Quotes for Encouraging and Empowering Yourself!
I would like to share with you many quotes and other things that may support us during challenging times.
Sometimes it can be hard to get going when it comes to motivating, encouraging and empowering ourselves. We dont know where to begin, or do not feel we have the opportunity to become empowered. I hope the contents of this thread will help you along, in order to inspire you! 
As you push ahead in the pursuit of your dreams, always stop to celebrate that you are beyond where you were previously. - Bidemi Mark-Mordi.
?I used to spend so much time reacting and responding to everyone else that my life had no direction. Other people's lives, problems, and wants set the course for my life. Once I realized it was okay for me to think about and identify what I wanted, remarkable things began to take place in my life.? - Melody Beattie.
?Using Our Practical Wisdom? by Barry Schwartz. [Subtitles available in 32 languages].
? In an intimate talk, Barry Schwartz dives into the question "How do we do the right thing?" With help from collaborator Kenneth Sharpe, he shares stories that illustrate the difference between following the rules and truly choosing wisely.
?We can't be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don't have something better.? - C. JoyBell C.
In her writings, Mother Teresa talks often about the enormouspowerofsmiling(perGoodreads.com):
Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.
Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. ? kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.
I will never understand all the good that a simple smile can accomplish.?
Peace begins with a smile ?
Let us make one point, that we meet each other with a smile, when it is difficult to smile.
A biographer notesthat Mother Teresa believed strongly in the power of a smile. When a friend was suffering, Mother Teresa promised that she woulddo "a little extra praying and smiling"for her friend. B. Kolodiejchuk, Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light
Wow. There was a woman who understood the power of a smile!
?Plug Into Your Hard-wired Happiness? by Srikumar Rao.
? We all strive for happiness ? but we spend most of our lives learning to be unhappy, says Srikumar Rao. In this practical talk, he teaches how to break free of the "I'd be happy if ..." mental model, and embrace our hard-wired happiness.
?Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.? - Anne Lamott.
?The 3 As of Awesome? by Neil Pasricha [Subtitles available in 36 languages].
? Neil Pasricha's blog 1000 Awesome Things savors life's simple pleasures, from free refills to clean sheets. In this heartfelt talk, he reveals the 3 secrets (all starting with A) to leading a life that's truly awesome.
I was smiling yesterday, i am smiling today, and i will smile tomorrow. It is simply...because life is too short to cry for anything that is worthless!!