12 quotes that changed the way I live

One of my favorite parts of touring for a living is meeting a vast number of cool people with incredible wisdom and experiences to share. I learned early in my touring days that being a sponge to wisdom is an incredible way to live, and makes the most of this very exciting life and career I’ve been blessed with. Here are the quotes that I’ve come across (or come up with) over the years and that I find myself using almost daily to help guide and shape my actions and experiences. I’d love to know which one(s) have the most impact on you. Enjoy! 

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1. Fear is a green light.

Most people interpret fear or nervousness as a yellow or red light. Re-frame it as the opposite. Discomfort means growth. Shying away from fear leads to stagnation and unfulfillment. If it’s scary, you’re on the right track. After 20+ years on stage I don’t get nervous very often anymore, but I notice and celebrate when I do. 

2. “A little too soon” is the perfect time.

You’ll never feel 100% ready to take a leap. If you see it happening in the future, do it now. Get a jump on it. Waiting will make you late. In my life this has applied to jumping INTO things and jumping OUT of things. It has applied to new life chapters, big life decisions, new purchases, or saying goodbye to things that no longer serve me. 

3. Helping you, helps me.

Offering help is a gift to the recipient and the giver. When times are hard, I focus outward to replenish joy and find purpose by helping others. Whether it’s as involved as volunteering or just shifting daily convos to involve listening more than speaking. At the very minimum, it helps take your mind off of your own hardship. This blog has served me in this way over the years. 

“Rather than think less of yourself, think of yourself less” 
– C.S. Lewis 

4. “Perfect” is the enemy of “done.”

(Concept introduced to me by Liz Gilbert’s Big Magic)
Fellow perfectionists hate the phrase “good enough”, so may I offer my alternative: “excellent enough.” It may not be perfect but it’s so damn close. Release it into the world. It will sit there in your nit-picking vortex forever. Liz also explains that perfectionism is “fear in disguise”, and that taking action helps gain clarity. I often ask myself what’s motivating me to make something perfect, and is that narrative really that accurate? (Will y’all really care if the syntax in this post isn’t perfect?)

5. Replace the word “nervous” with “excited.”  
(Also works to replace words like uncertain, worried, afraid, etc.)

I have my friend and creative comrade Victoria Rose (aka Hasson) to thank for this one. When the words “I’m nervous” pop into your head, literally replace “nervous” with the word “excited.” This reframes the uncertainty as possibility, and changes your perspective from a place of fear to one of seizing opportunity. You’ll show up differently and more confidently. Rather than “what if everyone goes wrong” … what if everything goes RIGHT?? 

6. Creativity is vulnerability, and vulnerability is power. 

To bring new ideas/art forth is to expose yourself and your inner world, which requires immense courage. But without creativity there is no innovation, no progress, no change, no growth. Ideas must start somewhere and they rely on the courage to express them. Other’s opinions matter not when it comes to self-expression and new ideas. Be brave and authentic. (Saying this directly to myself this season.) 

7. Stress needs a plan.

I use this almost daily. When life feels overwhelming or I’m paralyzed by a particular situation or to-do list, I break it down into manageable pieces and action items. Too much to do? Make a more detailed schedule of when and how things will get done. Need to have a tough conversation? Make notes of the talking points and get it scheduled. Most of my stress comes from uncertainty and a flood of possible outcomes overtaking my thoughts. Making a schedule with actionable steps relieves some of the overwhelm and allows my brain to regain some control. Instead of imagining all the ways things could go wrong, making a plan shows me how things will go right.

8. You can’t miss what’s meant for you.

I have my artist friend Jess Antonette to thank for this one, and I’m slowly learning just how true it is. Trusting that life unfolds exactly as it’s supposed to doesn’t come naturally to me, but in many scenarios I’ve been rewarded for taking my hands off the wheel. My life is built around making the world better through music and words, and doing my best to bring joy and care to everyone I meet. If I end my days knowing I lived in alignment with this, then I trust I’m on course.
More on this here:  https://drriift.com/hustle-vs-drift/

“I think 99 times and find nothing. I stop thinking, swim in silence, and the truth comes to me.”
– Albert Einstein 

9. If you can’t make the decision, you don’t have enough info.

Decision paralysis? Do more research. There are pieces to the puzzle you haven’t found yet. Identify where you’re imagining scenarios and outcomes without actual facts, and seek the reality. Do some googling, ask more questions, and consider alternative options. In my life this often presents itself when having to decide whether or not to take a gig, and I realize that there are key questions that still need to be asked. Here’s a more detailed look at my decision-making process, as an over-thinker and perfectionist:  https://drriift.com/alaska-decision-making/

10. How you spend your days is how you spend your life. (Annie Dillard)

The journey isn’t just more important than the destination, it is your whole life. Perpetual preparation isn’t a way to live. Set giant goals and realize your wildest dreams … but choose them so that you’ll enjoy life along the way. Carve time for the meaningful and enjoyable experiences to offset the grueling days. You won’t regret it. Don’t wake up after years of “planning” to look back on a chapter where you didn’t find joy, peace, time with family, etc.
More thoughts on this here:  https://drriift.com/montana-savor-the-journey/

“No one on their death bed says they wish they had worked more.” 
– Paul Tsongas

11. Every day is a school day.

I stole this one from my life partner and other half. To live as a ‘student of life’ means operating every day with curiosity and humility, and leads to experiences and wisdom that changes you for the better. Acknowledging that you have a lot to learn is a lifestyle that attracts people, opportunities, and so much enjoyment. (It definitely drew me to him!) We love museums, documentaries, conversations with knowledgeable people … lifelong learning creates and maintains an affinity for the world that keeps hope and optimism alive. 

12. Lead with love.

This one is personal. Letting care and concern for others (and humanity) guide your daily life won’t steer you wrong. Make every decision with your heart and a beautiful life unfolds, one way or another. Compassion is always rewarded, and upholds our duty to make the world a better place. 

And, hey, karma. 

Thanks for reading, drriifters 💙🌎
Diana