QUOTES (Inspirations)

Definition of Quote:
Repeat of words or a text by another person.

Synonyms of Quote:
Recite, repeat, reproduce, restate, echo, reiterate, excerpt, etc.

These notes are from recovery in AA and/or related 12 step programs.
Readers are encouraged to click external links for more detail.
We hope you find them helpful.

Love in fellowship.

Don’t allow yourself to live in constant anticipation
because the time for your happiness is right now.

Everywhere we turn,
there is so much need and so little time.

The more you think about the little difficulties in life,
the bigger they become and still nothing is resolved.

It is important to remember that different can be better.
Integrity is one of our most valuable assets.

Kindness can accomplish that which force won’t.
Don’t allow yourself to live in constant anticipation because the time for your happiness is right now.

You will have an easier time keeping your thoughts positive if you look for good in every situation. If you live in the light of God, He will bless the work of your hands and you will see your efforts flourish.

Those that least deserve your love are the ones that need it the most.
If you feel the need to get even, try getting even with those that have helped you.

Enjoy life while you’ve got the chance.
Knowing about God and knowing God are very different things.

It is normal to make mistakes, but it is the better person who is able to grow from them.
Not only must we know God’s will, but we must do God’s will to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Be easier on yourself and more forgiving so that you can begin to recognize the depth of the wisdom you already possess.

One of life’s greatest rewards is not what we get, but what we become. If you have more than you need, but still feel it isn’t enough, then you are poor.

Spend less time trying to understand the behaviors of others and more time on the reasons you do things. Many of God’s gifts are in the form of opportunities that we must recognize and then act upon.

Avoid distraction by concentrating on the task in which you are presently involved.
God will give you strength because He will give of Himself.

Example is the best way to teach.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God.

Everywhere we turn, there is so much need and so little time. It’s easy to give up, but no matter what the outcome is, if you do your best, you are always the winner.

Avoid the tendency to presuppose that things will turn out for the worse.
We take for granted so much of what God has planned for us.

Stay close to God because He is the solution to all problems. Our lives should be productive and useful and we should always make a difference because we are alive.

The more you think about the little difficulties in life, the bigger they become and still nothing is resolved. It is important to remember that different can be better.

To become more efficient and happier, daily spend some quiet time with God and with yourself. What we endure in this life is nothing compared to the glory that God has in store for us in heaven.

Make few promises and keep the ones you make. Life is what our thinking makes it. (You are what you think, not what you think you are.)

Talking about how busy you are only adds stress to the stress you already feel.
Rejoice and be happy for others when they are blessed.

We often don’t realize how heavy the weight of worry is and how much energy it requires until we are able to let go of it. Keep yourself young in spirit always by thinking new thoughts and getting rid of old habits.

Keep your mind open to the possibility that things can turn out even better than expected. God gives us power, love and self-discipline, not fear and timidness.

Set aside your concerns while you spend a little time in prayer and allow God to be the one who comforts you. Rejoice. This is the day the Lord has made.

The presence of God in us puts a joy in our soul that is beyond our ability to explain.
Let today’s difficulties make you better not bitter.

Turn to God’s love when you become doubtful or discouraged.
Never forget that home is Heaven and life on earth is only temporary.

Today is for living and giving because God’s presence is in each of us always.
To have a great day isn’t always doing what you like, but trying to like what you must do.

By helping others, we enrich our own life even more.
God has already prepared you for everything that He plans for you to do.

Give thanks for not only all that you have, but all that you are.
To give of yourself is when you truly give.

Accept yourself for who you are because who you are has a purpose and an important reason for being. Take care of yourself so that you may give care to others.

Share the light-hearted moments of your life with others.
We are as weak as our fears and as strong as our faith.

Never look back with regret because life is never perfect, but it offers us the perfect moment to start anew which is right now.
Live as a responsible adult, but approach God as a child, full of faith and trust.

Place yourself in God’s hands first thing in the morning so that your entire day will be in His care. As we help those in need or comfort those in trouble, God’s great love and divine glory is revealed to the world.

When things go wrong, it is far more productive to see if you can learn something from it rather than just getting upset. God will give you strength because He gives of Himself.

You will be happier if you spend less time insisting that everything be your way.
How easy it is to blame God for circumstances that don’t go as we want.

God wants us happy right now and continually points us in that direction even when we look the other way. They are wise who depend on God.

The things in life that mean the most have no price tag.
If your family is a mess, you are not a success.

Avoid being self-conscious and you will have more time to have fun and enjoy the moment. Courage gives us the trust in God to follow our hearts no matter what obstacles seem to block our way.

If we look to God for guidance, we will not be weighed down by the circumstances of our life. Talents are not just artistic. They include the talent for compassion, care and for bringing harmony to our environment.

Patience with others brings peace to our own soul.
Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Begin every day as if it were your very first because you really are always at the beginning. When your world turns upside down and everything seems so frightening, thank God for His unchanging and constant love.

Whether the friendships we have last a lifetime or only a brief period, they bring joy and make life a little better. As we help those in need or comfort those in trouble, God’s great love and divine glory is revealed to the world.

Never worry about the opinion others have of you because there is only one opinion that counts. When you live in the spirit of God you will always feel the love within you.

Whatever your problem, know that there is a solution.
God is always at work in your life. Notice His light on the events of your day.

Don’t miss a single chance to enrich your life or the lives of others.
Keep your feet firmly planted in your faith and your eyes raised to the heavens.

It is always possible to pray no matter what you are doing.
God sends us His message, but we must be willing to receive it and then live it.

There is never a moment that we cease being a child of God.
Often times that which we find difficult is that which teaches.

A thoughtful gesture can accomplish so much and can even be the beginning of a miracle. Keep your feet firmly planted in your faith and your eyes raised to the heavens.

Whatever the problem, stressing over it will not solve it.
Never forget that home is Heaven and life on earth is only temporary.

Thoughts of the past cannot hurt you without your consent. The heart cannot both doubt and have faith, hate and give love, worry and trust in God for one will soon crowd out the other.

If you are over committed, things begin to fall apart.
Choose to be worthy to yourself and never confuse self-worth with behavior.

As you wake, remember that God is the first one waiting to talk with you.
Our time here is short and there is still so much to be done.

Every moment of every day is your choice unless you give it away. To give of yourself is when you truly give. For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in him. That is why we say “Amen” when we give glory to God through Christ. –2 Corinthians 1:20

Others cannot make you angry or upset unless you give them this power. Use your talents. The world would be silent if only the birds that sing the best would sing.

Becoming overwhelmed creeps up slowly, one commitment at a time.
Be patient with others, but mostly be patient with yourself

Pray together as a family and share each other’s joys and burdens.
If you feel the need to get even, try getting even with those that have helped you.

The more frantic we feel on the inside, the more compulsive we try to organize the outside. Do not be afraid to ask everything of God. He is always present and always loving us. Discouragement is disillusioned self-love, and self-love may be love for my devotion to HP not my love for HP Himself –Oswald Chambers

With those that are spiritually dear to us, we have a special duty of reciprocation. –Celtic Spirit/Caitlin Matthews

Begin each day with the certainty that today is the best day of your life and watch what happens. Make today the best day of your life.

Make peace with your imperfections and concentrate on your strengths.
We can be serious about our work without being serious about ourselves.

Don’t allow the difficult people around you to get you down.
There is light behind every shadow.

When you feel the need to tell someone how bad your day has been, tell them how good it’s been instead. There is always a reason why people act as they do.

To allow past problems into your present moments can make you feel depressed, worried and overwhelmed. If you would be ashamed to sign your name to your conversation, don’t say it.

We have the ability to influence those around us and therefore it is necessary to think of ourselves as the center of peace so that we may bring calm to those who need it. God promises His forgiveness to those who repent.

Things are not always what they seem, so take time to think before you react.
Knowing about God and knowing God are very different things.

God, please help me grow up before I grow old.
Trouble comes to everyone, but feeling miserable is no reason to make others miserable.

With our blessings come responsibilities.
Much is required of those to whom much has been given.

Enthusiasm keeps the mind young and the spirit growing.
If you have more than you need, but still feel it isn’t enough, then you are poor.

Never underestimate the power of your presence nor your ability to comfort and encourage. If you are too easily offended and become upset too quickly, you are taking life far too seriously

Count on God for what you lack. Would you not do the same for someone that you loved? Mistakes give us experience. Without them going forward is almost impossible.

The best things in life aren’t really things at all.
Spend less time trying to change and more time making the best of who you are.

Worry gets in the way of getting what you really want.
Great things happen when you believe and pray.

Get outside of yourself and be outgoing for others. Are you too busy wishing away your day to get what you really want? Live life today as though you knew you were dying – it’s about the journey, not the destination.

Don’t miss a single chance to enrich your life or the lives of others. Never judge. The heart of each one of us is so different, so complex, with so many different circumstances and sufferings that only God is truly able to know it.

Believe in miracles because they do happen.
Give yourself more exercise than jumping to conclusions.

To be completely at peace, avoid hurting anyone for any reason. If we spend time thanking God for the good things in our lives, we won’t have time to do so much complaining.

Don’t think less of yourself than God thinks of you. He has created us with worth and value beyond our comprehension. The choices we make will affect our lives for better or for worse.

One of the best parts of receiving blessings is enjoying them. As a mother sets aside gifts for her children long before they need them, so, too, has God prepared for our needs long before we call out to Him.

Be known by the marks that distinguish a believer in God.
These are honesty, purity, unselfishness, love, gratitude, and humility.

They are wise who depend on God.
There is no good enough reason to ever feel we are a failure.

The choices we make will affect our lives for better or for worse.
No matter how hard we fall, God is there to restore our spirit and forgive our past.

Faith is complete surrender to the will of God and acceptance of His plan for us. Learn to be peaceful in all situations and trust that through all stages of our lives, God has a plan.

Let life’s lessons grow into wisdom so that you may be the light for someone else’s darkness. To know someone doesn’t mean to know every detail of that person’s life. It means to feel affection, confidence and to believe in that person.

Discover how really nice today is by taking it less for granted. Not one day passes without receiving wonderful blessings from our loving and generous God.

Forget the hurts and unkindness’s of all yesterdays so that today you will have room to be joyful and at peace. Small acts of kindness make lasting memories.

Grow and learn from every situation no matter how insignificant because to stand still is really going backwards. It is the optimist that opens new doors and takes advantage of even the smallest of life’s opportunities.

Start the day with prayer and a commitment to conquer any difficulties that happen and a firmer commitment to not let them conquer you. Celebrate your creativity. You are a child of the Great Creator, created in His image.

Never lose your laughter even in the face of trouble and your troubles will not be as heavy. To love and be loved is the greatest of joys. Sometimes God remembers to forget, and sometimes he forgets to remember —- our sins

When something threatens your peace, do not give it an importance it doesn’t have by allowing it to fester in your mind. Use the power of positive images in your mind to bring about good experiences.

Great power comes from being able to appreciate your own goodness and anticipate goodness in others. Worry about nothing, pray for everything, and thank God for His answers.

Are you too busy wishing away your day to get what you really want? God has given each of us many talents and abilities. To use them reflects our commitment to Him.

You make a difference every time you smile, speak kindly or give of yourself.
Listen carefully to the things you say. The advice we give to others is often the best advice for us to follow.

Spend less time on the dreams of life and more time on the joys of living.
We are judged by our actions, not by our intentions.

Envision the joy of victory when you are faced with troubles and you will clearly see what direction you must take. Take heart in the beauty of your life because God loves, helps, fights and wins.

Your happiness is happening right now unless you chose not to see it. Everything we need to deal with life’s problems lies within us. Our trials are tests to see if we can discover the solution.

Each of us has important gifts to share and things to do. Prayer may not always change a situation, but it will always change us.

Every decision we make is not critical nor is every mistake fatal. Take time to learn from the mistakes of others. We don’t have time to make all of them ourselves. Life must be lived forwards, but it can be understood only backwards –Soren Kierkegaard

An ordinary day can become profound by realizing your importance to others and acting on it.

Get rid of the excuses for not doing those things that make you happy. Forget the useless and unhealthy things of your past that clutter your mind so that you can live a life that is alive and vibrant.

Allowing yourself to be less than perfect allows you to accomplish great things in small ways. When one door shuts, immediately begin looking for the others that are opening.

Start something you’ve been putting off or finish something you’ve started so that you can remove the frustration that comes with procrastination. With our blessings come responsibilities. Much is required of those to whom much has been given.

Change yourself and those around you will change too.
Peace comes not from having no problems, but from being able to deal with them.

Don’t give up because your best has not yet been achieved.
Often times that which we find difficult is that which teaches.

Be like a star and make your best even better. There is a time for everything. Take time to pray, to sing, to laugh, to work and to touch the hearts of others.

When you lose your temper, you lose. Apply God’s promises to your daily lives and speak to Him from the depths of your heart.

God will give you today, no more than you can handle today. It is when you choose to add yesterday’s and tomorrow’s troubles to it that it becomes too much to carry.

Take time to learn from the mistakes of others.
We don’t have time to make all of them ourselves.

Be aware of the blessings of friendship and know that to have a friend you must be one in return. God’s promises are not for those who walk through life with no obstacles, but for those who overcome their obstacles.

Be grateful for the simple things that you can do such as being able to see, to walk, to have health and to be able to face life with peace of mind. Smile. If you know that God is with you and will never fail you, then you always have every reason to smile.

Waste no time on situations that aren’t worth your precious time. Ultimate security does not come from relying on things or people, but from relying on God.

A thoughtful gesture can accomplish so much and can even be the beginning of a miracle. Keep your feet firmly planted in your faith and your eyes raised to the heavens.

Whatever the problem, stressing over it will not solve it. Never forget that home is Heaven and life on earth is only temporary.

If we focus too much on ourselves and the troubles in our lives, it is very difficult to be happy. Open your mind and empty your heart of fears so that you can know and experience God to the fullest.

Add excitement to the day by meeting everything as though it is your very first time.
We have two ends; one for sitting and one for thinking. My success depends on which one I use more.

Do that which is right and learn to do it for the right reason.
You cannot ask too much if you use your blessings ceaselessly.

If you are not happy with what you have, how will you be happy with what you want to have? Many joys come from the simple things.

Complaining reinforces your own unhappiness.
Life is what our thinking makes it.

When we are in a bad mood we are often reactive and irrational. A few moments of gratitude for all that we have will quickly change our feelings.
Through the power of God within me, I am stronger than any of my circumstances.

There are far more solutions than problems and knowing this is very empowering.
No gift is so precious as love. Gratefully trust God and give Him your love.

Do not take any action until you’ve prayed and listened and then you will have guidance to reach the understanding necessary to complete the things you need to do.
Rejoice and be happy for others when they are blessed.

Start an “I am grateful for…” list and read it when you are feeling low.
We are the only ones who can change how we think or how we act.

Do not be discouraged if it seems that there is no response to your prayers at this time. God always responds. Through the power of God within me, I am stronger than any of my circumstances.

Treat your family as you would treat a best friend. There is no real happiness without God and no peace when we separate ourselves from Him.

You have the choice to do or not to do and realizing this allows you to accomplish more than you thought possible. Often times that which we find difficult is that which teaches.

It is the little bits of kindness and love that make this world happy.
There is no personal problem that you cannot solve.

It is usually easier to start a project than to finish it.
Pray even when your heart has no words rather than to pray words with no heart.

Much can be said by the look on your face. God’s blessings come in packages both large and small. Sometimes they are expected and sometimes not. Sometimes they are recognized and sometimes not.

The more of God’s love that you share, the more you receive.
Ultimate security does not come from relying on things or people, but from relying on God.

The more blessings you thank God for, the more blessings you begin to realize that you have been given. Keep your heart clean by constant spring cleaning. Then there will be a place for beauty and peace.

Whether the friendships we have last a lifetime or only a brief period, they bring joy and make life a little better. As we help those in need or comfort those in trouble, God’s great love and divine glory is revealed to the world.

Begin every day as if it were your very first because you really are always at the beginning. When your world turns upside down and everything seems so frightening, thank God for His unchanging and constant love.

Never worry about the opinion others have of you because there is only one opinion that counts. When you live in the spirit of God you will always feel the love within you.

Whatever your problem, know that there is a solution.
God is always at work in your life. Notice His light on the events of your day.

There is nothing permanent except change. –Heraclitus
Jealousy is all the fun you think they had. –Erica Jong

Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. –John Wooden
Yesterday is a cancelled check; tomorrow is a promissory note; today is the only cash you have — so spend it wisely. –Kay Lyons

Keep your mind open to the possibility that things can turn out even better than expected. God gives us power, love and self-discipline, not fear and timidness.

Rise above the little things.
Fears cannot survive without your full attention.

Waste no time on situations that aren’t worth your precious time.
Everything in life is not logical, but we can enjoy the moment anyway.

Fears cannot survive without your full attention. Today is far too short to visit with all the friends you want to see, to read all that you want to read, to think all that you want to think, to do all that you want to do.

Choose the direction of your day and then make a point of enjoying your choices.
Take care of yourself so that you may give care to others.

Write down who you think you are and then write down who you want to be.
Prayer is the best preparation for the day.

Refuse to be one of the many who go through life never knowing the limits of their abilities. Forget the useless and unhealthy things of your past that clutter your mind so that you can live a life that is alive and vibrant.

When you choose to fight, be sure it is only for that which is right and fair. Nothing is ever quite as bad as it seems. Call on God and then practice expectancy and optimism and things will turn out better than you expect.

Life is a challenge so accept it for what it truly is. Pray about every task that you take on today and don’t take on those tasks which you have no time to pray about.

You will not create a new life by simply forgetting the old one. Never underestimate the power of your presence nor your ability to comfort and encourage.

Your life is yours to live as you choose with the results that you want.
Faith grows by speaking daily with God.

Listen to hear and learn. Learn to be peaceful in all situations and trust that through all stages of our lives, God has a plan.

If you are not happy with what you have, how will you be happy with what you want to have? Many joys come from the simple things.

Time is yours to use or lose. Begin each day with the certainty that today is the best day of your life and watch what happens.

Don’t spoil what you already have by using up your time wanting what you don’t have.
When you feel anger, allow yourself no more than 5 minutes because after that, anger is self-indulging and turns quickly to hatred and rage.

Make it your goal to be someone that you would like to spend the rest of your life with.
Through the power of God within me, I am stronger than any of my circumstances.

One of life’s greatest pleasures is meeting and conquering our most difficult moments.
See opportunity in your difficulties, not difficulty in your opportunities.

Much time is spent fearing that which isn’t really there in the first place.
Fears cannot survive without your full attention.

If you worry a little each day, it eventually will add up to years. God is calling us to experience peace, satisfaction and joy as we have never experienced.

If you look for happiness outside of yourself you will never find it. Learn to be peaceful in all situations and trust that through all stages of our lives, God has a plan.

To be truly successful, put your heart and soul into even the smallest of your tasks.
We are the only ones who can change how we think or how we act.

Tranquillity lies in self-improvement. If you have more than you need, but still feel it isn’t enough, then you are poor.

Praise others when they do right and speak positive things and you will find it hard not to relax and rejoice in a new found source of peace. Gossip betrays trust. The harm done is often irreparable.

You cannot really listen to someone and do something else at the same time. God doesn’t always end the storm, but He will calm your spirit and give you the courage you need.

Peace is one of our greatest needs because it provides for the strength we need in times of turmoil. Laughter is a great way to reduce stress and prevent taking ourselves too seriously.

Life will be so much easier if you can accept that things don’t always go as planned and see that these are often magnificent opportunities. Enthusiasm keeps the mind young and the spirit growing.

Allow your mind to become quiet and less judgmental and you will feel improvements in all areas of your life. There is not one moment that we are separated from God’s care unless we choose to be.

No matter who you are, it is your right to have peace. To have courage, think courageous, act courageous, and pray to God for courage.

For everyone there is a way to serve and honor God in this life on earth. Part with what you cherish if it separates you or leads you away from God.

If you are able to accept the hand of love that God extends to you, you will be able to free yourself of fears and show the full beauty of your inner spirit. Take less for granted and you will become very busy enjoying all that you have.

Rise above the little things. Waste no time on situations that aren’t worth your precious time.

Everything in life is not logical, but we can enjoy the moment anyway. Ultimate security does not come from relying on things or people, but from relying on God.

A blessing is an explosion of joy from God that ripples through your heart and fills your mind with God’s light and hope. As you draw closer and closer to God, you won’t have to tell anyone because it will show in your face.

Use Jesus’ life as your example on how to live. God gives abundantly to those who pass His gifts on to others.

Reach higher than you think possible for all that you want and you find that often you attain even more. Be patient with others, but mostly be patient with yourself.

If we focus too much on ourselves and the troubles in our lives, it is very difficult to be happy. Open your mind and empty your heart of fears so that you can know and experience God to the fullest.

Laughter is a speedy way to bring people together, build friendships and reduce stresses. God gives abundantly to those who pass His gifts on to others.

Learning to live the best we can with the pain and inconvenience of illness
is the only way to make minor miseries out of major ones. –Day By Day

NB: Quotes unless already accredited are ©Anonymous and contributed by individual program members