I hope you are all well. There are a lot of important events going on in the world right now, and I plan to explore these more. Currently I am taking some much needed time away from work. I was supposed to be on vacation and of course, well, you all know why not.
So the next 2 emails from me will be brief(er).
In the meantime, if you're wondering what you can do to support racial justice, I liked this article 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice.
There really is something for everyone, so choose one thing - or more - to do from this list.
And this week's idea is that the ancient Greeks and Romans are the forefathers of coaching, asking questions like what does it mean to lead a good/happy/fulfilling life?
So, I'm sharing 10 inspirational and thought-provoking quotes for you to ponder. And that's it!
Although. I did briefly get distracted when I couldn't find good quotes from women during this time, and grabbed a book called, "Misogyny: The World's Oldest Prejudice" (by a man, thank-you Jack Holland). In it he writes about powerful women in Greece and Rome (and much more).
Needless to say it didn't end well - for the women, or me. No quotes, and an hour later! Still - it's a fascinating book. If you ever wondered how far back #metoo goes, it's on Amazon, Abe Books (or order from your local bookstore)
Here are your 10 Inspiring Quotes from the Ancients:
Which quotes speak to you most?
- "The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled." Plutarch
- "Beware the barrenness of a busy life." Socrates
- "Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." Aristotle
- "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." Seneca
- "What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality." Plutarch
- "Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." Epicurus
- "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." Pericles
- "Day by day, what you choose, what you think and what you do is who you become." Heraclitus
- "Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants." Epictetus
- "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." Aristotle
And if you'd like to go deeper, here are 3 next steps:
As you know, one of the core principles of Fierce Kindness is creating a deep connection with yourself. So:
- Consider which quote:
- Most UNSETTLES you &
- Most RESONATES with you?
- Write out these 2 quotes in your journal and ponder these questions over a quiet cup of tea or coffee:
- WHY do you think you were drawn to them?
- WHAT do you think the quote is trying to say to YOU specifically?
- What are some IDEAS you've been having, of changes you could make in your life - however small?
- To go even deeper, put the 2 quotes somewhere you'll see them often. And then over the next month, make an effort to notice the quotes - and each time you do, ask:
- What is this quote teaching me today/now?
PS. I'm curious - did you like this newsletter? I'm considering a monthly "quotes newsletter" on a topical issue, with questions to ponder. Simply reply and let me know your thoughts!
