The Art of Daily Quoting
If you're anything like me, Finnegan, a guy who finds himself juggling between the busy dad life (shoutout to Elvin and Nathaniel, the best little rascals a dad could hope for), as well as being a devoted pet parent (the ever-charming Maximus and the sassy Lulu would surely agree), then you know that a little motivation can go a long way. Ah, daily quotes, those little nuggets of wisdom, reminders of purpose, or just plain sparks of positivity are magical. Here's why I believe integrating daily quotes into our lives is an art in itself.
Why an art, you ask? That's simple. An art form has a way of eliciting a myriad of emotions, feelings, and thoughts, just like the way a powerful quote can. A potent quote can resonate with your feelings, strike a chord with your experiences, or even shove you towards your goals. No wonder then that on any given day, my quotes app is workin' harder than my kettle! And, being into typography, I find great joy in writing these down in artistic letters on paper and placing them around the house, much to Nathaniel's amusement and Elvin's bafflement. But that's a story for another time.
Quotes: More Than Words. They're Fuel
Ever found yourself lost in the maze of life, unsure of which path to take or what step to make? I have. More than once, too. But guess what served as my torchlight each time, without fail? You got it - quotes. No, they didn't provide a solution, but most times, they offered perspective - which, in my humble opinion, is even better.
For instance, whenever I feel overwhelmed with tasks, there's this little gem by Robert Brault that comes to my rescue: "Try to discover the road to success and you'll seek but never find, but blaze your trail and the road to success will trail right behind." It kind of reminds me that it's okay to chart my own course instead of following someone else's blueprint.
Our Morning Conversations - Me, My Kids... and the Quotes
Elvin, Nathaniel, and I have this unique morning routine - reading quotes. We have this 'quote jar' from which we pick a random quote each morning. They span topics from positivity, perseverance, humility, love - you name it. We read those aloud and discuss what we think they mean. It's amazing to hear their interpretations - Nathaniel's usually literal, while Elvin's tend to be more abstract.
Strengthening Bonds Through Shared Love of Quotes
It's not just me and the kids who indulge in daily doses of motivation. Maximus, my Golden Retriever, has a favorite quote too. Yep, you heard it right! Although he can't read (or can he?), I believe he understands when I read from Jack London's 'The Call of the Wild': "He was a killer, a thing that preyed, living on the things that lived, unaided, alone, by virtue of his own strength and prowess." Nothing brings a sparkle to his eyes quite like this line does.
The Quotes that Guard our House
All around our house, you'll find quotes. They're in frames in the living room, on the fridge door, on top of Maximus's bed, even in Lulu, our Siamese cat's, favorite corner (Don't let that indifferent look fool you, she appreciates the good literature). Each of them serves a purpose - like the "Every home is a castle" quote in our living room that reminds us of our dwelling's sanctity, or the "Don't forget to be awesome!" on the bathroom mirror that helps us start our day with a positive affirmation.
The Power and Place of Digital Quotes
Moving on to the digital world, it's no surprise that quotes have moved from ink and paper to smartphones and social media profiles. Quotes apps, Instagram feeds filled with motivational and positive quotes are a testament to their popularity and impact. Why, even my late-night Twitter binges somehow point towards a quotes thread. Why do we gravitate towards them? Maybe because they help us make sense of the chaos that is human life.
Quotes as Our Extended Vocabulary
Another reason why I love quotes – they've become an extended vocabulary for me. When I fumble for words, especially while trying to comfort, encourage or inspire, quotes serve as handy tools. During Nathaniel's soccer tournaments or when Elvin is prepping for a school project, the right quote delivered at the right moment often makes all the difference.
Quoting for a Better Tomorrow
Quotes, for me, aren't just fragments of wisdom floating around, but a habit I've cultivated - a habit that's made me a learner, a teacher, and often, even a philosopher. They've brightened up my days, challenged my beliefs, and even held a mirror to my actions. Embracing the art of daily quoting has, in many ways, reshaped my life. I hope this little foray into my world of daily quotes has inspired you to explore the power of these magical encapsulations of wisdom. After all, as Bernard Baruch once said, "Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was the one who asked why."
about author Finnegan McArthur
As an expert in education and employment, I am passionate about bridging the gap between learning and the workforce. With a background in teaching and career coaching, my goal is to inspire and empower individuals to achieve their full potential. I enjoy writing about various topics in education, including innovative teaching methods, career development, and the ever-evolving job market. Through my writing, I hope to make a positive impact by helping others navigate the complex world of education and employment.