Today's quote of the day comes from Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), who served as First Lady of the United States during her husband Franklin Delano Roosevelt's unprecedented four terms in office.
"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility." - Eleanor Roosevelt
I agree wholeheartedly with Roosevelt; in reality, this has been a recurring theme on this blog since it was first launched.
What I think Eleanor Roosevelt is trying to say here is that we are ultimately the masters of our own destiny. Life is what we make of it, and the world is our oyster. Whether you often complain about your dead-end job, big gut, or shabby city apartment, it's on you to take the necessary steps in your life to effect change. Simply put, no one else is going to do it for you!
We must hold ourselves accountable for our choices, whether they end up being good or bad ones. As human beings, we're imperfect, so making a bad decision every now and then is inevitable. It's how we pick ourselves up and learn from our mistakes -- the earnest effort we make not to repeat them -- that shows a person's true character.
We make better lives for ourselves -- and our families -- through hard work and sacrifice. The processes that Roosevelt highlights in the quote -- of shaping our lives and ourselves in the process - go hand-in-hand. For example, if you make it a goal of yours to graduate from college, you'll surely cultivate certain habits and qualities en route to accomplishing that goal, like studiousness, moral integrity (not cheating on exams), and so on.
Use your mind to shape yourself into the best possible version of "you." How? By thinking positively and never giving up on your hopes and dreams.
Do you agree with Eleanor? What did you take the quote to mean?
"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility." - Eleanor Roosevelt
I agree wholeheartedly with Roosevelt; in reality, this has been a recurring theme on this blog since it was first launched.
What I think Eleanor Roosevelt is trying to say here is that we are ultimately the masters of our own destiny. Life is what we make of it, and the world is our oyster. Whether you often complain about your dead-end job, big gut, or shabby city apartment, it's on you to take the necessary steps in your life to effect change. Simply put, no one else is going to do it for you!
We must hold ourselves accountable for our choices, whether they end up being good or bad ones. As human beings, we're imperfect, so making a bad decision every now and then is inevitable. It's how we pick ourselves up and learn from our mistakes -- the earnest effort we make not to repeat them -- that shows a person's true character.
We make better lives for ourselves -- and our families -- through hard work and sacrifice. The processes that Roosevelt highlights in the quote -- of shaping our lives and ourselves in the process - go hand-in-hand. For example, if you make it a goal of yours to graduate from college, you'll surely cultivate certain habits and qualities en route to accomplishing that goal, like studiousness, moral integrity (not cheating on exams), and so on.
Use your mind to shape yourself into the best possible version of "you." How? By thinking positively and never giving up on your hopes and dreams.
Do you agree with Eleanor? What did you take the quote to mean?
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