Feb 17, 2016 / Inspiration

Collecting Words and Sentences

As Emerson suggests, collect words and sentences that inspire you to speak your truth.

My journal, in the process of becoming my own "bible."

My college roommate and I used to collect quotes for one another. We’d write inspirational words down on Post-its and keep files where we regularly stored our favorite messages that we’d stumbled across. We both agreed: words are powerful.

When someone expresses an observation that we identify with, a sense of validation and synchronicity arises within us. We’re reminded that we’re not alone, that someone, somewhere else in the world, has discovered the same truth that we’re living or perhaps arrived at a conclusion we needed to hear ourselves.

Make your own Bible. Select and collect all the words and sentences that in all your readings have been to you like the blast of a trumpet.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I came across the quote above from a fellow quote-collector, journaler, and generally uplifting blogger, Gala Darling. In her “30 Days of Radical Self-Love Letters,” she talks about starting a radical self-love journal where you can store all of the things that make you happy. Since I came across this quote, I’ve noticed my own journaling has changed quite a bit in turn. It’s filled less with my own internal ramblings, and more with words, images, and conversations that I find uplifting.

In short, it’s turning into my own “bible.”

What words and sentences have been like the blast of a trumpet to you? What bloggers, authors, poets, filmmakers, or artists have shouted your truth and spoken to you like no other? On the flip side, what is your own truth? If one of your readers were making their own inspiration journal, what message would you want to share?

The more we analyze our influences and the words that speak to us, the more we’re able to peek under the hood of our own writing. By exploring the quotes and phrases that feel like your truth, and that pick you up out of a writing rut, you’re able to uncover processes and truths in your own work. As you sit down at your keyboard this week, channel your greatest influences and either write your own blast of a trumpet or share what speaks to you.

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  4. Whenever I am struggling with personal conflict, a change in perspective or internal growth of any kind…the perfect inspiration or affirmation always seems to show up in the form of a validating quote or other thought-provoking piece of writing. It’s as if The Universe is speaking directly to me through the written word, and once again I am reminded of the power in each of us to attract exactly what we need, when we need it.

    Liked by 4 people

  6. What a great post. Thank you!

    I am always worried that people consider quotes as cliches. I even wanted to write a post explaining why quotes are not cliches.

    I am glad I have a quotes page on my blog.

    Liked by 3 people

  9. Hello, lovelies! I’ve just started blogging. The introductory post is up. Its main focus would be on fashion, style and elegance! Spread the word and share the word 🙂 Looking forward to more valuable likes, followers, shares and comments. Cheers

    Liked by 3 people

  10. Hi there, I really enjoyed reading this post. I’d like to follow your writings. I love words too, and especially quotes. I think the message they convey to the reader is very powerful, and no matter where we are in the world, or what might be going on in our lives, it strikes the chord of understanding, and compassion. It’s also nice to know, as you said, we’re not the only ones in the world who needs to hear what the quote may say, or to feel the synchronicity, and validation in it’s truth. Thank you for being such an inspiration. 🙂 – Kathy

    Liked by 3 people

  15. I love quotes by great writers, too. But, often I like to create my own that best expresses what’s in my heart, like this Haiku:

    If I can reflect
    what my soul longs to express,
    let it be with words.

    Liked by 4 people

  16. Reblogged this on new2writing and commented:
    I love this idea. Having friends that suffer from depression I can imagine this could also be used as a very good positive reinforcement tool to help them through difficult times.
    This year I started a happiness jar which is a similar idea – each time something positive happens no matter how little or big I put it in a jar so at the end of the year I’ll have year of happy memories to reflect my year.
    Positivity can’t be underestimated. I believe if you can think positive it helps make you feel positive and vice versa.

    Liked by 4 people

  23. Thanks for posting this first of all! I really like quotes because they have such deep meanings, much like this one – it’s truly inspiring.
    I am also new to blogging, so I might try writing a quote to! 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  24. Hi!
    This is an awesome post. I like how you are direct in your writing. The message is straightforward, short and sweet. Was hoping you could read my entry today on confidence building. Maybe comment some advice for me? It would be greatly appreciated! Hope to hear from you 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  27. Yep, I’m a self-confessed quote/aphorism hoarder. So I found lots of familiar sentiments in your post! Thanks for writing it. I try to incorporate quotes into my blog too. Emerson is an all-time favourite. “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

    Liked by 5 people

  29. It feels good to read something like this. I’m not a writer but i have many experiences that i feel will help people. I would really appreciate if someone took a few minutes to check my first post and give me some feedback. Thanks! 8)

    Liked by 2 people