I believe all creative people come to a point where they doubt their ability. Some come to believe they can’t go forward with their art one more day. They’re quitting. Yes, the big Q word.
Been there?
I certainly have.
Well here are a few of quotes that I keep on the wall by my desk. I want to share them with those who have the Q word in their heads right now or may have in the future.
~1887, the Musical Courrier: “Brahms evidently lacks the breadth and power of invention eminently necessary for the production of truly great symphonic works.”
~ Confucius: “It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop. “
~ Unknown: “When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time.'”
~Harold Gould Henderson’s translation of the Master Essa’s “Snail, ever so slowly . . .”
“Snail, my little man, slowly, oh, very slowly climb up Fujisan!”
Any quotes that keep you going? Hope so. If not, take mine. I’m off to find Fujisan . . . and some fellow #writecampaign people at RACH WRITES.
Jolene Perry says
Those are AWESOME.
And that deer is SOOO cool 😀
Lisa Ricard Claro says
Just what I needed today. Thanks. 🙂
Marcia says
I love a pithy quote. Thanks for sharing these.
Barbara Fisher March House Books says
Great post, thanks for sharing those.
Lynn(e) says
You posted this quote: "It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop. "
Very good.
I also tell myself: "Baby steps" and "One day at a time". They help. Even every rejection helps.
Thank you for this post.
Samantha says
These are great! I've definitely been to that point, but I had some great support and few good quotes to help me out.
Melodie Wright says
I love the one about hope. It certainly keeps whispering while the world shouts!
And of course, that old chestnut: The difference between success and failure is perseverance.
Margo Berendsen says
I can't even think of a good inspirational quote at the moment to share back! Uggh, too many strange words in today's challenge! But glad to see you are in the Campaign, too!
Carrie Butler says
Thank you for sharing! These quotes came at a perfect time. 🙂
Crystal Collier says
Thanks for the boost. I ALWAYS need more encouragement. There has to be a less exhausting career, right?
C. Lee McKenzie says
Glad these quotes resonated with you writerly people. And, of course, Buddy, who is a noted canine philosopher, has added to the mix of inspiration . . . beautifully. You deserve a rawhide bone, Buddy.
Ciara says
Great quotes! I think we all doubt ourselves daily. Well, I know I do. 🙂
MG Higgins says
These are great! I like Buddy's, too. It's amazing how encouraging quotes can keep me inspired.
BUDDY says
"Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul." – Douglas MacArthur
"Don't get it right. Just get it written." – James Thurber
"Who knows where inspiration comes from. Perhaps it arises from desperation." – Amy Tan
Great post, Lee. Thanks for sharing.
Talli Roland says
Oh, those are great quotes.
I doubt my ability every day. And what keeps me going is the fact that I LOVE to write. I try to hang on to the enjoyment of it.