I am hesitant to write this post; quotes are just so cheesy.

Then again, there’s nothing quite like stumbling upon the words that seem to be written across your very heart.

Without further ado, I want to share four quotes that have influenced my life and my leadership in the hope that they may do the same for you.

“Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. People are complicated.”

Oscar Wilde

This quote reminds me to avoid judging others too quickly. And to avoid judging myself too harshly.

Sometimes, we don’t make the best choices. And at other times, we seem to make the most difficult choices with ease and little fanfare.

I like this reminder that we are all doing the best that we can.

“The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.”

William James

How often do we forget this principle in our interaction with others?

Appreciation goes a long way, not only to build and foster our relationships, but also to connect to the kindest part of ourselves.

“I wake up each morning unsure of whether I want to savor the world or save the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.”

E.B White

Each day, we need to take those moments to savor and enjoy ourselves, to feel joy and pleasure while we live our purpose and find meaning in our lives.

At times, the act of savoring and the act of saving can be at odds with each other. It’s worth setting aside time for both.

“To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, subtract things every day.”

Lao Tzu 

I love the simplicity behind this idea of gaining wisdom.

We do not find it by consuming more and more content; we find it by removing those things that distract us from our deepest presence.

BONUS: “It’s easy to forget what’s important, so don’t.”

Jack Butler in Mr. Mom