Hint: It was neither Gandhi nor Margaret Thatcher.
Photo by Affan Khan on Unsplash
The Iron Lady never said this and it originated long before Gandhi was even born. It is attributed to Lao Tzu, a mystic philosopher of ancient China, best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching (The Way and Its Power), which is the original Taoist text published in the 3rd century.
Here is the quote in full.
Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.
This saying expresses how quality of our thoughts shapes our lives.
Living in the now, being balanced and mindful
Taoism focuses on living a simple and balanced life in harmony with nature. Certain practices ? like observing feng shui, meditating, practicing tai chi and yoga ? are considered Taoist.
Anyone can benefit from the simplicity found in Taoism. When we pause and reflect on teachings from eons ago, we might just discover we have the power to change our destiny.
Enjoy the sayings!
?Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.?
One thing that sets successful people apart in life is their ability to admit when they don?t know something. Why not benefit from the experience and knowledge others have already accumulated?
Don?t Be Afraid to Admit What You Don?t Know
The power of saying ?I don?t know?.
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?When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.?
What are the stories you tell yourself the most? Are they positive and uplifting? If not, why not rewrite them to be more useful and supportive?
What Are the Stories You Tell Yourself the Most?
And why you should rewrite them.
medium.com
?Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing.?
Being busy can be a form of procrastination. Often it?s a rationalization ? an excuse for stalling on doing something that can add real value to your life.
Stop Wearing Busyness Like It?s a Badge of Honor
Instead focus on what is most important in your life.
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?The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.?
Studies show people are happiest when they make progress toward their goals. Ask yourself, what did I accomplish today? If you can answer this, you?ve had a productive day ? a good day!
Why You Should Accomplish Something Every Day
The simple art of a joyful life.
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?Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.?
Though some parts of our personalities feel written in stone, yet the truth is we are all capable of shifting our perspective.
Why Positive Thinking Is So Important
It?s never too late to change your mindset.
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?Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.?
We live in the present moment. One kind action on your part can fill the present moment of another person with a sense of joy.
Why Being Kind Is the Key to Being Happy
Giving people the benefit of the doubt, benefits you too!
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When a certain philosophical saying has remained alive for centuries, it is a good idea to stop and recognize its truth.
As always it comes down to mindset.
