Thomas a Kempis Quotes

Some people are capable of making great sacrifices, but few are capable of concealing how much the effort has cost them; and it is this concealment that constitutes their value.

If we were humble, nothing would change us-neither praise nor discouragement. If someone were to criticize us, we would not feel discouraged. If someone would praise us, we also would not feel proud.

I don't let the hate go to my heart, and I don't let the praise go to my head.

There are times I am happy. There are times I am sad. But I always try to separate emotion from the need to reach for something stronger, deeper. And then no matter the emotion, I can reach for a stability that helps me accomplish what is the goal.

I've always been proud of the fact that I can hold it together and I rarely break. It's a point of pride for me.

Strength of character does not consist solely in having powerful feelings, but in maintaining one’s balance in spite of them

When things begin to go negative, sometimes we just have to cover our ears and not let such circumstances influence us.

I think the inner strength that I have helps me stay calm.

I don't feel intimidated by any of the people I'm talking to or the situations I find myself in. I just try to make my nana proud.

...to tune the spirit when someone is trampling on you is called control

As a rule, the mind, residing in a body that has become weakened by pampering, is also weak, and where there is no strength of mind there can be no strength of soul.

Possess your soul with patience.

I do not feel inhibited or bound by what I am. That does not mean that I have never had bad scenes relating to being Black and/or a woman, it means that other people’s craziness has not managed to make me crazy.

While they flail about, you will remain calm in the knowledge that you possess strength from within.

It's hard to be strong and be weak at the same time. So I spent a lot of time sitting still. Sitting still for hours, not moving a muscle. Really concentrated work, so I'm ready. I'm ready for my performance.

I may have lost my heart, but not my self-control.

He who suffers in patience, surfers less and saves his soul. He who suffers impatiently, suffers more and loses his soul.

I was not offended, my love. An insult is like a drink; it affects one only if accepted. And pride is too heavy baggage for my journey.

Live within; be not shaken by outward happenings.

Self-possession is the backbone of authority.

If you really have integrity, there are very few people who can insult you, or honor you.

You are very easily exasperated, my dear. If you're a leaf trembling on a wide, deep river, relax and ride the current. It's always worked for me, I assure you.

Unless the man is master of his soul all other kinds of mastery amount to little.

At times the whole world seems to be in conspiracy to importune you with emphatic trifles. Friend, client, child, sickness, fear, want, charity, all knock at once at thy closet door and say,—'Come out unto us.' But keep thy state; come not into their confusion. The power men possess to annoy me I give them by a weak curiosity. No man can come near me but through my act.

Attach yourself to what is spiritually superior, regardless of what other people think or do. Hold to your true aspirations no matter what is going on around you.