When life deals me a hard blow I like to read the Bible because it really helps me. Other people listen to or read a line or two from their favorite person who helps keep their heads above water.
Today, let’s get some inspiration from the personalities I talked to as they share favorite quotes.
VICKI BELO, cosmetic surgeon: I’ve always believed in the saying "If God is with you, who can be against you?" (Romans 8:31) Having been brought up by my parents to think independently, my life has at times felt like I’ve often taken the road less traveled. I’ve been criticized a number of times on some of my choices but I achieved my peace by meditating on my actions, weighing them to see if I really did do something wrong. When I am convinced that my choice is right and harms no one I stand by my choice. Thankfully, God is always there to protect me and I realize time and again that he really makes everything fall into place. It’s wonderful because I’m able to live my life without any regret.
CHIQUI HOLLMAN YULO, TV personality: God’s promise in Isaiah 40:31, "But those who trust in the Lord shall renew their strength. They will soar like wings of an eagle, they will run and not get weary, they will walk and not get weak."
MARILEN CAWAD, news editor, Institutional Investor, New York: I’ve quoted many people in the past but one of my personal favorites is US billionaire and philanthropist Warren Buffett (the second richest man in the world, with a fortune that is surpassed only by Microsoft’s Bill Gates). He once said, "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to lose it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently." Buffett was talking about corporate America but I think his message applies to everyone. He took a different spin on the old saying, "Look before you leap."
MALOU L. PINEDA, AVP, general manager, Rockwell Land: Live life according to God’s will.
ANTON SAN DIEGO, editor, Philippine Tatler: There are so many quotes that I get a lot of inspiration from, one of them is from Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple). In a commencement speech given at Stanford University he shared his success story and his last lines were simple, yet powerful: "Stay hungry, stay foolish." Another quote that I treasure is found in Psalm 62. In this life you try and find meaning in everything from relationships, career and family but it’s only in having a committed spiritual life that you can find fulfillment and a "peace that passes all understanding." Psalm 62 says, "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and salvation, he is my fortress I will never be shaken ... One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard; that you, O God, are strong and that you, O Lord, are loving." This particular passage was written by David when he was an outlaw from King Saul. In the midst of the turmoil and anguish, he knew the answer to life’s uncertainties – and that’s by trusting in God in all things and at all times.
INES DELGADO, programs director, Asia Society Philippine Foundation Inc.; managing director, Itsie-Bitsie Boutique: I found a quote by Confucius that I like a lot: "Our greatest glory is not in ever falling, but in rising every time we fall."
I like this quote because I believe that life has a lot of obstacles and challenges that bring you down. But you have to be strong, look up and move forward every time these challenges try to bring you down.
ANNA REGALADO, owner, Roma Mia Pizza & Grill: To rise above differences, one must make a difference.
LUCY WYCOCO, businessperson, mother: I listen to Him to keep myself always connected far and wide. In my own little way I bring comfort and joy. I love, I care, I know I am my brother’s keeper. If I am able to please God that’s all that matters.
PHILIP ABADICIO, president, RPA & Communicate: Pablo Picasso said, "Success is dangerous when one begins to copy oneself and to copy oneself is more dangerous than to copy others. It leads to sterility."
The challenges in our lives never end and it is important to surpass each success with an even greater success. I am almost always challenged to give more and do more than what I have previously accomplished. I believe that resting on one’s laurels and reveling in past glories can create lethargy and mediocrity.