The last week or so has been a lot of introspection for me. I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s most important to me, and I want for my life.
As usually happens with my mind, that eventually led me to thinking about things that inspire me.
I’ve always had a great appreciation for the written word, and more than anything, I love collecting little pieces of the written word that remind me of what I love in this world—especially when it comes from geeky sources! So today, I thought I’d share some of those bits of wisdom that inspire me.
"
Not all those who wander are lost.
This is a really popular quote that I’m sure many of you will recognize, but what a lot of people don’t realize is that it comes from the Riddle of Strider in the Fellowship of the Ring.
This is one of my absolute favourites because as part of a riddle, it’s meant for the reader to figure out their own meaning. And for me, it helps on those days where I feel like all I do is wander. You know, the days where if you were a Sim, your player would just be cancelling actions left, right and centre.
So it’s comforting to think about this sometimes and realize that there’s nothing wrong with wandering—if there’s somewhere I’m meant to be, that’s where I’ll end up.
"
It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.
This line was famously said by Dumbledore to a young Harry as he stares wistfully into the Mirror of Erised, and it’s something I think about on a daily basis. I’ve always categorized myself as a dreamer, so it’s incredibly easy for me to get lost in dreams and goals and forget to enjoy the here and now.
For me, this is a little reminder to snap myself out of that mindset, and pay attention to what’s around me—rather than keeping my head in the clouds.
"
If it is folly to hope, I am content to die a fool.
This quote, one of Ser Aymeric’s lines from the Heavensward expansion of FFXIV, appeals to me for much the same reason as the one above—my happy-go-lucky dreamer attitude.
As important as it is for me to keep my head out of the clouds and remember not to get hung up on dreams, it’s just as important for me to remember that there is absolutely nothing wrong with having hope. And to me, this quote is a perfect reminder of that.
"
Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.
This quote, said by Galadriel in the film adaptation of the Fellowship of the Ring, is actually a simplified version of something Elrond said in the Council of Elrond in the novel. And to me, even though it’s not exactly what he wrote, it says something about my deep appreciation for Tolkien’s profound writing that there are two quotes from him on my list!
Though I may not be as physically small as a hobbit, this one resonates with me because too many people, myself included, tend to look at ourselves as small and insignificant—just because of the number of more significant people we see online.
This is a reminder, at least to me, that no matter what my perception is of myself, I still have the power to inspire and affect change.
"
The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.
This line is one of my favourites in the entirety of Disney’s Mulan—and not just because it’s followed up with a sassy line about not meeting a girl like her every dynasty.
I always liked the line when I was growing up because it gave me this fresh ideal of being a strong woman who comes out even better for having been faced with adversity, but it’s really grown on me in the last few years as I’ve been through a lot more adversity than I ever thought I’d face.
Now, I like to think of it every now and again to remind myself that I did, and can, come out on top, no matter what the world throws at me.
YOUR TURN
2 thoughts on “5 geeky quotes that inspire me”
I have a Pinterest board full of inspiring quotes and I just reviewed some of them and feel wonderful.
But if I had to pick one that I tell myself the most often it would be “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” although that may not be the original quote.
I read that it originated with the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche but I am not familiar with who he was. However, reading some of his quotes – Wow.
I’ve always loved collecting quotes; I love that you included one from FFXIV! They definitely have a handful of really thought provoking quotes… if you don’t skip the cut scenes lol