Living a More Fulfilling Life
Despite the fears and anxieties people are experiencing today, this time of isolation can be a time for reflection on what to do when the crisis ends. It can be a time to think of what you may change or do differently in the future to live a more fulfilling life. One way to do this is to seek to inspire others. Another is to try new things, which means being flexible and open to new experiences.
Following are a series of quotes from well-known individuals talking about ways to live a more fulfilling life, inspire others, and try new things. The quotes are drawn from my book Over 100 Ways to Understand and Deal with Your Fear and Anxiety.
Living a More Fulfilling Life
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
Anais Nin, French-American diarist, essayist, and novelist, 1903–1977.
“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”
Vincent Van Gogh, Dutch Post-Impressionist painter, known for “The Starry Night,” 1853–1890.
“I need to put myself out in the world and be brave and be uncomfortable. When I do, it means I can enjoy life so much more.”
Annabelle Wallis, an English actress, known for playing Jane Seymour in Showtime’s period drama The Tudors from 2009 to 2010.
“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”
e.e. Cummings, a poet, painter, essayist, author, and playwright, who wrote approximately 2900 poems, 1894–1962.
“If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.”
John Irving, American novelist and screenwriter, 1942-present.
Inspiring Others
“Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others.”
Robert Louis Stevenson, Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, musician, and travel writer. Author of Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, 1850–1894.
“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.”
Billy Graham, American evangelist and ordained Southern Baptist minister, 1918–2018.
Trying New Things
“Don’t let fear or insecurity stop you from trying new things. Believe in yourself. Do what you love. And most importantly, be kind to others, even if you don’t like them.”
Stacy London, American fashion consultant, author, and magazine editor
1969-present.
“I’ve learned that fear limits you and your vision. It serves as blinders to what may be just a few steps down the road for you. The journey is valuable, but believing in your talents, your abilities, and your self-worth can empower you to walk down an even brighter path. Transforming fear into freedom — how great is that?”
Soledad O’Brien, American broadcast journalist and executive producer
1966-present.
“Slowness to change usually means fear of the new.”
Phil Crosby, American actor and singer, 1934–2004.
“Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.”
James Stephens, American television actor, 1951-present.
GINI GRAHAM SCOTT, Ph.D., J.D., is a nationally known writer, consultant, speaker, and seminar leader, specializing in business and work relationships, professional and personal development, social trends, and popular culture. She has published 50 books with major publishers. She has worked with dozens of clients on memoirs, self-help, popular business books, and film scripts. Writing samples are at www.changemakerspublishingandwriting.com.
She is the founder of Changemakers Publishing, featuring books on work, business, psychology, social trends, and self-help. The company has published over 150 print, e-books, and audiobooks. She has received national media exposure for her books, including appearances on Good Morning America, Oprah, and CNN.
Scott is active in a number of community and business groups, including the Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, and Walnut Creek Chambers of Commerce. She does workshops and seminars on the topics of her books.
She is also the writer and executive producer of 10 films in distribution, release, or production. Her most recent films that have been released include Driver, The New Age of Aging, and Infidelity.
She received her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and her J.D. from the University of San Francisco Law School. She has received five MAs at Cal State University, East Bay, most recently in Communication.