When I was young I remember asking my mom why she was constantly having me read and write.
Without hesitation she shot back, “Because reading allows you to learn anything anyone has ever written, and writing allows you to teach anything you learn.”
At the time I didn’t understand. I just knew I wasn’t winning this. The older I got the more I saw lessons all around me, what I learned in school, talking with my friends, ease dropping on conversations of my parents and their friends, books, articles, music and TV.
That last one might come as a surprise to some, but I am a big believer in everyone knows something you don’t, (thank you mom and Maya Angelou), even if they are a fictional character. To that end there are two quotes that continue to inspire me, both from inspirational people although one of them is fictional:
“Success is not a goal, it’s a byproduct” – Coach Eric Taylor
“Happiness is not a goal, it’s a byproduct of a life well lived.” – Eleanor Roosevelt