best time of day

Today's quote comes from one of my favorite artists, Brian Andreas, who creates Story People (www.storypeople.com). It also relates to yesterday's quote:

"I've always liked the time before dawn, because there's no one around to remind me who I'm supposed to be, so it's easier to remember who I am."

I love that moment, after my alarm has gone off (and I've pressed snooze a few times), where I can just lie there for a few minutes and soak in the morning light coming through the window...I don't yet feel rushed, and the events of the day aren't weighing on me, and I enjoy the beauty of a new day that is fresh with possibilities. To me, it's one of the most peaceful moments...

What is your favorite time of day?

the man in the mirror

Today's quote is simple, direct, and often difficult to embrace:

"What you think of yourself is much more important than what others think of you." --Seneca

As we come back to places like school, work, etc., it is easy to fall back into the roles and identities that other people have created for us. Too often, when we look in the mirror at ourselves, we see a reflection of other people's opinions of us...we base our own perception of ourselves on the messages we get from others on how beautiful, how intelligent, or how talented we are.

So, the challenge of the day (hey, it's Wednesday bonus day-- you don't just get a quote, you get a challenge, too!) is to step outside of the expectations and definitions that other people have of you. Try to go an entire day without having thoughts like, "I wonder if anyone notices this lovely new zit on my chin," or "Will everyone at the table think I'm a hoss if I eat a third eggroll?' or "I think I know the answer, but I don't want to speak up, 'cause if I'm wrong, I'll look dumb." Live as you would if no one was watching.

Just be true to yourself, and love the self that you are.

And with that very Oprah-esque statement, I will close. Have a wonderful day!

how not to...

Based on the responses that I have received from some of you, it seems like there have already been some rough days in the past couple of weeks. So, I thought I would go with a look-on-the-bright-side kind of quote:

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." -Thomas Edison

In everything, there is a lesson. In every moment, there is opportunity-- an opportunity to grow, an opportunity to learn (even if it is learning the exact way not to do something!) Sometimes, it is good to remind ourselves that our "failures" may just be the stepping stones to success...

Have a great one!

a new year of quotes

So you have now survived your first full week of school...you've learned where all your new classes are and have ownership of your laptops once again...you made it through the retreats and college summit, and you helped cheer on your football team to their first victory of the year. Everything is falling into place...but maybe, in the back of your mind, you are thinking, "Hmmmm...something's not right. Something is just...missing."

Sigh. I understand. Life just isn't the same without a quote of the day, is it?

Soooo...beginning this week, Coach T's "quote of the day" emails will commence. Sometimes they will be funny, sometimes poignant, and often thought-provoking...sometimes with added commentary (depending on how inspired I feel that day).

If you would like to begin receiving these "quote of the day" emails, just respond to this email and let me know. Just say something like: hey coach t...haha...like, i am sooo excited u r gonna send these quotes again...haha...it's totally cool...sign me up...haha.

And it doesn't have to be lax-exclusive...if any of your friends are interested, they are welcome to sign up, too. I'm all about spreading the quote love...

i feel robbed...

Well, apparently, as we were going about our business today, the universe changed on us. After being declared a planet almost 76 years ago, Pluto was stripped of its planetary status. There are now only eight. Millions of science textbooks just became obsolete...

Just like that (insert sound of me snapping my fingers here), the standards have changed. Should I be worried? Will I one day receive a call from Vandy, saying, "I'm sorry, but based on our new standards, you are no longer considered a college graduate..."

My question is, what will they use for the new rhyme to help teach students the planets? "My very educated mother just served us Nestea?" Hmmm...

the last

I guess you could say that I have been on an environmental kick lately...although I don't like to use the word "kick", because it implies something that is short-lived, temporary...so I'll say that it is a renewed awareness.

At any rate, I thought that this quote/proverb was very striking, so here it is:

"Only When the Last Tree Has Died and the Last River Has Been Poisoned and the Last Fish has Been Caught, Will We Realize That We Cannot Eat Money"- Cree Indian Proverb

thinking globally

If you don't know what it means, go to climatecrisis.org or stopglobalwarming.org.

It's for real, yo.