One quote that resonates deeply with me is: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Will Durant, summarizing Aristotle’s ideas.
If I were to craft a quote inspired by that, it might be:
“True greatness is built in the quiet moments—woven from small, consistent efforts when no one is watching. Be intentional with your habits, and excellence will follow.”
Would you like a quote with a different tone—perhaps something about perseverance, creativity, or wisdom?
Title: The One Quote That Lights Up My Life (And Might Just Change Yours Too)
😄 Let’s Talk About Words That Stick—And Why They Matter
We’ve all got those little mantras, right? The phrases that pop into our heads when we’re stuck in traffic, facing a tough decision, or celebrating a tiny victory. Maybe it’s something your grandma said while baking cookies, a line from a movie that made you cry, or a quote you stumbled on at 2 a.m. while doomscrolling. For me, it’s this gem:
“This too shall pass.”
Four words. Four syllables. A lifetime of meaning.
Let me tell you why this quote isn’t just a bumper sticker slogan to me—it’s my emotional Swiss Army knife, my compass in chaos, and the warm hug I need when life feels like a rollercoaster stuck upside down. Grab a coffee (or tea, no judgment!), and let’s dive into why these words might just resonate with you too.
Chapter 1: The Day I Met My Quote (Spoiler: It Wasn’t Love at First Sight)
Picture this: I’m 22, fresh out of college, and convinced I’ve got life figured out. Then, plot twist—I’m laid off from my first “real” job three months in. Cue the melodrama: I’m sprawled on my couch, eating cold pizza, and Googling “how to survive adulthood without losing your mind.”
That’s when my mom calls. Now, my mom is the kind of person who finds life lessons in burnt toast, so of course she hits me with: “Honey, remember—this too shall pass.”
Ugh. At the time, it felt like a Hallmark card response to a crisis. I wanted rage, validation, maybe a little righteous indignation! But she just repeated it, softer: “This. Too. Shall. Pass.”
And you know what? She was right.
A month later, I landed a job that actually aligned with my passions. The panic faded. The couch regained its dignity. And that quote? It stuck like glitter on a birthday card.
Chapter 2: The Surprising History of “This Too Shall Pass” (It’s Older Than Your Great-Great-Great-Grandma)
Turns out, my mom didn’t invent this wisdom (shocking, I know!). The phrase has roots in Persian poetry, ancient folklore, and even Abraham Lincoln’s speeches. Legend says a king once asked his advisors for a ring inscribed with words that could make him happy when sad and humble when triumphant. They gave him: “This too shall pass.”
Mind. Blown.
Think about it: thousands of years ago, people were grappling with the same emotional whiplash we face today. Loss, joy, uncertainty, triumph—they all fade. The impermanence of life isn’t a bug; it’s a feature. And that’s weirdly comforting.
Chapter 3: Why This Quote Works Like Magic (Even When Life Feels Like a Dumpster Fire)
Let’s break down why these four words are my go-to for everything from spilled coffee to existential dread:
1. It’s a Reality Check for Tough Times
When I’m knee-deep in a crisis—a missed deadline, a fight with a friend, a global pandemic (no big deal)—the quote whispers: “Hey, this isn’t forever.” It doesn’t minimize the pain; it just reminds me that pain isn’t permanent.
Example: Last year, my dog, Luna, got sick. For weeks, I felt like I was drowning in vet bills and worry. But repeating “this too shall pass” didn’t cure her—it cured me. It let me breathe, focus on loving her, and trust that whatever happened, I’d find a way through.
2. It Keeps Joy Sacred
Wait, a quote about impermanence… for happy moments? Absolutely! When I’m laughing with friends or watching a sunset, the phrase nudges me: “Soak this up. It won’t last.” It’s a permission slip to be fully present.
3. It’s a Antidote to Overthinking
My brain loves to catastrophize. “What if I fail? What if they hate me? What if I’m actually a robot?” But “this too shall pass” cuts through the noise. It’s the equivalent of saying, “Girl, in five years, will this even matter?” (Spoiler: Probably not.)
Chapter 4: Real-Life Ways to Wear This Quote Like a Superpower Cape
You don’t need to tattoo it on your forearm (unless you want to—you do you!). Here’s how I weave this mantra into daily life:
- Morning Ritual: I write it on my bathroom mirror with a dry-erase marker. It’s harder to dread Monday meetings when you’re brushing your teeth next to ancient wisdom.
- Bad Day Backup: When my train’s delayed again, I mutter it like a spell. Bonus points for dramatic sighing.
- Gratitude Boost: During peak happiness—a promotion, a reunion, a perfectly crispy french fry—I pause and think it. It turns fleeting joy into mindful celebration.
Chapter 5: But Wait—Is It Too Cheesy? (Spoiler: Nope, Here’s Why)
I get it. On paper, “this too shall pass” sounds like a fortune cookie fused with a yoga instructor’s Instagram caption. But its power isn’t in originality; it’s in repetition. The more you use it, the more it becomes a reflex—a brain hack to reset your perspective.
Critics might say, “But what if ‘this’ doesn’t pass? What about chronic illness or systemic injustice?” Fair. The quote isn’t a cure-all. It’s a perspective shift. Even in ongoing struggles, remembering impermanence can fuel resilience. As civil rights activist Congressman John Lewis said: “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. […] The truth does not change, and that is why the answers worked out long ago can help you find solutions to the challenges of our time.”
Chapter 6: Your Turn! What’s Your Quote?
Now, I’d love to hear from YOU. What words do you cling to? Maybe it’s:
- “No rain, no flowers.”
- “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
- “Just keep swimming.”
- Or something your weird Uncle Joe says, like “Never trust a squirrel with a briefcase.” (No judgment!)
Drop your quote in the comments—let’s build a treasure chest of wisdom together!
Final Thoughts: Why Quotes Matter More Than Ever
In a world that’s loud, fast, and often exhausting, these little s
nippets of clarity are lifelines. They’re proof that we’re not alone in our struggles or our joys. Someone, somewhere, felt exactly what we’re feeling—and they left us a breadcrumb trail of hope.
So whether it’s “this too shall pass,” “carpe diem,” or “don’t forget to hydrate,” hold onto the words that make your soul nod. Repeat them like a prayer. Write them on sticky notes. Yell them into the void.
Because life? It’s a wild, messy, beautiful ride. And sometimes, all we need is a few good words to remind us: We’ve got this.
Now go forth, quote warrior. Your mantra awaits. 🌟
P.S. If this post resonated, share it with someone who needs a pep talk today. And remember—this too shall pass. (But also, drink water and pet a dog if possible.) 😊
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