I have a weird obsession with quotes. Maybe it's some English major thing where I like the way people put together words and play with their meanings, but I have a file on my computer where I save quotes that I particularly like and over the years there's probably at least a hundred little sayings in that folder. I have quotes on my walls, on the background of my computer, on my phone. I like to look at a few a day just because. I think the way certain authors/famous politicians/other quotable human beings arrange words and explain feelings that are otherwise difficult to put into words is beautiful and fascinating. So for this post, I wanted to share a few quotes I particularly like:
"the cure for anything is salt water. sweat, tears, or the ocean."
This quote has been hanging above my bed for the past three years of my life. I'm not exactly sure why I find it so great or special, but for some reason this quote rings true to me. Perhaps because when something is bothering me, I tend cope with a good cry or an intense workout in order to make myself feel better. And I love the ocean. Even just thinking about the beach and the waves and the variety of blues has a calming effect on me. I have this exact poster in my room, and I think the picture goes perfectly with the quote.
"And you were just like the moon, so lonely, so full of imperfections, but just like the moon, you shined in times of darkness."
This quote about the moon is sort of my version of a cheesy inspirational quote. It's a little more subtle way of saying "make the best out of whatever situation you are given". I can relate more to the moon as a metaphor for positivity than the typical sun analogy because I'm not naturally a super positive or bubbly person who radiates happiness. So I like the idea of the moon. The moon is a perfect way to encapsulate one's ability to have strength in tough times, because it does indeed shine in times of darkness. I think one of the most admirable traits a person can have is the ability to see positives in a negative and have the strength to make a change and take control of their life. I'm the kind of person who tends to just throw my hands up in the air and think "why me?" instead of taking an active role in my own life. I usually drive myself crazy by wallowing in self pity and dwelling when I'm sad, but this quote makes me realize how ridiculous and self destructive I'm being. I find this quote much more relatable and empowering than when strangers tell me to "cheer up", or worse, to smile.
"Compassion is not religious business, it is human business, it is not luxury, it is essential for our own peace and mental stability, it is essential for human survival."
My mediation teacher of a mother would be proud that I put a quote from the Dalai Lama on my blog. But I do firmly believe in this quote; open-mindedness and compassion are both qualities I try to have, and deeply admire in others. I would consider myself agnostic, but very open to learning about a variety of religions. I'm just putting off figuring out my spirituality/lack of until I'm middle-aged and have nothing better to do than sit around pondering life. In our lifetime, I think it's really important to absorb as much information as we can and learn about people whose viewpoints and outlooks on life differ from our own. I totally agree that compassion is not solely a religious business; in fact, I would say that compassion is similar to a religion to me. I believe that caring for others deeply is one of the most rewarding experiences humans can have.