As I worked in my Franklin Covey planner last week, I stumbled upon a quote that hit me with it’s wisdom and simplicity:
“We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down.”
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Creative commons photo courtesy of notsogoodphotography.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Tim,
As I read this, I think about the idea of “all or nothing”…and how challenging the “all” can sometimes look. When we break it down, though, into smaller steps…it ends up being much more doable!
Great reminder from a very wise Ms. Roosevelt!
Lance recently posted..Sunday Thought For The Day
Hi Tim,
Oh boy, Eleanor Roosevelt is a favorite of mine. I hadn’t read this one prior to today and I love it.
I read the quote several times, and each time I gravitated to the phrase, “…seeing it not as dreadful as it appeared,…”
That’s a biggie for me. Once I get started on something I didn’t think would be enjoyable, it’s never as bad as I anticipated.
Thanks, Tim!
Lori recently posted..Your Body is a Fortress- Part 10 – Training for Old Age
Hi Lance: You are right about the all or nothing thinking…it does end up feeling overwhelming. It kind of reminds me of every professional sports interview that I’ve ever heard: “We need to take things one game at a time…” In life, I suppose, we need to to the same. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here and have a great weekend!
Hi Lori: I like several of ER’s quotes, but this quote that was in my planner really struck me and a big part of it was because the phrase that you mention. Yeah, we tend to make things more dreadful that they end up…I know I have. So reading this quote is very comforting and re-assuring. Have an awesome weekend!