My New Motto

Aug. 11th, 2009 at 5:13 PM

I'm reading this:

If you're not familiar with this book, I highly recommend it.
Ralph Keyes picks you up off the floor, dusts you off, and sends you back to work.

As I read a bit last night before falling asleep,
I came across the word "prevail."
I felt a ping in my head.
The guy who narrates my morning yoga routine
also says "prevail."
And I love it when he does
because it makes me feel strong and powerful.

So after much thought,
I've decided to officially adopt it as my own official word:

PREVAIL

To be or become effective; win out.
To succeed.
To triumph.

I'm thinking about tattooing it on my forehead.

Okay, not really.
But I am wondering if anyone else out there
has a motivating word or phrase.
If so, how do you display/utilize it in your own life?

Comments

( 16 comments — Leave a comment )

ex_kmessner

Aug. 11th, 2009 07:46 pm (UTC)

Just put this book on my "must-read" list - it looks great!

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tracyworld

Aug. 12th, 2009 11:17 am (UTC)

It really is great, for all writers along the writing/publication spectrum.

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linbinwriter

Aug. 11th, 2009 08:57 pm (UTC)

Yes, my motivational phrase is "Team Vinca" because you always find a way to push through the rough patch and inspire all of us. I'm thinking PREVAIL would be a nice addition to the back of our Team Vinca t-shirts.

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tracyworld

Aug. 12th, 2009 11:17 am (UTC)

You are the best! Team Vinca needs PREVAIL. Maybe alongside the Venn Diagram?

Thanks for making me smile, Linda.

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tracyworld

Aug. 12th, 2009 11:18 am (UTC)

Aw, this is such a nice thought. Thank you, Melodye. And you know it's written on your heart, too.

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boreal_owl

Aug. 11th, 2009 09:37 pm (UTC)

I second the book recommendation (which I found out about from Dotificus).

Edited at 2009-08-12 01:39 am (UTC)

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tracyworld

Aug. 12th, 2009 11:20 am (UTC)

Melodye, Dot is dealing with a family crisis (according to her other blog at dcimm.com) You could leave her a message and hug there.

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tracyworld

Aug. 12th, 2009 11:18 am (UTC)

It's a good one. And Dot is a wise one.

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robinellen

Aug. 12th, 2009 12:25 am (UTC)

I like 'prevail'...I also like 'just keep going' :)

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tracyworld

Aug. 12th, 2009 11:21 am (UTC)

Just Keep Going is also very good. I think I told myself that last evening when I was running on the trails but really wanting to walk.

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lorrainemt

Aug. 12th, 2009 01:30 am (UTC)

Sounds like a great book!

Be present. I whisper that to myself when I'm scattered and off believing my errant thoughts. And right there, right in the very now, is where strength, creativity, and wisdom prevail. Good word, Tracy. :)

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tracyworld

Aug. 12th, 2009 11:23 am (UTC)

Be Present is also very good. I told myself that this morning (well, I said Here. Now) when I started feeling panic and overwhelm over life's details, and I calmed right down.

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jeannineatkins

Aug. 12th, 2009 03:26 pm (UTC)

Prevail is lovely. But forehead tattoo not so great as you can't see it there.

I don't have a motto, but I loved your bringing it up and think it's a great idea. I do think of "grace" sometimes as it settles me, as in prevail with grace, put up with this with grace; it's some way of trying to find some beauty in places where it's not always immediately apparent.

Such as the torn-apart draft I must get back to...

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tracyworld

Aug. 25th, 2009 02:41 pm (UTC)

I'm way late in responding to this, Jeannine. But I wanted to tell you I think "grace" is such an apt motto for you. From where I sit, it seems you always have some grace on hand as you live your life.

And thank you for the reminder about why a forehead tattoo isn't such a great idea.

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susanwrites

Aug. 13th, 2009 05:18 pm (UTC)

I love Ralph's book too! Oh dear, and now you me thinking of other favorites like WALKING ON ALLIGATORS and the WAR OF ART and and and.....

If I had just one motto it would likely be:

Write the truth.

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tracyworld

Aug. 25th, 2009 02:41 pm (UTC)

Write the truth.

Excellent. And I know that's what you do, Susan. I've read it.

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( 16 comments — Leave a comment )