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?
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