QUESTION:
I’m combining the advice in two chapters under this question: What are your favorite quotations or poems?
Why This Matters:
In the book, these two chapters are called Carrying Words With You and Enjoying Poetry. One idea found in both chapters is to plan ahead for the challenges you know are coming in your stressful week and make time for uplifting quotes and poems. Why not entire books? Because most caregivers I’ve met over the years tell me: “I have no time to read!” Many caregivers don’t even have a quiet hour to sit peacefully and read, so I’ve found lots of strategies for creating mini-oases in your day. One idea is to copy a quotation or a poem and tuck it somewhere you know you’ll pass during your day—like in the silverware drawer or the medicine cabinet.
Lots and lots of readers responded to this challenge in the first groups that formed to discuss this book. Here are just a few we’ve received …
I love Emily Dickinson, who often struggled to find hope. My favorite is her: “Hope” is the thing with feathers / That perches in the soul / And sings the tune without the words / And never stops—at all … I’ve found a lot of Emily Dickinson poetry at Wikiquote. Some great lines to share!
Marie H from Massachusetts
You’ll find a lot of untapped hope and strength in the lyrics of U2. When I think I can’t go on, I look at a sign I have stuck above my mirror in the bathroom. From the band’s October: I can’t change the world / But I can change the world in me.
Bono Fan
I carry my favorite Scripture in my wallet. When I sit down to catch my breath sometimes, I unfold the slip of paper. Even though I know it by heart, I re-read the line slowly. From Philippians: I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Bob Watkins
Now, it’s your turn: Add a Comment below …
