Not the end but the journey #quoteSunday

Image from Symphony of Love’s FB page

I think this quote by Ernest Hemingway perfectly sums up #BlogJune – we have an end to journey to (30 posts in 30 days), but the journey matters just as much (if not more) than whether we actually made the goal or not.

I’ve enjoyed the enforced discipline of writing each day, having a chance to develop my authentic blogging voice, and reflecting on things I have been learning and thinking. I did make it to the goal of 30 posts in 30 days – just! – but the things I have learned far outweigh reaching this goal.

So congratulations to everyone who has participated in #BlogJune and been a part of this journey – I’ve been really inspired by a lot of your posts and looking forward to commenting on and sharing these in #CommentJuly!

Successful people #QuoteSunday

Friends helping friends by johncpiercy via CC license on Flickr

Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, “What’s in it for me?”
Brian Tracy.

This quote rings true for me; in my experience, being generous with your time, knowledge, and resources leads to unexpected opportunities and relationships. Altruistic motivation and wanting to help others are key.

But I also don’t want to preach at you – even though it’s Sunday 😛 – so I’ve included the picture of two beautiful birds helping each other out.

Watch your thoughts! #SundayQuote

“Watch your thoughts, they become words;
watch your words, they become actions;
watch your actions, they become habits;
watch your habits, they become character;
watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

I first heard this great quote when watching The Iron Lady; a recent film about Margaret Thatcher. In the film, she credits her father with the words but they have been credited to a number of people, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Lao Tzu, Frank Outlaw, Gautama Buddha, and Bishop Beckwaith.

This excellent article discusses the controversy over various version of this quote, and concludes that the current version of this quote may likely be credited to Frank Outlaw, the President of Bi-Lo stores in the USA.

But whoever said it first aside, this quote is wonderful and shows the slow unfolding of our character which begins with our thoughts.

Like sweet thoughts in a dream by -RejiK via CC license on Flickr

Secret of writing – #QuoteSunday

What I know #writing Steven Pressfield, The War of Art by Teresa Robinson via CC license on Flickr

I saw this quote on Flickr while I was looking for some photos of writing for my Saturday blog post on “The Final Chapter” – serendipity at its finest! This quote seems very appropriate to everyone doing #BlogJune – the problem isn’t the writing per say; it’s sitting down to do the writing. So how can we make writing a habit?

I guess we need to set aside a bit of time each day (or snatch a few minutes every now and then) just to write – and try not to be too critical. I mean; it’s important to write quality stuff, but sometimes you have to work through a bit of dribble to get to the good stuff. After all, a blank page is intimidating so sometimes it’s important just to write – get some words on that canvas – and then go back and fix it up. But you need to start with something!

edit – I was just about to hit publish on this post and then saw two other great #blogjune posts on getting back your writing mojo. Seems like a popular topic 🙂

Con – http://www.flexnib.com/2013/06/08/writing-writing/

Alisa – http://acrystelle.com/2013/06/08/writing-mojo/

All the best to everyone participating in the #BlogJune challenge – I’m really enjoying all the posts so far and I know we can do it!

So overcome that resistance – sit down and write!

Or in the immortal words of Dory:

Just keep swimming!

Just keep swimming by Silvio Tanaka via CC license on Flickr

True definition of intelligence – #QuoteSunday

As Sunday is my day of rest (don’t do anything work/study related), I plan to introduce #quoteSunday for the #blogjune challenge – an inspirational quote and my thoughts on it. I hope you enjoy this gem from Albert Einstein!

Source: examiner.com via Florence and Joseph on Pinterest

 

It is all very well to be intelligent, but who wants to be intelligent and boring? It is much more fun to play, explore, and take risks. Creativity is not just going wild; it is using your intelligence to think outside the box and come up with new solutions.

Incidentally, this what the Octopus Librarian blog is all about – taking the attribute of multitasking within the subject of libraries and making it playful, inquisitive and fun! Hence this blog covers a plethora of topics related to libraries with a focus on learning (often from mistakes :P) and reflection.
I hope this blog succeeds in this ideal and that it both amuses you and makes you think.