More Than Just a Pretty Font
The motivational quotes I decided to keep around
Last month, I wrote about my penchant for pretty fonts, how it showed up in my office decor in the form of motivational quotes, and how I edited out a number of sentiments that I've come to understand differently over the years. This week, I'm sharing the ones that are still on the wall.
"You are enough" has a "come as you are" vibe to me. Whoever you are, whatever you are bringing, you are welcome here. You don't need to be anyone else or put on airs or pretend. It's different from "you've got this" to me, in that it doesn't imply action—that you will do/be/win all the things. Instead, it feels like "no matter what" you are worthy and you deserve to be here. Maybe this is a unique spin related to academia1, an environment where it can be common for folks to feel like they don't fit in or belong or have the chops to be there—but I think it's a pretty universal reminder.
"What can I learn?" is a grounding philosophy for me, especially when it comes to personal growth and change. I'm not going to get it right all the time. But instead of dwelling on that thing I said, something I did or didn't do, or how I wish I'd reacted differently, I try to shift my focus to "what lesson is there in the situation"? How can I move forward in this new knowledge and not get stuck in rumination over the thing that didn't go well? I think the "WE" in this one is important as well. Acknowledging our collective work-in-progress-ness also feels like a reminder that everyone deserves a heaping helping of grace.
Not every day is a good day and not every day is a bad day. We aren't always doing well and we're almost never simply feeling one way. We might be tired and joyful or sad and grateful, but I'm going to hazard a guess that we are never just fine. I just really like this reminder about all the vocabulary for the sort of day we're having and the acknowledgment that it's okay to have lots of different sorts of days (a bouquet, as it were). This hangs near "you are enough" which wasn't really intentional, but I think is appropriate. Have whatever day you're having today. Feel what you're feeling. You are welcome.
When I wrote before about all the quotes I've jettisoned, I talked about the fact that these little snippets serve as shorthand for bigger overarching beliefs and philosophies. Like mantras, they help us remember bigger concepts like empathy, and grace for ourselves and others, but they can also be highly personal. Not everything resonates the same way with everyone (see footnote for a counter perspective on "you are enough"). So, I'd love to hear from you! Do you have favorite words up on your walls, on your phone wallpaper, folded up in your wallet?
Beautiful Thing of the Week
One little moment of joy.
I live very close to the historic (and very fancy) Jefferson Hotel. So close that I can easily swing through the lobby on my walk home from work to catch the giant Christmas tree and gingerbread house this time of year.
As a side note: if someone wanted to sell gingerbread cookies next to that house, they'd make good money. It smells delicious, and you truly have to resist the urge to break off a chunk (and yes, I realize it would be super stale, but still...)
Be well, find tiny joy (and your very own meaningful mantras),
Mary Chris
There’s a discussion of “you are enough” in this episode of We Can Do Hard Things that presents a counter perspective to mine (at about 25 minutes in, but the whole episode is really good!)