Six Reflections to Live a Better Life
From poets and philosophers to singers and athletes, many personalities have left us with reflections to live a better life. There are many quotes and phrases worth remembering that can awaken you and remind you what is truly important in everyday life.
Because, sometimes, it’s true that life’s rhythm forces you to survive on autopilot, without being aware of all of your surroundings. As a result, you’re unaware of those small details that are the difference between just living and living with dreams.
Therefore, in this article, we’ve selected a set of quotes to remind you that although you may fail, you can always find another path more beautiful and enjoyable for yourself. Let’s take a closer look.
Life is full of surprises
“We expect everything and are prepared for nothing.”
-Sophie Swetchine-
Do you spend your life waiting for something special to happen? Would you like it if whatever you’re wishing for came true?
The problem is that sometimes when it does happen, you may not be ready. Fantasizing about something is not the same as it actually happening. But if it does happen, you want to be prepared to face it.
Sometimes, waiting may feel like being in an infinite corridor, with no end. Perhaps what Sophie Swetchine intended with this quote was a call to action and to also confront and assume the consequences of events in your life.
Have you forgotten that every second you live is special?
Take advantage of every minute
“That’s all we are: amateurs. We don’t live long enough to be anything else.”
-Charlie Chaplin-
As well as a magnificent actor and comedian, the great Charlie Chaplin was also a wise man. In truth, this artist and film director knew how to live each moment as if it were his last.
Often when we finally realize the truth too late, everything has already passed before us. Over the years, life gets shorter and you’re never able to finish learning all of its lessons. For that reason, perhaps it’s better to let go and accept the teachings that it offers you.
Live with quality, not quantity
“Life is like a play: it’s not the length, but the excellence of the acting that matters.”
-Seneca-
Undoubtedly, the Cordoban philosopher who lived during the Roman Empire was one of the wisest men of his time. This is one of the best reflections to live a better life. Quotes like this warn us of the importance of living consciously every minute. In turn, they reestablish his great wisdom.
It doesn’t matter if you’ll live in this world for ten or a hundred more years. The most important aspect is not the quantity, but the quality of how you spend that time. What’s the point of living for a long time if you enjoy or love very little of it?
Enjoying your life completely, from what happens around you to what goes on in your mind, is the key to taking advantage of your life. Because if you haven’t enjoyed your time here, what was the point of your life’s journey?
Seize the moment
“Being prepared means much, being able to wait means more, but to make use of the right moment means everything.”
-Arthur Schnitzler-
This is another one of the great reflections to live a better life. Namely, it invites you to take advantage of the right moment. Arthur Schnitzler talks about knowing and learning to be prepared for everything that comes your way. However, he also points out the significance of being patient in order to take advantage of every occasion at the right moment.
Life can go by really fast, like a train. In a matter of seconds, it will pass and its doors will open, full of opportunities. It’s up to you whether you get on and take advantage of these wonderful possibilities. Your decisions are critical.
Get rid of hate
“Now hatred is by far the longest pleasure; men love in haste but they detest at leisure.”
-Lord Byron-
Is all the time you spend hating really worth it? This emotion can often become an uncontrollable appetite, impossible to satisfy. Hatred can enslave you, without you even noticing. And, what’s it really for?
Cursing, judging, resenting. All of these feed the flames of hatred, even transforming it into violence. Hate hurts you. It creates a vacuum of affection that can corrupt you. Don’t ever forget it. Forgiveness and love are much more powerful, enriching and, of course, more complete.
Enjoy the little things
“Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things.”
-Frank A. Clark-
This is the last of the great reflections to live a better life we’ll discuss here. We spend most of our lives preparing for something big to happen, planning out a course of action and how to face obstacles. But, sometimes, you may not be aware of all the valuable things that are hidden in your daily life, and all that gets lost along the way.
Words, expressions of love, and spending time with other people are all of life’s treasures. Likewise, every day you have a chance to live your life is a gift from nature. Open your eyes and your heart and you’ll be able to observe all of your surroundings again.
As you can see, these six reflections to live a better life are a wonderful gift to wake up and start being more aware of everything that surrounds you.
Now, the important thing is to read them carefully and pay attention to them. Then, reflect on them and soak up all the wisdom they contain. Surely, you’ll be able to extract valuable lessons and put them into practice.