Radiating Joy: 15 Quotes that Illuminate Your Path to Happiness
To brighten your day and uplift your spirits, we asked fifteen professionals, including Agony Aunts and Communications Managers, to share their favorite quotes. From embracing problems with optimism to finding good in every day, discover the words of wisdom that never fail to bring a smile to their faces.
- Embrace Problems with Optimism
- Action Over Sympathy
- Success as a Journey
- Passion Leads to Great Work
- Self-Made Happiness
- Self-Knowledge Fosters Forgiveness
- Welcome Life’s Unexpected Moments
- Disappointments as Opportunities
- Individual Impact Matters
- Create Your Own Future
- Learning from Mistakes
- Difficulties as Opportunities
- Love Your Individuality
- Cherish the Present Moment
- Find Good in Every Day
Embrace Problems with Optimism
“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” – Duke Ellington.
Some people try to duck and dive, avoiding confrontation, conflict, decision-making, and problems. But if you see them as something to conquer and tell yourself that you can do it, face it with dignity and confidence, you will learn not to fear anything. You have a perfect life when you avoid as many problems as possible, but square up to those you need to face without feeling anxious.
Honest Holly
Agony Aunt, Agony Aunt Letters
Action Over Sympathy
“An ounce of action is worth a ton of sympathy.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
I work as a psychic and tarot-card reader and get a lot of clients consulting me who want to complain about their cheating, abusive boyfriends or go on and on about their terrible lives. What they cannot see is that they need to do something about it.
I can sympathize with them over and over again, but if they choose to stay with their violent or abusive men, they will always be unhappy. I will advise them on what they should do, but very often, they make excuses not to and continue living their miserable lives instead. We only have one life; don’t waste it.
Coral Bailey, Web Clairvoyant Psychic, Psychics
Success as a Journey
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
Through hard work and sacrifice, I finally got to a point in my career where things were just really, really good. Things were so good that I began to take my temporary success for granted. It was like I was “coasting.” I had a team of good people on my staff. I had finally “made it.”
However, as Churchill said, “Success is not final.” Within a few years, competitors had taken a lot of market share. Profit was down, and growth was nonexistent. It took me years to recover. The Churchill quote constantly reminds me that success is a journey, not a destination, and the challenges along the way are the things that make the success more satisfying.
Doug Staneart
CEO, Fearless Presentations
Passion Leads to Great Work
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs.
This quote reminds me of the importance of passion and enthusiasm in our endeavors. When I think about this quote, it reminds me to focus on doing things I love and am passionate about, which, in turn, can have a positive impact on my mood and motivation. It serves as a reminder that pursuing our passions and enjoying our work can lead to greater satisfaction and a more positive outlook on life.
Your work will take up a significant portion of your life, and the only way to truly be fulfilled is to produce what you consider to be outstanding work. Doing outstanding work is only possible if you enjoy what you do. Loving what you do is the best approach to accomplish anything because it is easy to give up and lose focus when one lacks drive and enthusiasm. It takes enthusiasm and a strong desire to start. It is challenging to even start the process without them.
Joe Li
Managing Director, CheckYa
Self-Made Happiness
“Happiness is not something that comes ready-made.” – Dalai Lama
Absolutely! A particular favorite quotation of mine is, “In my journey through life, I’ve learned that happiness isn’t something ready-made. It comes from my own actions.” This serves as a daily reminder that I have the ability to shape my own happiness. It has been a guiding principle in my life over the years.
When faced with difficulties, I recall this saying, which reinforces my view that a positive attitude and deliberate efforts can brighten even the darkest days. It gives me the ability to take control of my well-being and discover joy in the simplest of times, which is a source of lasting optimism in my life.
Nilesh Rakholia
Director, Abelini
Self-Knowledge Fosters Forgiveness
“The more you know yourself, the more you forgive yourself.” – Confucius.
This quote always raises my spirits, as it highlights that personal development, advancement, and improvement encourage you to forgive yourself for past failures. It doesn’t turn you into a harsher self-critic. When personal development is done properly, you look back at your undeveloped self and think, “Yes, obviously I failed; I had no idea what I was doing,” recognizing that failure is just part of the process.
Historically, I would dwell on past failures and chastise myself for falling short, but as I learn more about myself and my development needs, I find myself letting go. Naturally, failure should be expected when you are new and inexperienced; it isn’t a reflection on your character or overall worth. Instead, I simply look back on failures and recognize them for what they are: stepping stones along the path, nothing to be ashamed of.
Ben Schwencke
Business Psychologist, Test Partnership
Welcome Life’s Unexpected Moments
“Happy little accidents.” – Bob Ross
There’s a very strong chance you know who said it. Bob Ross was an incredible influence during younger years. Never into art, but could watch that passionate man talk about life for hours. His catchphrase, “happy little accidents,” is how life is lived, and it has led to many experiences that will be taken to the grave.
It highlights that nothing is final, and it’s all part of the winding path of life.
Chris Stott
Director, Seven Marketing
Disappointments as Opportunities
“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” – Dalai Lama
Whenever disappointments arise, reciting his wise words helps me shift perspective. I recall all the times when something I desired deeply wouldn’t have led to happiness, or when an unexpected outcome opened new, better paths.
This quote reminds me that life has a way of working out, even if not how I envisioned it. It replaces frustration with faith that there are deeper forces guiding me positively. Suddenly, the change doesn’t feel so unlucky after all.
By transforming my mindset from scarcity to abundance, this simple line never fails to lift my spirits. It reconnects me to gratitude and possibility. I’m able to move forward with optimism rather than dwelling on what might have been.
These inspirational words have truly energized me through all of life’s twists and turns.
Ankit Prakash
Founder, Sprout24
Individual Impact Matters
“Even a small star shines in the darkness.” – Finnish Proverb
This Finnish proverb is loved because it encapsulates the idea that everyone can make a difference, no matter how small they are. Sometimes, the actions taken to make the world a better place seem hopeless when everyone around seems to be doing the opposite.
Remembering that even the actions done by one person can have an impact is reassuring and motivating. It can help to believe again that what is done makes sense, and to find meaning in life.
Maja Kowalska
Community Manager, Zety
Create Your Own Future
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
This quote gives me power by stressing the importance of foresight and intention in determining my destiny. It improves my attitude by instilling a sense of control and hope. It reminds me that I have the ability to control my future and work towards my goals. When I think about this quote, it gives me hope and motivation to achieve my goals and dreams.
Tiffany Hafler
Marketing Manager, FORTIS Medical Billing
Learning from Mistakes
“It could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others.” – Ashleigh Brilliant
This is a quote that brings a smile to my face. At first, it may seem insulting. Who wants to be seen as a walking mistake to others? But once you accept that we all make a myriad of mistakes every day, it can actually be quite empowering.
I often feel like I’m always falling flat on my face with every new effort I try. But the satisfaction when I finally do succeed is immense. Telling the story of your own success can seem conceited—but if the story begins with a lot of mistakes that others can relate to, you run the risk of being relatable, and that’s how you truly help someone. How you choose to tell your story is up to you. Just don’t be afraid to let others learn from your mistake—you never know who needs to hear it.
Chad Davis
Writer, Editor, Content Marketer, team-building.org
Difficulties as Opportunities
“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
The words of Albert Einstein remind me that obstacles and setbacks are not dead ends, but rather learning opportunities. When faced with misfortune, remembering this saying helps me change my viewpoint. It affects my mood by transforming irritation or disappointment into curiosity and resolve. It motivates me to discover answers and to view barriers as stepping-stones toward my objectives.
Timothy Allen
Sr. Corporate Investigator, Corporate Investigation Consulting
Love Your Individuality
“Today you are you. That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.” – Dr. Seuss
This quote by Dr. Seuss reminds me of the importance of being authentic and embracing my unique self. It encourages self-acceptance and self-love. Whenever I read or think about this quote, it has a positive impact on my mood by reminding me that I am valuable just as I am, and that’s something to celebrate. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder to be confident in my individuality and to appreciate the uniqueness of others as well.
Harsh Verma
SEO Head, CodeDesign
Cherish the Present Moment
“Life is short, smile while you still have teeth!” – Mallory Hopkins
It’s a humorous reminder to cherish the present moment and find joy in the little things. Every time it’s read, it not only brings a chuckle but also a renewed perspective on life’s transient nature. It encourages one to let go of heavy burdens and embrace laughter, ensuring that the days are light-hearted and full of joy.
David Bui
Director and Business Specialist, Schmicko
Find Good in Every Day
“Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.” – Earle, Alice Morse
This quote inspires me to find beauty and positivity even on the most challenging of days. It influences my mood by encouraging thankfulness and awareness. When I concentrate on the positive aspects of each day, no matter how minor, it lifts my spirits and reminds me to cherish the tiny pleasures in life. It motivates me to cultivate a more positive attitude.
Gerrid Smith
Communications Manager, Texas Property Tax Loan Pros
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