Words are important. They can hurt us or heal us, create conflict or promote peace and understanding. Words can support us in our darkest hours or hurl us into dark despair.

Words have the power to point the way to what is possible or make us feel unworthy and incapable of change. We remember words of encouragement and acceptance and we also remember words that wound us and make us feel small.

I want to share the words that inspire me and the importance of finding a quote or mantra that speaks to you.

When I was in my early twenties, a couple of lifetimes ago, I lived in a house with other twenty somethings who were on a spiritual path. There were framed quotes prominently displayed in every room.

Here are two quotes that I remember:

“Nothing dries sooner than a tear.”

“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

And my favorite quote:

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not, unrewarded genius, is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

                                                                                                Calvin Coolidge

I never memorized the whole quote. I focused on the last sentence and in particular two words, persistence and determination. Whenever I was ready to give up because something was too hard, boring, annoying or challenging I would think of that quote. It helped me build my persistence and determination muscles so I could move forward. Sometimes I would just tell myself, “This calls for P&D.” I knew what I meant.

This quote worked for my twenty year old self but it’s not as powerful as it once was. Different words speak to us at different times of our lives. The quote that is inspiring me this month is:

“Inspiration exists but has to find you working.”

                                                                                                Pablo Picasso

I invite you to find a quote that inspires you and write it down. Think about the meaning. Put that quote where you can see it everyday. Read the words daily. Remind yourself of it’s meaning and significance to you and let the power of words support you as you create positive change.

Kathy Sussell is an ADHD coach in Brooklyn, NY. She helps teens, college students and adults with ADHD with time management, planning and prioritizing, getting started with and finishing tasks, organizing paper and objects and improving social skills. She is the organizer of the ADHD Women’s Meetup Group that meets every month in downtown Brooklyn. For more information visit her website: www.bravolifecoaching.com or email Kathy at kathy@bravolifecoaching.com