Quotes to Live By: Words of Wisdom to Inspire Your Authentic Self
In our fast-paced world of endless notifications and packed calendars, we often forget to take time to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters.
The gentle art of pausing—of creating space to breathe and reflect—has become a revolutionary act.
At Joy on Tap, we believe in the power of everyday reminders that help us connect to our authentic selves and inspire a limitless life (which looks different for each person!)
As Helen Keller's teacher, Anne Sullivan so beautifully expressed, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart."
This profound wisdom, stemming from Keller's experience as a blind and deaf person, reminds us that beneath the visible trappings of life lies a deeper experience—one of meaning, connection, and purpose that can only be accessed when we quiet the noise and listen to our inner wisdom.
We've gathered these timeless quotes that serve as gentle nudges toward living with purpose, creativity, and joy to guide the journey back to ourselves.
Bloom Through Discomfort
"And then the day came, when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
Anaïs Nin
This poem from Anaïs Nin beautifully captures the courage required to live authentically. Growth is never comfortable - it requires vulnerability, stretching beyond our comfort zones, and sometimes painful transformation. Yet there comes a turning point when staying small becomes more unbearable than the discomfort of expansion. This quote reminds us that embracing our authentic selves isn't just beautiful - it's a necessary part of our well-being.
**Explore more about personal growth in our Shine Bright blog, where we dive deeper into embracing your authentic self.
Reframe Your Impossible
"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!"
Audrey Hepburn
Beyond her grace and style, Audrey Hepburn gifted us with this essential reminder of our limitless potential. When we shift our perspective and approach challenges with creativity rather than defeat, we discover possibilities where others see only roadblocks. This quote invites us to imagine without limits and explore every possibility in each idea - to approach life with the curiosity and optimism of someone who believes in their own capabilities and knows there will be a solution at the right time.
Surround Yourself With Purpose
"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
William Morris
This elegant reminder from textile designer William Morris speaks directly to intentional living. Your home is meant to be your sanctuary – a place where you feel safe and where pausing to connect with ourselves feels possible. When our homes are filled with clutter or items we dislike, we create an environment that mirrors the stress of the outside world—denying ourselves the peaceful space we need for genuine rest and renewal. By surrounding yourself only with objects that serve a purpose or bring beauty into your life, you create a place that restores rather than depletes your energy.
**If you need some help with curating the possessions in your home, read our blog post that goes into more detail here.
Celebrate Fleeting Moments
"Twinkle lights are the perfect metaphor for joy. Joy is not a constant. It comes to us in moments—often ordinary moments."
Brené Brown
Vulnerability researcher Brené Brown shows us that joy isn't meant to be a permanent state of being - and that's exactly what makes it so special. Like the gentle twinkling of fairy lights, joy appears in flashes, often in the most unexpected and ordinary moments. By staying present and creating space to notice these small delights - morning cups of tea, children's laughter, or the perfect song at just the right moment - we bring joy into our everyday lives rather than chasing some distant future happiness, that always feels just out of reach.
**Want more joy in your life? Download our 5 Days of Joy digital guide for inspiration.
Follow Your Inner Light
“Live the Life of Your Dreams: Be brave enough to live the life of your dreams according to your vision and purpose instead of the expectations and opinions of others.”
Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
This powerful invitation from Roy T. Bennett highlights what a great act of courage it is to listen deeply to your own inner knowing. When we take time to truly connect with ourselves—our values, desires, and unique purpose—we cultivate the strength needed to gently but firmly redirect our lives away from others' expectations. This profound self-connection becomes the start of authentic choices for our life, rather than allowing external voices to dictate our journey. The path may not always be easy, but it is uniquely yours, illuminated by your own inner light rather than living in the shadows of others' expectations.
The messages we surround ourselves with aren't just pretty words - they're daily reminders of our values, aspirations, and the person we're working to become. By integrating these words of wisdom into our homes and daily routines, we create touchstones that guide us back to our authentic selves during challenging times. As you build a life that reflects your true spirit, remember that sometimes the simplest reminders carry the most profound impact.
**Note on attributions: While we've made every effort to correctly attribute these quotes to their original sources, the origins of some widely shared wisdom can be difficult to verify with absolute certainty. If you have information about the correct attribution of any quote featured here, we welcome your insights.
Joy on Tap Pick of the Week: Ordinary Joy Framed Print
Our Ordinary Joy Framed Print is a daily reminder to embrace the beauty in life's simple pleasures.
Available in eight carefully curated frame colours—from timeless matte black to warm natural wood or modern crisp white—you can select the perfect combination to complement your home's unique character.
Transform your space with this meaningful print that serves as a gentle nudge to appreciate the small delights that brighten each day.
Shop the Ordinary Joy Framed Print
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