30 that speak the loudest to me, and will focus on one each day of the month. Then we’ll see…
Issha says
I am very thankful for the day I came across this one.
“It is what it is. It was what it was. It will be what it will be. DON’T STRESS IT.”
Margie says
“Don’t be afraid to fail……go for it.”
M. McLeod says
I have loved this one for many years, but don’t know who wrote it:
P.U.S.H.
“Pray… Until… Something… Happens.
It has gotten me through many a hard time. Love your blog and will follow it as just discovered it. Love those 40 quotes above and am going to use many of them in my day to day life.
J. Renee Ekleberry says
“I remember the day I prayed for the things that I have now.”
Ibrahim says
” You don’t have to prove yourself to others.. Love yourself instead.”
Samer says
Beyond a measure we turn up ourselves , dignitary .
Scott V. says
“The great mistake is to anticipate the outcome of the engagement; you ought not to be thinking of whether it ends in victory or defeat. Let nature take its course, and your tools will strike at the right moment.”
– Bruce Lee
Anne says
Mistakes have the power to turn you into something better than you were before.
Napoleon Nalcot says
Peace must begin in the mind, within the person. Once we were able to make peace with ourselves, it would be easier for us to find it elsewhere.