A couple of weeks ago I was flicking through instagram and one of the pictures had the caption “Everything is a choice” (I have searched and cannot for the life of me find whose post it was, if you know, or it was you, please let me know so I can give credit). This phrase stuck with me for the rest of the day and really struck a chord with me. I wrote it on the noticeboard in our kitchen to act as a daily reminder and it really helped whenever I was feeling a bit low, or was about to shout at the kids; I would read the quote and choose to feel happier, to lighten up, to speak at a lower volume etc.
Last week hubby decided it was time for some new words of wisdom and replaced them with “stop to smile”. Having this on the board has also helped whenever I have needed a little lift or change of perspective. He then suggested we change the quote/saying/words of wisdom every week and I really like the idea. Once something has been up on the wall for too long you stop noticing it and it begins to lose its power, by changing it every week we always have something fresh to lift our moods or give us a little boost.
It got me thinking that if this helps us, maybe it will help others too, and the idea for this new series was born. Each Monday we will be changing the ‘Words To Live By’ on our board and I will also post about it on here. Some weeks may focus on lifting our mood, others may be about motivation or attitude to life, but all will be directly applicable somewhere in your life.
So, as you have probably guessed from the graphic, this weeks Words To Live By are:
Yes you can
I don’t know how many times a day I say to myself that I can’t do something, whether it be workout a technical problem I’m having on the blog, getting through a certain exercise, coping with kids who are having one of those day (if you’re a parent you know what I mean), starting a new blog series, or a myriad other things. But the truth of the matter is, I can do those things. I just need to have a little more self-confidence, turn off that negative voice in my head and keep moving forward. When I first had the idea to start this series my initial reaction was, ‘I can’t do that’. So this is me putting this weeks words to good use already.
How about you? Do you use quotes or sayings to get you through difficult times? Do you think this series could be useful to you? I’d love to hear any feedback.
It’s amazing, but sometimes that is all it takes. Waht a great series. I look forward to it!
Lisa Pomerantz recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Let’s have fun!
Thank you so much x
Yes yes yes!! I love quotes, you only have to view my pinterest to see how obsessed I am. I love this idea!! Can’t wait to get involved! 🙂 #MarvMondays
Jaki recently posted…My Happy Place, My Guilty Pleasure
Thank you so much, hope you like the series. I’m off the check out your Pinterest now x
Hi! Absolutely love the idea.. I believe that we all need some positive quotes in our lives. They light up the day. So, I will def be on your board every Monday!
Thank you, you’re comment just lit up my day. Hope you enjoy the series x
Great post, love a bit of positivity! It’s so true that you can change the way you are thinking – yes you totally can!!! Jen XOXO
He he, like what you did there 😉. Thank you x
This sounds like a fab idea for a blog series. I think we all need a bit of inspiration and encouragement. I sometimes put quotes on my computer desktop or my phone when I need a bit of a boost #DreamTeam
Lucy At Home recently posted…Panic Stations: It’s Time For Halloween
Putting them on your desktop is a great idea, may have to do that too x
I love this saying… yes you can! I am always saying this to Little Button, and I hope that my words will stick in their when she needs them the most. It’s a great idea of a blog series and I especially love the idea of pinning a quote somewhere in the house where everyone can see it. Thank you for sharing with the #DreamTeam, looking forward to your next post 🙂 xx
annette, 3 recently posted…#DreamTeam Linky 23
Thank you, it’s helping us so far. It just got me through a tough bike workout where I had to keep repeating it myself in a chant because I sooooo wanted to give up. I’m hoping the sayings will rub off on the kids too x
Fab quote, sometimes we just need some short positive statements to keep repeating to ourselves to get through the hard times. I got through labour pretty much by telling myself constantly I could do it, and I did (though I didn’t have much choice haha). Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays. Kaye xo
Ha ha, definitely no going back when in labour, but anything that can help us keep going is always a bonus x
What a brilliant idea, I love this and how it came about. Such a fab phrase to start worth as well, I think I will be joining you in this and adopting a new mantra to get me through and give me perspective! Thank tou for sharing this at #familyfun I look forward to hearing next weeks phrase xx
Tammymum recently posted…#FamilyFun week 5
Thank you so much, I’m really excited about this series and that phrase has definitely pulled me through this week x
This is a great post. Sometimes the words I live by are this: “You’re either going to do it or you’re not.” I heard this from someone a few years ago and it’s true. Replace the “it” with whatever it is you’re feeling stressed about and decide what to do about it. I think the term is a little harsh but sometimes my inner dialogue needs to be tough because that’s when I get things done.
That’s a great one, sometimes you really do need to be blunt about it, and it’s so true. Thank you for sharing x
What a great idea! I think that inspirational phrases are a great way to boost how you are feeling and somehow put a bit of inspiration and determination back into your day. I have to say though that my favourite phrase is ‘Being a person is becoming a bit too complicated. Time to be a unicorn!’. Not really inspirational I guess but always makes me smile! #ablogginggoodtime
Cherry – The Newby Tribe recently posted…Why I Banned Star Wars From My House
Ha ha love it. I saw a girl at Beamish wearing t-shirt that said “always be yourself, unless you can be a unicorn, then always be a unicorn”, made me giggle x
I don’t really use quotes but I like this one and I think I just read Emma over at Islands Livings blog talking about YES I CAN an advert from the paralymics athletes. WHen you put your mind to something its always achieveable! Thanks for linking up to #familyfun.
Karen : TwoTinyHands recently posted…Wearing my Baby – My Story
You’re right, we humans are incredible when we really want to be, it just takes the right frame of mind x
We use quotes or phrases all the time. I love how something catches my attention for a while because it seems very relevant and then I move on. The hope is that it has made its mark. I get these from songs, quotes in books or on the internet. Fab idea for a post series.
Kirsten Toyne recently posted…Have Fun Highlighting Your Children’s Strengths
Thank you, I’m the same, song lyrics are great. I like to keep changing it up to keep it relevant to how I’m feeling or what I’m going through at the time. Every little bit helps x
Ohh I love this idea. I have a few phrases I tend to pick up and repeat like a mantra, they can be random in their origin! For a long time I had the new Disney Cinderella mantra ‘have courage and be kind’ stuck in my head, and one I always seem to go back to for reasons only my brain understands, is one from a book called ‘The Seventh Bride’ by my favourite author T. Kingfisher (real name Ursula Vernon) which goes ‘be bold, be bold, but not too bold.’ lol which I find oddly comforting!
whoops forgot! #momsterlink haha
Claire recently posted…Guest Post – Fun Ways To Teach Your Kids Road Safety Rules
I love it when you find a mantra from a song/film/book, something that really speaks to you, and it’s amazing the impact they can have on your life. Love both your quotes, thank you for sharing x
I love the idea of a nice board!!! I look forward to seeing each week’s message.
Thanks for linking up with #momsterslink and I hope I’m doing justice as the guest host!
Heather Keet recently posted…Momsterslink ~ October 6, 2016
Thank you. Hope you enjoy the series, and you are doing a fab job guest hosting x
Yes I can! I CAN make dinner…I CAN finish the laundry…I CAN do homework, sports, baths and bedtime.
I CAN be nice to my husband…nope not that one today 😉
Kristin McCarthy recently posted…Things That Run My Day…And Ruin My Day
Ha ha, poor hubby. We all have our limits x
I love positive affirmations and this one is really close to my personal favourite – If you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re probably right.
Great idea for a series! I’ll look forward to your next post! #momsterslink
Thank you. That’s one of my favourite quotes too and it’s so right x
Mine is “when you learn, teach; when you get, give.” Maya Angelou. ‘nuf said.
This is beautiful. There are so many inspiring Maya Angelou quotes x
I often find myself latching on to a certain quote to get me through a difficult time, or spur me on. for a long time it was ‘ this too shall pass’, now its ‘to thine own self be true’ #ablogginggoodtime
Both great quotes, thanks for sharing x
What a wonderful idea! I completely agree, it’s so easy to overlook things when they’ve been there a while, but refreshing the quote regularly will keep the impact. I think we all need that little push to get ourselves doing things sometimes, and little things like this really help. Thanks so much for joining us again at #SharingtheBlogLove
Thank you so much. It’s really been helping us so I’m hoping it will help others too x
What a great idea and look forward to reading more of them #picknmix
Thank you, hope you enjoy the series x
I love this idea, I do love a motivational quote. So inspiring! #KCACOLS
Thank you so much x
This is such an important thing to do, when you start adding words of wisdom and affirmations it completely changes your mindset and inner dialogue. It really does open your mind and suddenly you start feeling like a better person! Thanks so much for linking up to #kcacols we hope to see you back again soon!
Kat recently posted…My Favourite Movies – #Blogtober16
Thank you, it really does help you push through those moments that are sent to test us x
This is fab and I need to be reminded of this at the moment – I am in a new job and just constantly self-doubting myself. I am going to remember this this week – I can do this!! #picknmix
Bridie By The Sea recently posted…Triple Chocolate Cookies with Butterkist
So glad I’ve helped inspire you x And you’re right, you can do this! X
Love it! So simple, so easy, and very true! #momsterslink
Lisa Pomerantz recently posted…Reblog: 10 Ways to Express Gratitude
Thank you, glad you liked it x
I think I need to start saying “yes you can” to myself a bit more. I write myself off before I’ve even started far too often! One of my favourite phrases is “She believed she could so she did”, it always motivates me to believe in myself! #KCACOLS
The Speed Bump recently posted…I Can’t Live Without: #Blogtober16
I think we all do to some extent when we really shouldn’t, I know I’m certainly guilty of it. I love that quote too, thanks for sharing x
Hi Alana, I do like to read quotes that are positive, uplift or just make me happy. I love the idea of writing words to live by on a board. I may just start doing it on our tatty old blackboard in the kitchen. It’s a great idea!
xx
Thank you, glad I’ve inspired you to do your own x
What a wonderful idea! Your right you do need to change it as you stop looking at things the same, they just become the new normal. Thanks for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove X
Laura – dear bear and beany recently posted…Living Arrows 41/52
Thank you, changing it up is definitely the key x
Positive reinforcement is good – and sometimes it’s good to say it out loud too. Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
So true, we often repeat it to each other when we see that the other needs it. I also repeated it to myself over and over while on the exercise bike and wanting to give in, did the trick!
Love these words and they go well together with one of my favorite quotes “We only regret the chances we didn’t take” #KCACOLS
Thank you, I love that quote too x
Love this and the idea of having a different quote each week. There’s one I really like that’s similar- I can’t remember it exactly or who said it but it’s something like “you can and you will”. #kcacols
Nicole | The Professional Mom Project recently posted…Why is it so Difficult to Put Myself First?
Thank you, I love that kind of empowering quote x
I love the ‘yes you can’, ‘everything is a choice’ – not so much. Sadly the worst things in life don’t involve choice. Yes you can makes me smile though, I could happily interpret it as ‘yes you can eat all that chocolate and still pretend you’re on a diet’ though ….
Thanks for linking up to #PicknMix
Stevie x
A Cornish Mum recently posted…Making Healthy Happy For Children
Ha ha, yes that is a great way to interpret it! For the choice one I took it as more that yes things happen beyond your control but how you react to/deal with it is a choice. It helped me with how I was reacting to certain behaviours from the children. Not all quotes work for everyone though, it needs to be something that resonates with you on a personal level for it to have any effect x
They’re great words! I think it’s a brilliant idea to keep changing them too. I look forward to seeing your future words. 🙂
Thanks for linking to #pocolo
Morgan Prince recently posted…Post Comment Love 14th – 16th October
Thank you, I think changing them is definitely the key to getting the most out of it x