Words are powerful things. When used well, they can encourage and inspire us.  Many of us have special words that we turn to when we need inspiration.  For instance, when I’ve had struggles in my life, I’ve meditated on on Psalm 23, some of the most beautiful words ever written.

Meditating on positive quotes, whether they are from religious texts or otherwise, is a wonderful way to re-direct your thinking when you are feeling discouraged. Consider inspirational quotes to be your arsenal of good thoughts that you can use whenever you need to combat negative thinking.  Below are some of my favorite quotes.  Consider memorizing one or two.  Bring them to mind and meditate on them whenever you need to shift your mind to a positive place.

Be the change that you wish to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi

I will try to think pure and beautiful thoughts, to say pure and beautiful words, and to do pure and beautiful deeds, knowing that on what I do now depends my happiness and misery. – Buddhist prayer

Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself. – Rumi

Do all the good you can. By all the means you can.  In all the ways you can.  In all the places you can.  At all the times you can.  To all the people you can.  As long as ever you can. – John Wesley

Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

 How does one become a butterfly? They have to want to learn to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar. – Trina Paulus from “Hope for the Flowers”

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:2.

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used everything you gave me.” – Erma Bombeck

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Those are just a small sample of some wonderful quotes that you can consider memorizing. And if you find one that helps you, consider sharing it with others.  I used to print inspirational quotes on blank business cards.  I then would put the cards in a small basket on my desk in my office.  The people who came to see me always loved to take one.  I know many people who use an inspirational quote in their email signature.  There are many creative ways that you can use quotes to spread a positive message to the world.

Consider picking a quote today to memorize. Perhaps pick another one to share.  In a world where people sometimes use words to hurt or put down others, be someone who uses words to encourage, inspire and make the world just a little bit nicer.