Quotes About Reflection

The past is something that can not be fixed, but sets an example to fix the present to better the future.

I suppose that's the secret. If you're ever wishing for things to go back to the way they were, you just have to look up.

Why read? Because we are given more than we are.

Self-discipline is the beginning of wisdom, not its end. When we have discovered the purpose for which self-discipline exists, we will, if we are sane, hardly recall anything about self-discipline because it has enabled us to become free to see and do so much else.

At first sight, it seems that something, almost anything, must be done about our situation. But it is the genius of Pieper to see that this activist, busy motion is the wrong starting point. Before we can pretend to do anything about the present, we must know what we are, what the world is, and yes, what God is. Construction of a civilization that knows little or nothing of these deeper realities can only make things worse.

You are not defined by your past or by things that may have happened to you in the past. Without those experiences, you wouldn't be who you are today. Sometimes you can't have what is in front of you if you're not willing to let go of what's behind you.

Everybody makes mistakes—everybody loses their temper; everybody judges—but if we make a conscious effort to be mindful every day of how we treat ourselves and others, life becomes much easier.

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt creep in. Forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it well and serenely. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Time spent on earth is one of learning. From a spiritual point of view, all that is expected of us is to love ourselves—not in a narcissistic sense, but to value ourselves for the spiritual beings we are. We are here to do the best we can and to treat others with compassion and kindness. The

If your belief in how the Universe works isn't prompting you to be a kind person, then perhaps it's time to rethink your belief system, because something is obviously not working for you.

It's not in our human nature to acknowledge our personal contribution in inspiring the world. Humility can prevent us from seeing the forest for the trees.

Love, forgiveness, and compassion are always the route to take, not judgment, retribution, and spite. Something else to consider when thinking of a challenging family member is whether perhaps he or she is holding a mirror up to you. Do you share the characteristics of someone who angers you?

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt creep in. Forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it well and serenely.

What energy am I holding on to right now in my belief systems, behavior patterns, feelings, and relationships that is not serving my highest good?

She kept saying, "I am free, James! I am so free! I cannot believe how obsessed I was about my body! What was I thinking? How crazy!" This struck me as extremely funny because anybody who knew Debbie knew that she was very concerned about her appearance, always wanting to look her best.

The situations and people in our life that cause us the most trouble are also our greatest teachers.

If you're on the path you're meant to be on, everything falls into place; the Universe is telling you that. If you are not on the right path, you will experience roadblocks all along the way, and this is also the Universe telling you to stop, look, and ask if this is where you are supposed to be.

I'd rather look forward and dream, than look backward and regret.

The mystery of life doesn't seem so mysterious if you venture inward and listen to your soul's voice.

And in the end, its not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.

Mistakes are the best way to understand your strengths and weaknesses, but they will bear fruit only if you acknowledge them and view them as opportunities to learn, instead of defeats.

Without mindfulness, we let our old, habitual behaviors and emotions cause us to wipe out in the tumultuous surf.

It is always useful to think badly about people one has exploited or plans to exploit... No one likes to think of him or herself as a bad person. To treat badly another person whom we consider a reasonable human being creates a tension between act and attitude that demands resolution. We cannot erase what we have done, and to alter our future behavior may not be in our interest. To change our attitude is easier.

By idolizing those whom we honor, we do a disservice both to them and to ourselves. . . . We fail to recognize that we could go and do likewise. —CHARLES V. WILLIE