Spring Tulips at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Boylston, Massachusetts, May 2022
"There are always flowers for those who want to see them." -Henri Matisse
I love inspirational quotes. I see them everywhere - on t-shirts, posters, and coffee mugs. They are of course all over the internet - especially on Instagram, or just a click away on Google, searchable by every category imaginable.
When I come across a quote that resonates, I often jot it down on my phone, or in a special journal set aside just for that purpose. It's interesting to review the journal periodically to see certain themes emerge from different stages of life.
I am clearly not alone in my love of quotes. I often exchange them with friends, who are equally drawn to the messages. But why? Why do so many of us gravitate to inspirational quotes?
For me - the right quote at the right time can somehow make me feel connected. Maybe not directly to the famous person who has been quoted, but the right words can make me realize I am not alone in certain thoughts or feelings. That can be a huge comfort. Many quotes convey a powerful message with just a few well selected words; a message that may be otherwise hard to articulate.
As I mentioned in my very first blog post, it’s more important than ever to find ways to stay connected. The intention behind Grace Notes greeting cards is exactly that: to provide cards that might inspire connection - either for a special occasion, or for no reason at all.
Grace Notes cards are blank on the inside, to allow space for a personal message for a friend or loved one. But sometimes finding the right words can be tricky. Sometimes it can even prevent us from actually getting around to sending a note. If it takes too much time to find the right words, or if we worry about saying the wrong thing, it can be easier to put it off. Or not do it at all.
When I struggle to find the right words for a card (which is a lot!) I find myself dipping into my quote journal. If I use a quote (referencing the author, of course…), even though the opening words may not be my own, at least it gets things started. The words usually flow from there, so I can then complete and send the message. Which is really the most important thing.
Not surprisingly, many of my favorite quotes - like the one at the top of this blog post - are flower-themed. But not always. When reviewing my quote journal recently, this one jumped out:
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving forward." - Albert Einstein
So true, right?
What are some of your favorite quotes?