Rachel Held Evans

What’s your mantra?

In response to Monday’s post about resenting Anne Jackson, one reader—(seattleitealish)— encouraged me to repeat this mantra: “Stop overestimating others and underestimating yourself.”

I thought that was a fantastic piece of advice, so I added it to my growing list of mantras—short, easy-to-remember words of wisdom that help me focus, keep things in perspective, cast out my inner demons, and make good decisions. 

We’ve all got a few of these mantras tucked away in our back pockets. The ones I find myself using most often include:

• “Simplify, Simplify” (Henry David Thoreau)
• “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” 
• “The worst enemy to creativity is self doubt.” (Sylvia Plath)  
• “Perfection isn’t an option.” 
• “Love God. Love people.” (Jesus) 
• “It’s okay to say, ‘I don’t know’ when that’s the truth.” 
• “Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with God.”  (Micah 6:8) 
• “Everything seems worse when you’re tired.” (Mom)

What are some of your favorite mantras?