Category: VOCATION

  • I had this advantage, at least, in my mode of life, over those who were obliged to look abroad for amusement, to society and the theatre, that my life itself was become my amusement and never ceased to be novel.

    Walden
    by Henry David Thoreau

  • There were times when I could not afford to sacrifice the bloom of the present moment to any work, whether of the head or hands. I love a broad margin to my life.

    Walden
    by Henry David Thoreau

  • I would not have any one adopt my mode of living on any account; for, beside that before he has fairly learned it I may have found out another for myself, I desire that there may be as many different persons in the world as possible; but I would have each one be very careful to find out and pursue his own way, and not his father’s or his mother’s or his neighbor’s instead.

    Walden
    by Henry David Thoreau

  • We are made to exaggerate the importance of what work we do; and yet how much is not done by us!

    Walden
    by Henry David Thoreau

  • Others fear failure:

    Whenever such a person thinks of doing some business, he fears it may fail or face hindrances, plotting of competitors, or dishonesty of partners. If he is poor he fears becoming needy, and if rich fears robbery, and in all cases he keeps afraid.

    Some people fear dangers.

    If such a person takes an aeroplane he fears some calamity would happen, and he remembers such things published in newspapers. In any means of transportation he is in fear of accidents. All dark memories come to his mind in this respect and this makes him always afraid.

    There is a type of people who fear their own weakness.

    Such person fears his inability, his forgetfulness, his weakness before the power of his competitors or adversaries, and his inability to withstand. This makes him lose his self-confidence, the spirit of bravery, and the power to take an initiative. The image of inability and failure is always before his eyes. He even fears sin and feels unable to resist it.

    Such fear causes a person confusion, disturbance and trouble, and may paralyze his ability to work.

    It will have a bad effect on his soul and nerves. Fear will appear on his features, on his looks, on his voice and on his movements. He will tremble, become pale, and his heart beats increase. Everybody will see his fear which appears in his behavior, his hesitation, his inability to take decisions, and his seeking protection.

    Fear may lead some to dejection. They put before them the words, “anyone who finds me will kill me.” (Gen 4: 4). A spiritual person, on the other hand, does not fear, but peace reigns over his heart, giving him confidence.

    —H.H. Pope Shenouda III, Fruits of the Spirit

  • The more you have a clear goal, the more you are settled and balanced.

    The brain functions the best when there is a goal that the person is pursuing. The higher the goal, the more positive the emotions.

    —Fr. Luke Istafanous, MD

  • Your glory is in your personality, not in your position or authority or outer appearance. Your glory is in your essence, in your spirituality, in your nature, in your sense, in your wisdom, in all that is found within your heart of virtues and good qualities.

    —H.H. Pope Shenouda III

  • You must get rid of the thought of competition. You are to create, not to compete for what is already created.

    —Wallace D. Wattles, The Science of Getting Rich

  • “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft. I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won’t have to die. The truth is that you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren’t even looking at their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a lot more fun while they’re doing it.”

    ―Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird