“You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?”
? Rumi
It’s not the face, but the expressions you make. It’s not the voice, but what you say. It’s not exactly how you look in that body, but the things you do with it. You are incredible! Give yourself a chance to be your best, by caring for yourself accordingly.
Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you want to go in life is achievable, and you are worth the effort.
Self-care, as Marc and I define it to our course students, includes any intentional actions you take to care for your physical, mental and emotional health. Maintaining a healthy self-care routine is a challenge for many of us, and it can be especially challenging when life gets busy.
There are three physical-health-related aspects of self-care that get talked about a lot:
- Eating right
- Sleeping well
- Exercising regularly
And then there are many intricate mental and emotional aspects of self-care that we often forget about. This is the aspect of self-care I want to touch upon in this post. Below you will find 18 handpicked quotes from our book and blog archive that I often reference for my own mental and emotional self-care. I hope you find them as helpful as I do…
- It’s not what you say to everybody else that determines your life – it’s what you whisper to yourself every day that has the greatest power.
- Don’t look for others to give you permission to be yourself. You don’t need anyone’s validation to be “good enough” or to have a great day.
- The best time to be extra kind to yourself is when you don’t feel like it. Because that’s when doing so can make the biggest difference.
- Be your own experiment. Be your own work of art. Be a work in progress. And be OK with it.
- Let people around you see the real, imperfect, quirky, weird, beautiful, magical person YOU are. That is enough.
- You can’t base your ideas of success and happiness on other people’s opinions and expectations.
- Spend a lot more time with those who make you smile and a lot less time with those who you feel pressured to constantly impress. (And remember, you can be kind to people without choosing to be around them all the time.)
- Our greatest defense against stress is the ability to choose one thought over another. Remember this. If you look for reasons to be angry and upset, you’ll find plenty of them. Look instead for reasons to be positive, and see them everywhere.
- One of the most peaceful mindsets ever begins the moment you finally find the courage to let go of what you can’t change. (Read The Power of Now.)
- There’s no use going back over yesterday and what you did or didn’t do, because you were a different person then. Unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you accept that it’s over, you can’t move forward.
- Most people make themselves unhappy simply by finding it impossible to accept life just as it is presenting itself right now. Don’t be one of them.
- You don’t know what the future will bring… So your best strategy for living is to make the best and most positive use of the present.
- When you discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy – something that truly matters to you – care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life. And if you find that you don’t have enough time for what matters, stop doing things that don’t.
- The quality of your life in the long run directly depends upon how you set and respect your priorities today. And it’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority.
- Whenever the grass looks greener on the other side, stop staring, stop comparing, stop complaining, and start watering the grass you’re standing on.
- Anyone can hide from problems and suffer. Facing up to things, and working through them gradually – that’s what makes you stronger and happier in the end.
- Don’t break your back. You can’t lift a thousand pounds all at once. Yet you can easily lift one pound a thousand times. Tiny, repeated efforts will get you there. (Marc and I discuss this further in the “Goals & Success” chapter of 1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently.)
- Sometimes we need to distance ourselves to see things clearly. And sometimes the most important thing we do in a whole day is the short rest we take between two deep breaths.
Your turn…
With self-care on your mind, I challenge you to join me, and complete this short positive to-do list by tomorrow night:
- Go for a long walk.
- Indulge in a great conversation.
- Do something you love for an hour.
- Count your blessings.
- Pay close attention to the moment (as often as you can remember to).
- Let go… and just be and breathe (as often as you need to).
And please leave a comment below and let me know what your #1 self-care priority is right now. What do you need to start doing for your own well-being?
Also, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Photo by: Regina Leah
Hillary says
Thank you for another gem, Marc and Angel. This is a beautifully thought out and eloquently written article. I love how you’ve pooled together some related quotes from your older posts and book. The key I think is in using these quotes as daily reminders. We can simply lose track of our self-love, self-worth and self-care far too easily.
I’m so thankful a friend bought me your book and turned me on to your blog and emails last year. Your perspectives have made a world of difference in my life.
Angel Chernoff says
Thank you for the kind remarks, Hillary.
And I couldn’t agree more about using these quotes as daily reminders. That’s exactly what I do. 🙂
Kevin J. LeBoeuf says
I have been helped and blessed to read these helpful thoughts and suggestions. I’ve battled with anxiety and depression almost my entire life and I’m almost 55, now. Somehow, I just couldn’t see beyond my faults, failures-that ‘never-being–good-enough syndrome–which had nearly taken my life. I’m learning each day and with God’s strength and guidance and awesome people like you guys, I am walking a new road–one-step-at-a-time. Life is so much sweeter. Difficult at times? YES, but so much better. Thank you both again for the good words and advice. Blessings.
Kevin Benson says
Thank you Angel. As much as I know much of what you’ve shared here, I think I need to print this out and pin it up where I can see it every day! Like Hillary mentioned above, I need these as daily reminders, because when I’m busy and life is hectic, I forget what I know.
Truly, what assists me in caring for myself more:
1. Spending time doing things that are meaningful to me.
2. Spending time with incredible people I respect.
3. Reading (and re-reading) blogs and books like yours to keep me motivated and mindful.
Angel Chernoff says
I love your short list, Kevin!
Beverly says
I love this! Excellent collection of quotes from your blog! You’ve reminded me that I need to start telling myself that YES… 100%… I am worth it! No matter who else thinks otherwise. I AM WORTH IT! And self-care is a priority!
Honestly, I have been going through a tough six months or so, and your posts and emails have provided great guidance and therapy for me during this time. I literally got goosebumps when I read some of these quotes and then smiled. Thanks for everything you do.
Angel Chernoff says
Beverly, you are indeed 100% worth it! Take care of yourself.
Also, I’m inspired to hear that we’ve been able to assist you through some recent tough times. Thank you for letting us know.
Abdelaziz HAFSI says
Hello,
I was very upset and stressed before reading your blog, I felt my self not in the right place, doing something that I hate (my job), and in the same time I didn’t have the power and courage to change it. now while writing you this message, I feel good in both soul and body, I have noted your first quote in my note book – as I do usually – I really feel that your blogs will participate on changing my attitude toward happiness,
Many thanks and have a healthy day,
Abdelaziz
Karen @ Pieces of Contentment says
You have covered so many important areas here. I spoke briefly on this as part of a talk to our church ladies this week. When caring for others (husband with long term health issues plus a large family to homeschool) it is crucial to make self-care a high priority.
Karen @ Pieces of Contentment says
One thing which helped me in addition to all of your suggestions, is prayer and standing firm on scripture, particularly those referring to God’s loving, caring character.
Gena says
I like your articles very much. It helps clarify what I know but don’t do. I settle for people and things that make me miserable. Leaving a relationship is very hard and most of all scary. However, that scary thing could be ehat brings us the most happiness in the future. Anyway, decision making is always hard for me. Positive thinking in any form is always good for me.
Bren Murphy says
Hi Angel and Marc,
You start with the most powerful point – negative self talk is very damaging and can have you spinning your wheels for years – a workaround for this that I had some success with is by writing out, by hand, a series of stream of consciousness affirmations first thing in the morning.
You mention journal writing a little further on – I can’t over-estimate the power of this – even when it does seem do slow and old fashioned – it works, so I keep doing it month after month.
Thanks for an awesome share.
Bren
Barb says
Self caring and loving on myself started today. Reading this blog confirmed I am on track. A difficult 2015 led me to heartbreak, regret and self loathing. I have taken steps today to plan and set up a proper structure to not only get myself on track healthwise mentally and physically, but to actually enjoy being with myself and loving the strong, healthy, positive, smart woman I have the potential to be. Just writing these words here seems surreal. But it is the true me writing this. The person I have been in the past was a fraud. Looking forward to lathering myself up with love and showing myself exactly what I am capable of. Thank you for your wise words. I follow the blog on FB regularly and you have been very helpful to me these past few months. X
Danni says
Inspiring 🙂
Agustin says
The simplest and, therefore, the hardest thing for me to do is: Release an let it go.
The frustrations, bad memories, the ‘I must did that’ or didn’t, prevails as a carnivore worm inside my brain, but with some effort -each time less hard- the periods of mindfulness -each time more frequent- brings lights, happiness, peace and blessings.
I will keep going..
neeraj pandey says
So many of your thoughts here are relevant to what’s happening in my life. So thanks for being in my life.
Satyannarayana Yedla says
Thank you M&A
harish kohli says
Yes, true happines lies if what I think, what I say and what I do – all are in harmony. I have to be myself to remain always happy.
Vivi says
Hello Marc and Angel! Thank you for constantly bringing up some fascinating quotes to motivate ourselves in much better ways. I have been following your blog since years ago and I admit that by re reading all those positive quotes or so, it makes me feel alive! I have been going through some rough moments now. Hopefully everything will turn out fine.
Kathae says
I was lying in bed contemplating my morning and mentally planning on doing 30 days of one thing a day for me! This was once again perfect timing! Your emails always seem to arrive just when I need them! Thanks for being a bright light in my life!
Fouad says
Marc and Angel, you guys are really great. Just wanna say a big THANK YOU for the quotes.
Vishal Kataria says
The most powerful quote for me was #4. When we accept that we are a WIP, always learning, admiring the beauty of everything around us, it’s easier to de-pressurize and be our authentic selves. Instead of ruing over our shortcomings, we accept them as part of being human. And that helps us achieve what you and Marc want us to, Angel – happiness.
Lovely insights as alway. Made my Sunday.
Kristne D. Adams says
You two continue to amaze me! I’ve had recent health scare, am principal caregiver for my disabled husband, and finding time to sample your well-considered words always is rewarding.
“…care enough about yourself to make room…” for nourishing things in my life resonated most with me today, though I re-read several points to let them sink in.
I will continue to share your excellent resources during my many upcoming “What’s Your Story?” Memoir Writing Workshops.
Best to you both – K.D. Adams
Lisa says
For my own well being I need to stop focusing on my past mistakes and stay in the moment. I also will start caring for myself. I love the to-do list!
Thanks,
Lisa
Jack says
Thank you for this list which I’m going to print out and put a copy on my wall in the office. Theses are inspirational, positive and healing quotes to live by every day! As I turn 55 today, I feel so very blessed to have lived such a full life full of love and laughter. It hasn’t always been easy but it’s our struggles and the steps we take to overcome them that make us strong. Life is indeed very good!
Anthony says
Thanks for a great reminder of perpetual self-care. What I need to be more consistent is regular exercise. Making it a priority instead of if I get to it. Combining that with healthier eating will help me to feel more energized to be what I am called to do.
Raleigh says
Thanks…
F says
We just found out on Friday we lost our baby boy. 17 weeks pregnant. It is sad and yet we have no control over it . We can let it break us down or we can try to build ourselves up. I love reading your inspiring words. Especially at a difficult time it’s comforting. Thank you for being so positive and wonderful.
Helen mc laughlin says
Thank you x
agnes phiri says
You two really inspire me to be the best I can……..
Bless you both
Gail Weiss says
Thanks for the constant reminders. Life is worth living and how to live it!
Kathleen says
First, thank you Marc and Angel – I woke this morning dreading the day. I decided to see if you had a new post and read it, and the comments. I dislike the way that I sit here and punish myself; it really, really helped reading what you said. BUT: thank you to all you who posted today-you made me realize that I’m not alone on this Sunday. Many of us are struggling with self-doubt and the “committee” also known as our nasty-ass, negative brain.
You, people who post comments, do you realize how much GOOD you’re doing??
Thank you, every single last person out here. I’m still vertical, 🙂 and not beating myself up for not having a perfect house, not having my clocks all changed yet, or so many other dumb things.
God, Buddha, the Universe, whoever whatever you have faith in, bless you.
Jen Crook says
Hey, I really needed this today.
After 4 years of looking for a job, when I had almost given up, I got into a great training program through the Jewish Vocational Services in San Francisco – I am learning Salesforce Administration, loving it, and loving the intelligent interaction I get 5 days a week.
So, what happened? On February 23rd I thought I had just overdone walking in the city in heels, about 2.5 miles, between my commute and going to a networking event that evening. Right ankle was not functioning when it was over. Then, not understanding that I had done serious harm, I continued to walk for the rest of the week, 3 more days. After the 2nd day the left ankle hurt too. For 2 weeks I kept going, but took the trolley car from the ferry to as close as I could get to classes, about 2 blocks away.
On March 9th my brother talked me into going to the doctor, and could only get an urgent appointment. All I can say is I wish I had gone sooner – I have 2 fractured fibulas. I am now in walking boots for about 6 weeks, maybe less, maybe more. And depressed, not sure if I can catch up to class, not sure I can study enough before the exams on 4/4 to pass (the certification test is a very hard one), and not sure that the commute will leave me with any energy to study.
BUT, I can try, and this helped me feel better.
Thank you!
Barbara Steele says
In 2007 both my parents died weeks from each other and then my siblings started distancing themselves from me if I didn’t give them money etc from the estate. It took some time for me to get the strength to get through this but your e-mails have been such a blessing. Everything was done as per my parents wishes and I am a much stronger person now. I am not sure how I found out about you but I am so happy I did. Thanks for everything.
marlene alves says
Today’s offering has enough wisdom to live with a far greater quality of life than I could imagine. Thank you for all you share; it’s very much valued & appreciated, Angel.
Annette says
Marc & Angel thank you for your messages , I look forward to recieving them as they are always the perfect message for me … Today your 18 points are ” the truth” I am so grateful for your reminders & very blessed to allow our Lord in our lives to be my friend & saviour , his truth & your truth lights our paths with confidence ,protection , happiness joy and peace which already resides in us … Our belief allows us to see feel & be in this moment .. Ever so thankful , all the blessings of life to you … Much love. Xxx
Francis Bacon says
“I may die tomorrow.” — Francis Bacon
suzanne says
Self care…..a novel thought. I am suffering from not giving myself the love and attention I drown family with. Diagnosed last week with diabetes. I will not not care for myself any more. Will find time for me to walk, to read, to cross stitch again, eat healthier, I am important. Loved the qotes. Appreciate you.
Beth Maxwell says
Wonderful daily quotes!!!! Love them all! Have been dealing with a lot of these issues.
cheryl says
I started following my own path to “happy” when I was 16. I then became more independent by moving 2000 miles away from home to pursue a career helping others and am in my 40th year of this. I have always done what is best for my family first and then me. Why is this so hard for people to do today? Why aren’t you getting up, getting out and doing something good for those you need you? Everyone is so self-absorbed these days, and claim they “can’t leave the house”- who is supporting this behavior? Buck up!
Imelda says
Several mornings I have woken up dissatisfied with my job. It pays the bills but it’s not my passion. I want to have a career and do the job I love. Reading your post makes a lot of sense to me. They are exactly the words I needed to hear. The best quote “Whenever the grass looks greener on the other side, stop staring, stop comparing, stop complaining, and start watering the grass you’re standing on”. It speaks to me directly. No need to be afraid any longer about achieving my dreams regardless of the unknown, I’ll learn with time.
Marc and Angel, you are amazing and thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Brenda says
I need help with counting my blessings and being thankful for what I have in my life now. I struggle really bad with this. I need to somehow get it in my head that it,s what is on the inside of somebody that matters the most and not the inside. I feel I am being very selfish and need to get it in to me before it is to late. Any ideas?
Turenne says
Those are 18 quotes that I truly care to live by.
My favorite one is the following :
“…sometimes the most important thing we do in a whole day is the short rest we take between two deep breaths.”
It is awesome to be totally, mindfully, positively in the present. Thanks for this beautiful share !
Ayi says
Thanks so much, am always inspired reading your post. God continue to bless you both.
Jya says
Thank you sooooooo much! i really needed this message right now!
Ruby says
Thank you, these quotes are all really helpful! Much appreciated! 🙂
Bridget - Nutty Hiker says
Love them! I am always looking for new inspirational quotes to “keep me going”!
Thea Dunlap says
Thank you marc and angel for these inspiring quotes. The first one really connects me more. 🙂 Keep up, I always look forward for your inspiring and motivating articles 😀
Ravi Roshan Kumar says
Hi Angel,
Glad to meet you here.. 🙂
I enjoyed lot reading this article, you know. Really these 12 quotes can help to enhance ourselves. I was waiting for like this article which will be more beneficial and helpful to enhance myself, you know. And I am very happy to get this post easily.
I learnt many new things which is interesting beneficial for me.
You are brilliant, so that it could possible to share in front of all.
This is excellent collection of quotes for me. Each and every points are more effective.
Thanks for sharing such an amazing quotes for us… 🙂
Have a nice day ahead..
– Ravi.
Srisasoft says
Thanks for sharing these motivating quotes.
Elin Smith says
All 18 quotes are heart touching & Inspiring. I like the how you compile all the quotes. Such a moral booster for me. Thanks for putting it here. You made my day !!! 🙂
Angel Chernoff says
Thank you for the kindness, everyone. I loved reading through your comments with Marc this afternoon. We are truly inspired by you. 🙂
Marshall says
Much blessings of love to you all. These quotes are priceless, and seem to be synchronistic with what I exactly need to hear at phase in my life.
Michelle @ Modern Acupuncture says
Wonderful post. I always need reminders to treat myself with kindness. Lately for my emotional wellness I’ve been trying to journal more and to not feel guilty for taking long walks by myself (when I could be doing more “productive” things). Long walks are so relaxing to me, and I just love them. I just need to remember they’re productive in their own way, in that they support my mental health! 🙂
Laura Mansfield says
As the other readers have shared, this is an amazing collection of quotes that should guide each of us every day. Thank you Marc and Angel. I’m particularly passionate about #13. I often think of it in terms of “what makes your heart sing?” Whatever that is, when you find it, DO IT and don’t let go of it. People often say they don’t have enough time to fit in the things that bring them joy and truly lift their spirits. Make time. The time you invest in those pursuits will come back to you, Over and over, in terms of a better perspective on your day and greater energy for all aspects of your life.
Vanita Moore says
I find it very hard being assertive and decisive. I am the President of Board of Directors for a nonprofit organization. How I came to be president is by nominating myself when no one else wanted it. My tenure will end after our annual conference next month; so I am trying to maintain my sanity until then. I am a Christian so I do rely on that for perserverance and humility. I know that I am not alone in this; I am seeking positive advice from those who are out in the “work” world.