In honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday this week, I thought I’d dedicate my Thursday musing to some of his beloved quotes that resonate the most with me:
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go.”
“So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s a great balancing act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed!”
“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”
Image: Dr. Seuss | Seussville Exhibit at MSI by Jim Larrison
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
This is great! Thank you. Xo
Glad you liked it, Ayala. Thanks.
Being normal and fitting in are underrated. The “Dr” always got it right – and with a wink.
I love his wisdom. And yes, there is nothing wrong in standing out. It makes life more interesting.
So awesome. We live where he used to live so there are big celebrations here. The third quote is one I’ve never heard.
One of my favorites is about smiling because something happened, instead of crying that it’s over. Was that him? I must go see.
Oh, wow, Tamara. I bet those celebrations are tons of fun. Dr. Seuss did write that last quote. I used it on my holiday cards in the past. It’s such a great quote!
Love Dr. Seuss! So glad I visited your blog today. He always got it right! I have the first two quotes above and the ones below on a post-it by my monitor.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.
Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.
Oh the places you’ll go, today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!!
Oh, Aarti, I love the quotes you have on your post-it notes. They are great reminders. I believe Dr. Seuss’s wisdom brings out the best in children and adults.