I just want to share a few powerful quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady of the World, who lived through World War I, the Great Depression, World War II and not only overcame her fear of public speaking, but was also instrumental in giving courage through action:

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

“Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run it is easier. We do not become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time meeting each thing as it comes up, seeing it not as dreadful as it appears, discovering that we have the strength to stare it down.”

“Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.”

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right-for you’ll be criticized anyway.”

“It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”

“Do one thing everyday that scares you.”

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”

“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.”

“Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says, It can’t be done.

“Happiness is not a goal, it is a by-product of a life well-lived.” 

“You have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with the best you have to give.”

“Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure. You have no security unless you can live bravely, excitingly, imaginatively; unless you can choose a challenge instead of competence.”