Hello dear ones. xo
When I was in the woods the other day I looked up into what I thought would be bare tree trunks and stark branches. Instead the sun was glowing through dozens of ferns growing up the mossy tree, rendering them a brilliant lime green against the bright blue sky. Aren’t they gorgeous? 🙂
I’ve been reading a lot of quotes by Teddy Roosevelt this week. I thought I’d share a few that are especially dear to me, and make me take a deep breath and press on with courage and a smile:
It is not the critic who counts;
not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles,
or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,
whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood,
who strives valiantly;
who errs and comes short again and again;
because there is not effort without error and shortcomings;
but who does actually strive to do the deed;
who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion,
who spends himself in a worthy cause,
who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement
and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly.
So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
***
There are two things that I want you to make up your minds to:
first, that you are going to have a good time as long as you live –
I have no use for the sour-faced man –
and next, that you are going to do something worthwhile,
that you are going to work hard and do the things you set out to do.
***
I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life;
I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.
***
Wishing you a beautiful weekend of rest and happiness with people you love and who love you back.
What has given you courage this week?
xo
Krista I absolutely love that quote and it’s so true. It takes a lot more guts to be in the arena then in the spectator stands.
We never know what we are capable of unless we have the courage to try. The colours in the photograph are stunning.
Have a good weekend yourself as well.
Wow! Gorgeous post and stunning photo.So love the idea of not running with the pack, and getting in the arena. There are just too many spectators in life these days; everyone wants to take the easiest option.
I’m so glad you like it too, Lorraine. It gave me courage this week, helped me press on with hope. 🙂
I’m happy you like the photo too, Linda! I love that we’re both trying new things, pressing on with those efforts that delight and inspire us. 🙂
Thank you so much, Vanessa. 🙂 I love what you wrote “the easiest option” Sometimes the very worst choices are the easiest ones. I’m learning again to stick with the right ones, even if they’re hard. I may get weary, but I won’t give up. 🙂
I have never regretted a difficult choice, but often wonder why they need to be so difficult. In the end I know the path I´ve chosen isn´t easy but I wouldn´t have it any other way.
And that fern is gorgeous.
Me neither, Ayngelina. 🙂 I think they are difficult for me because I’m worried about what others think or feel, if they approve or not. When I simply do what I think is right, I’m not afraid and the decision is no longer so difficult. 🙂
The fern picture is absolutely beautiful – especially against the blue of the sky.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment on my blog! It sounds like you made work fun with your girlfriends 🙂 I love these quotes – I get so much courage from my students. I try and give them my all as their teacher!
Your photo and the quotation you shared with us are both wonderful.
I love to visit here. I always leave knowing something new. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
I feel so inspired after reading these! Thanks for the super uplifting post!
I love, love, love what you’ve shared. Amazing, it reminds me of one of my favourite quotes by Nick Bollitieri, of Tennis coaching fame – “Every endeavor pursued with passion produces a successful outcome regardless of the result”. It is not about winning or losing, rather the effort put forth in producing the outcome“.
Have a blessed weekend, friend
Brilliant & inspiring quotes. If I were a mom…, I’d pin this one on the wall – something to live by methinks 🙂
There are two things that I want you to make up your minds to:
first, that you are going to have a good time as long as you live –
I have no use for the sour-faced man –
and next, that you are going to do something worthwhile,
that you are going to work hard and do the things you set out to do.
My mom has a beautiful speech written by Nelson Mandella framed. I grew up with words like:
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure; It is our Light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented & fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
Yep! Nothing like a good quote spoken by someone whose been there done that 🙂
that teddy roosevelt, what a cool dude! i couldn’t agree more with each and every sentiment. or rather, conviction! who gave me courage? all those people in the middle east fighting for their freedom. (the ones who killed the african workers in libya, not so much!)
and the ferns are lovely! i do not like them generally but you made them exceedingly beautiful!
cheers dear!
I should put this on my refrigerator. It speaks volumes. Thanks for the inspiration you give in your word, your photos and your food.
This is why I love visiting your beautiful blog, Krista! You are so uplifting and your ability to see the positive is inspiring…love that gorgeous fern photo!
Thanks for sharing these quotes Krista – I especially like the willingness “to do something worthwhile,
that you are going to work hard and do the things you set out to do”. That definitely takes a huge amount of courage & something we probably all struggle with each day 🙂
There is so much wisdom in this post, thank you for reminding us what really matters, including those gorgeous ferns.
Love,
Beautiful photo!
I’m so glad you like it too, Sally! It made me catch my breath. 🙂
You are very welcome, Brenna. I would’ve loved to have a teacher like you. 🙂
I’m so glad you do visit here, Mary. 🙂 You always make my day brighter.
You bet, Joanne! I needed these words too and I’m so glad they cheered you. 🙂
Biggest of hugs to you, dear Ozoz! I love that quote very, very much. You’ve given me an extra shot of courage today. 🙂
What a wonderful quote, Anna. Thank you so much for sharing it! Just what I needed today to take heart and be brave. 🙂
Isn’t he the best, Paradis! 🙂 Such a forthright chap.
That’s an excellent idea, Chaya. I think I shall do the same. 🙂
Thank you, dear Faith! I’m so glad these words inspired you too. 🙂
I loved that bit too, Tuula. Cheers to being brave and doing worthwhile things. 🙂
My pleasure, Alina. 🙂 I just love things that encourage me to be stronger, wiser, and braver.
So glad you like it, Cailin! 🙂