Daily Inspirational/Motivational Quotes - Inspiring/Encouraging Quotes #16 Lao Tzu - Journey
Lao Tzu
Journey
![Daily InspirationalMotivational Quotes InspiringEncouraging Quotes #16 Lao Tzu - Journey.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmcYZCfvAaNPD2tfQVsMspa4dhR5xAQabfxB9dhUbCpUfr/Daily%20InpirationalMotivational%20Quotes%20InspiringEncouraging%20Quotes%20%2316%20Lao%20Tzu%20-%20Journey.jpg)
Laozi (also Lao-Tzu /ˈlaʊˈdzʌ/ or Lao-Tze, Chinese: 老子; pinyin: Lǎozǐ, literally "Old Master") was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. He is known as the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching, the founder of philosophical Taoism, and a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese religions.
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![Statue of Lao Tzu in Quanzhou.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmYwmcSoc8QFnQaDnyveCzMxv6ahPEtjMC2QoF4gkYTf8S/Statue%20of%20Lao%20Tzu%20in%20Quanzhou.jpg)
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I suppose creating a legacy for oneself that lasts for thousands of years would count as success.
This guy is considered a legendary character though he was thought to have actually existed around 4th-6th century BC.
Because his words have been spoken throughout so much of time many of us have heard a lot of his quotes before.
This one in particular has been spread far and wide.
I imagine most of you have heard it.
I would like to couple this statement with one I have been taught from a mentor of mine.
That is, "The hardest step is always the first.".
Every journey in life, every idea we start or thing we do must begin somewhere.
You must take that first step.
![First Step.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmc5x9y47KCoohCze9txgRKfYfJiXhgh7QwNNY6aktaZwC/First%20Step.jpg)
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Often times we will hesitate when faced with a journey.
Sometimes we will even back down and never start the journey because of our fears of what will be.
The thing to remember here is that there are no such thing as bad or good choices... Only choices.
![choices.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmRSaJhtL6tsDaNqstqjEfXXP4yCHc1fJznSwJ2c2zvtbK/choices.jpg)
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No bad or good experiences, only experiences.
There is a Taoist story I feel is appropriate here.
There was an old farmer that had worked the crops for many years. One day, his horse ran away.
His neighbors heard and came to visit. "Such bad luck." they told him sympathetically. "Maybe." Said the farmer.
The next morning the horse returned. With it were three more wild horses. "How fortunate you are." his neighbors told him. "Maybe" said the farmer.
The next day his son tried to ride one of the wild horses. He was thrown and broke his leg. "What bad news." said the neighbors. "Maybe" replied the farmer.
The following day the military came and drafted all the young men of the village. When they saw his son's injury they did not take him. "How fortunate you have been." said the neighbors. "Maybe." replied the farmer.
Each one of these situations was looked at by the neighbors as either good or bad. The farmer only saw situations.
You see, each experience you have is merely a step in your path.
![steps step.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmSYEnRSqDKRSmQMsmMbvQZsXMAzrEDwU6DccLMUA6gMPw/steps%20step.jpg)
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It is not your fate.
The more you learn from each step the better prepared you will be for the coming steps.
Even when the worst of all things happens, it is still only a step on your path.
It is nothing to fear because it is guiding you forward.
We scare ourselves for no reason. We tell ourselves all of these what ifs.
We convince ourselves not to take the first step in so many areas of life and that is what makes the first step seem so hard.
Once you have taken the first step, every step after becomes easier.
If you let your fears prevent that first step then you will be allowing fear to be your guide.
With fear as your guide your path will be dismal and depressing.
![dismal and depressing.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmU9kaM7j5e73AaBjFenGQEuYCzXqiT4cFauxRTquBYHvW/dismal%20and%20depressing.jpg)
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Once you begin to realize that there are no good or bad decisions, only decisions.
No good or bad experiences, only experiences.
You will know that there is nothing to fear but fear itself.
Then you will be able to take that first step gracefully knowing that whatever comes will come and that is your path.
Knowing that today is the first day of the rest of your life.
That only you can decide what to do with it.
Always remember what Lao Tzu said centuries ago...
Take that first step!
Start your journey!
Thanks for reading.
Michael David
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Previous posts in this series:
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15
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Not so bad... check out my favorite quotes:
https://steemit.com/motivation/@millionairemark/five-of-my-favorite-motivational-quotes-the-most-effective-way-to-do-it-is-to-do-it-amelia-earhart
Thanks, nice quotes.
follow me please
i'm already following you. It's not smart to just ask for followers like this. The administrators don't like it. :)
Oh , okay iam sorry ;)
I'm not offended just giving you a heads up :)
Okay ^^
The first step is always the hardest! But in order to get from point A to point B we have to start from somewhere. Great post as always!
Thanks again @miriamslozberg! You are absolutely right!
Hard to see, the dark side is.
Yet feel it you will.
I created Vaapad to answer my weakness: it channels my own darkness into a weapon of the light.
Mace Windu to Obi-Wan Kenobi
Nice!
I missed reading your posts.
Thanks, it's nice to have you back!
best writing
Thank you very much!
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