If you overcome your fear to ask someone for a date, a raise, or help with a project, that is an act of self-assertiveness. You are moving out into life rather than contracting and withdrawing.

The reputation you have with yourself - your self-esteem - is the single most important factor for a fulfilling life.

Every day, it's important to ask and answer these questions: "What's good in my life?" and "What needs to be done?"

Loving consciously does not mean subjecting your relationship to endless analysis. It means something much simpler: paying attention. Noticing. This requires presence.

The world belongs to those who persevere.

I believe that earning your living doing something you enjoy is one of the very best ways to nourish yourself. But even if you are employed at something that is not your ideal work, it is important to find ways to take as much pleasure in it as possible. Living in the present moment can make ordinary activities more interesting and joyful; you may be surprised, if you only look, at what you will find. If you try to stay connected with why you are doing what you are doing, for example, then even the parts of your life that aren't especially interesting can become more meaningful.

Anyone who really loves you wants you to be authentic. And anyone who doesn't want you to be authentic doesn't really love you.