
May Words of Encouragement
May is the month of fresh growth here in the Midwest. We plant our gardens and crops, and we watch as the seeds turn into something remarkable. Last year in May we focused our inspirational quotes around Mothers, and specifically Mother Teresa. You can find those quotes here if you are interested, and I will link to them at the end of this post as well. For the May Words of Encouragement this year, we are focusing on quotes by Lao Tzu, and focusing on our growth.

A tree that is unbending is easily broken. –Lao Tzu
Compromise and flexibility is important in the development of resiliency. So don’t be afraid to bend a little in order to build character.

The greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self transformation. –Lao Tzu
As difficult as it may seem at times, it is important to put your self care and development first. We tend to naturally put the needs of our loved ones first, but if we don’t take the time to renew there is nothing left to give. So renew, refresh, and allow yourself to grow in order to give more to your family and friends.

Music in the soul can be heard by the universe. –Lao Tzu
When you are happy and fulfilled everyone around you will feel it too.

I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasure. –Lao Tzu
Simplicity allows less noise, patience less frustration and contention, and compassion invites friendship. All of these things will help you to live a more full life.

Being deeply loved gives you strength; loving deeply gives you courage. –Lao Tzu
Loving someone else gives you the courage to step up and defend their love and honor.

If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future, if you are at peace you are living in the present. –Lao Tzu
Live in the present. Don’t look back, you are not going that way any way. Plan for the future to establish your goals, but there is always going to be bumps and twists in those roads. Address them as you come to them, and enjoy the moment you are in right now.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. –Lao Tzu
Everyone starts somewhere. Set your goals, and do one thing each day that will advance you toward that goal.

New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings. –Lao Tzu
There is comfort in the familiar. We become habitual beings, and when we make a change it will sometimes be uncomfortable. That is what allows us to grow.

If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold onto. –Lao Tzu
Change is a natural progress in life. Pivot, adjust, and move on.

He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty. –Lao Tzu
Sometimes we can be our own worst critic. We can be the biggest obstacle to our own success. Conquering ourselves gives us the strength and courage to work through any road block.
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For the Mother Teresa quotes from last May, click here!
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