Positive Messages

from Rachel:

Here are some of my favorite quotes that inspire me when I read them and I thought I could share them with others. Before any big soccer tournament, I always send out a mass text message to my whole team with an inspirational quote to get everyone excited...

"Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is."

"They can because they think they can."

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."

"First say to yourself what you would be, and then do what you have to do."

"To win without risk is to triumph without glory"

"Sports do not build character, they reveal it." –John Wooden

"The best and fastest way to learn a sport is to watch and imitate a champion." –Jean Claude Killy

"Losers visualize the penalties of failure, but winners visualize the rewards of success." –Rod Gilbert

"Fall seven times, stand up eight."

Begin It: Inspiration for pursuing your Dreams
by Julie Mitzel:

Julie is a student at San Diego State University earning a degree in Comparative Literature. She has run a marathon, played saxophone in her high school marching band, performed for the Pope! and enjoys writing, spirituality, dancing and all kinds of music.

Julie smiles and snuggles up to her son, Connor.

When I was very little, I used to talk to imaginary friends. I was teased a lot about doing it, but my mother just said I was very imaginative. When I was six Dr. Seuss became my favorite author, and when I turned seven I decided I wanted to be a writer. All through grammar school and high school I enjoyed my writing assignments and exercised my imagination coming up with different stories and poems.

My problem was that I expected my writing attempts to be as polished and professional as the authors whose books I buried my nose in. When my writing didn’t seem as good as theirs, I became very critical of myself and very discouraged. It didn’t matter to me that my friends liked my writing since I didn’t like it.

Nowadays I work hard at letting go of any negative self-talk and keep myself inspired with books, affirmations, and quotes. Here are a few things that help me to believe in myself and to always move forward.

Anne of Green Gables
If you haven’t read this book by L.M. Montgomery, I highly recommend it, along with the rest of the Anne series. Anne is an imaginative, dreamy girl who frequently makes mistakes. What she finds to encourage herself is the fact that she never makes the same mistake twice and that there has to be a limit to the number of mistakes she can make. When problems and uncertainty come into her life, she is positive and hopeful, choosing to see the gifts she has to be thankful for. Thinking of Anne helps me to remember that every day is a new day with no mistakes in it yet. Her story helps me to remember to focus on today, on what I can do right now to make my dreams come true.

Protector of the Small
This is a series of four novels by Tamora Pierce set in the imaginary medieval kingdom of Tortall. The main character is Keladry, who happens to be the first girl allowed to enter the training program to become a page and eventually a knight. Keladry is tall and strong, but the Training Master, Lord Wyldon, tells her that combat is not woman’s work. Keladry faces a lot of adversity as she pursues her dream of being a knight. This series of books inspires me to persevere, to believe in myself, and to stay committed to working towards my dreams even when others tell me I can’t do what I want to do.

“Begin it”
Sometimes when I have a goal or a project to do, I can get overwhelmed if I think of everything that has to be done. I’ve finally learned that if I just start, even if I don’t have a complete plan, everything gradually gets accomplished. Often, for me, the hardest part is just taking the first step, whether I have to write a paper for school, apply to college, or just get my chores done. Last week, when I was so tired and didn’t know where to start on my next project, I remembered a quote by John Anster, “What you can do, or dream you can do, begin it; Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.” When I feel stuck, simply saying to myself, “Begin it” helps me to get the ball rolling on whatever project awaits.

Julie poses with her new sister-in-law, Miriam, on her wedding day.

What is your dream? Have you tried to do it, but not been perfect at it? Let every moment be new—let go of mistakes. Look around with fresh eyes for what you have to be thankful for. Believe in yourself and your dream, and don’t listen to people who say you can’t do it. Be bold and start working towards what you want. Even if it seems too big or too hard. Begin it!

from Natalie:

"Work hard today, ladies. Envision yourself catching that midfield pass, checking that stick, scooping up that ground ball, taking that shot...winning this game. You are capable of greatness, ladies. Believe in yourselves. Believe in one another. Dream big today, ladies." —My Lacrosse Coach Natalie Philpot

My lacrosse coach emailed this to our team before our last game. She inspires us to not limit ourselves, but to dream big and believe that we can achieve anything we really want to accomplish. We must see ourselves winning before we can win.

"Don't worry about your grades and your looks. Worry about the person you are becoming." —My mom

In a world today that puts so much pressure on success, materialism, and appearances, my mom's words really strike a chord in me because they emphasize the importance of being a better person, not getting a better grade or looking prettier than other people. What matters in the long run is that you grow in character, in strength, and in individuality.

"You must be present to win." —My math teacher, Mr. Barth

Although this seems to be a very simple saying, to me, it is just a reminder that commitment and dedication are important. Giving up may be the easy way out, but showing up and trying your best is what matters.

"You've got to take the initiative and play your game. In a decisive set, confidence is the difference." —Chris Evert

Chris Evert was a female tennis player who won many titles and championships. What this message says to me is that we, as individuals, have the power to make changes and decisive action; we cannot be passive but must take control of our own lives.

"Pump, pump, pump it up!" —Lacrosse team chant

This is just an energizing saying that always invigorates me and reminds me how sports is not all just skill, but enthusiasm, spirit, and team unity as well. It reminds me to play my best and be happy about the game no matter what the outcome.

from Lisa:

You can do anything you put your mind to: Set a Goal. Think about your goal. Write about it. Talk about it. Go after it each day. You can do it!

You have the power to be still. While nerves, anger, or emotions are taking over—say STOP! to yourself. Then take 10 slow deep breaths. No one has more power over your mind than you.

A bad day is just a day. It’s not a week, a month, or a year. And it’s certainly not your life. So relax! A bad day also allows you to be humble because none of us are perfect. So chill out, shrug your shoulders. Instead, think positive—tell yourself, Tomorrow will be better.