When I was about 20 years old, I stumbled across a short passage in a magazine. It told the story of a woman who lived down the hall from a gentleman who was a musician. During the time she lived in the apartment, they became friends. But she noticed he was a bit of a “loner” and wondered why he never seemed to date. As she was coming home from a late night out, she heard the sound of a cello coming from her friend’s apartment. And as she stopped to listen, it was almost like overhearing an intimate conversation. In that moment, she realized her friend had found the love of his life years ago.
I’m sharing this story with you because this passage has been a source of focus and comfort to me and to this day, I have the article taped to the corner of my dresser mirror. As a musician by trade, I was classically and technically trained. I know the rules and the form that make for a solid vocal performance. But in every art and practice there’s an intangible element, one that can’t be taught. It’s that voice inside us that inspires us to keep going when circumstances are against us. It’s the spark in our soul that ignites inspiration and passion. 15 years ago when I became nervous before a performance, or unmotivated in rehearsal, I used the aforementioned passage to revisit why I started singing. It’s in my bones. It is a physical and emotional part of what makes me, me. And when I’m really in my element, I am unstoppable.
We all need a little motivation every now and then. I am at a point in my life where my physical health is becoming a priority for me for many reasons. I have a new interest in just how far I can go when it comes to my strength, endurance and motivation. And I have learned that my journey to becoming the healthiest version of myself goes far beyond by best 5k time and how many burpees I can do in a minute. I like to think “big picture” and for extra inspiration, I look to wisdom in the form of prose (my second passion in life). Below are a few words of wisdom I’ve collected throughout the years from friends, family and teachers that motivate me on a daily basis. Perhaps one will resonate with you and become taped to your mirror!
“May all of your vibes say, I’ve got this!”
“In the waves of change, we find our direction.”
“Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and forgiving heart,
one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.”- Marvin J. Ashton
“Don’t be eye candy. Be soul food.”
“Life will only change when you become more committed to your dreams than you are your comfort zone.”
“Just be yourself. Let people see the real, imperfect, raw, quirky, weird, beautiful and magic person that you are.”
“Always remember to fall asleep with a dream and wake up with a purpose.”
“If you walk your authentic path, the universe will validate it.” –Rory Mula McMahan
“Don’t tell people your dreams. Show them.”
“You don’t have to be perfect to be amazing.”
“Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.” –Kahlil Gibran
“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” – James Keller
“Push harder than yesterday if you want a different tomorrow.”
“Don’t stop until you’re proud.”
We want to know what quotes and passages have inspired you!