Life's Little Book of Survival Quotes

By Larry Powell

Life’s Little Book of Survival Quotes by Larry Powell. Approx. 38,000 words. Language: English. Published on November 16, 2013. Category: Nonfiction.

Life’s Little Book of Survival Quotes was created for people like you who are going through struggles in their lives right now. Let it be the constant companion that you can turn to anytime day or night.

Do you feel like you just can’t go on?

Have you ever felt like hearing just the right words will get though the day?

The Little Book of Survival Quotes is the definitive collection of quotes, tips and inspirational stories you need.

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Examples of Quotes You Will Find By Topic:

Adversity
“You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you.”
~Mary Tyler Moore

Relationships
“What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.” ~Oscar Wilde

Worry/Stress/Anxiety
“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.” ~Chinese Proverb

Hard Times/Struggle
“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” ~Japanese Proverb

Insecurity/Fear
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear.” ~Mark Twain

Failure/Misfortune
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” ~Winston Churchill

Examples of Tips You Will Find:

Adversity

1.Trust Yourself. Believe that the power to do better is in you.
2.Work at it. Remind yourself that no matter how tough things are, they will get better if you work at making this happen.

Examples of Stories You Will Find:

Failure/Misfortune

J.K. Rowling: Her life story is the perfect example that success can eventually come to anyone. Before author of the Harry Potter book series became a success, she was a divorced mother, living on welfare, going to school and trying to write a novel in her spare time. In more successful times at a Harvard commencement speech she said, “Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one area where I truly belonged.”

During times in your life when you are plagued by worry, fear, disagreement, or uncertainty, The Little Book of Survival tips is a powerful survival guide to help you reclaim your passion, possibilities and peace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Larry Powell
• Release date: Nov 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310311154

Larry Powell

Larry Powell is currently a Dallas-based marketing and advertising professional. Although he has extensive experience in journalism as an academician and business entrepreneur, Life’s Little Book of Survival Quotes is his first foray into publishing his own works. After the Twin Towers terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, all but destroyed his means to earn a living (resulting in the loss of his business, his marriage and his home, colleagues, friends and family members), he fought his internal demons and realized there was no other choice but to pull up his boot straps and keep participating in his life. As new doors started to open, his desire to bring uplifting, inspirational messages and tools to empower people to change their lives increased exponentially. He parlayed his experience in marketing and advertising into strategizing solution-based programs for profit and not-for-profit organizations. And established grassroots platforms to help individuals struggling to rebuild their lives and businesses during these very tough times hit by financial and natural disasters. The entrepreneurial, philanthropic and humanitarian components of Larry’s nature are the basis for his need to nurture and support people to reach their fullest potential. He is a life coach, a mentor, philosopher, and an educator – all of which he learned through practical applications of the education he gained throughout his collegiate years. Powell earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in advertising from the University of Texas at Arlington. But his professorships in communication and advertising at the P.I. Reed School of Journalism, University of Missouri School of Journalism, and Southwest Methodist University – and his business training of Chinese journalists in Beijing – were the real impetus behind teaching and inspiring people around the world how to live a more fulfilling, rewarding life. Underpinning his drive to affect change are four key components: The human spirit, survival, diversity, and the “mojo” (the magic) in his passion for success -- all of which have been assimilated into his work with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity, Texas Christian University, and hundreds of others across the United States. His broad-based skills enabled him to create leadership modules used by staff at all levels, retail and promotional campaigns, city and state officials, and media clients. As well as business models for multicultural, spiritual, and educational programs, and the individuals running them. The coaching and mentoring programs Powell developed over the years are an amalgam of his career as a director of creative strategy; marketing/communications consultant; business director; founder and director of his own advertising agencies; and media mogul – all of which have been foundations for his exploration into journalism. Before looking into the future as a writer, the positions in Powell’s arsenal of achievements speak to his humanitarian involvements, and as a formidable speaker and educator: Quest for Success Entrepreneur Award for Business Excellence; Dallas Society of Visual Communications (DSVC); Board of Directors for Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas; Board of Directors, Marcus Graham Project; Board of Advisors for ROXY (TCU Student Ad Agency); member of American Institute of Graphic Arts, Dallas Chamber of Commerce and the Black Chamber of Commerce; the D/FW Minority Business Development Council; and the National Association of Black Journalists. Having crammed several lifetimes into one, he is a true visionary when it comes to the power of the written word. By establishing his Life’s Little Book 12-part series flagship, he is hopeful his words of encouragement can revitalize a disconnected, downtrodden mindset into one that can change any dream into a reality.

Book preview

PREFACE

The door and window in my cover design represent two potential choices: Turn the knob, open the door, and walk through to the other side. Or look out the window and be a spectator.

When people are going through struggles they tend to cocoon themselves against the world going on around them. But a glimmer of optimism (the window) represents what could be if they only opened the door to possibilities.

During my years of adversity I spent many days looking out the window, searching for glimmers of hope that my struggles would end. Because of my fears I stayed inside dreaming of what I could have instead of stepping into the sunlight and fresh air of a new life.

I chose this image because I feel that no matter where a person is in their situation, they should always have hope. The red balloon indicates that if you walk through the door your spirits will be lifted, and there are no heights you can’t reach if you only have the courage to take the first step.

It would be less than honest for me to tell you that reading a few motivational quotes will snap you back into a state of happiness, peace or success, particularly at a time when life’s battles may have you ravaged and shaken to the core. But what I can promise is the simple act of repeatedly referring to this book will provide enough inspiration to hold you until you find your way back to peace and hope.

Believing that your situation will get better is all you need to get you through the day. Even the smallest actions you take during whatever crisis you may be experiencing will be hugely empowering. Plus, reading comments from and about people who have experienced similar struggles can reassure you that if they’ve overcome their obstacles, you can too!

The people highlighted in this book of quotes have survived a myriad of life’s challenges including abandonment, addiction, loneliness, divorce, imprisonment, homelessness, failure and shame. I certainly have had my share of difficult times (and at times I still do). And it was during some of my most painful struggles that I realized if we face our problems head on we can move forward to a better life.

Like some people collect knickknacks, I’ve collected inspirational stories, quotes and teachings all my life. And to this day I devour badly dog-eared pages of those books written by my favorite authors every night before I go to sleep.

For instance, With everything that has happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or treat what has happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose. Wayne W. Dyer’s words always put my problems into perspective, and I feel less angst and less defeated.

Other favorite authors are Joyce Meyer who said, Courage is fear that has said its prayers and decided to go forward anyway; and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. While my anxiety may not always disappear, I’m always left encouraged and ready to move past whatever issue(s) I’m going through.

The stories and quotes in this book will affect people in many different ways, but there’s something here for everyone. Somewhere, and at some point in time, somebody has felt the same way you’re feeling right now.

Your suffering is valid, so don’t deny your emotions. Give yourself permission to feel everything, as painful and raw as it might be. Please read this book to see how others have faced their problems. And allow whatever you discover to bring levity into your day and inspire you to reclaim your passion, possibilities, and peace.

INTRODUCTION

The second son of James Arthur and Georgia Stevenson Powell, I was born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1955.

My father, a U.S. Army sergeant, was killed in a plane crash in 1963 while serving his country during the Vietnam War. My mother, widowed at 29, raised me, my older brother, and my two younger brothers as a single parent. Although life was often difficult, she was determined to hold our family together and fulfill my father’s dream of making sure each of his sons got a college education.

The financial support from Army benefits – supplemented by the little money Mother earned from cleaning homes -- sustained our family and helped make ends meet. Of course, life was a struggle at times. But our mother found strength in faith, family and friends to keep our spirits high.

I always looked to her for words of encouragement to get through my struggles. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, she used to say. She consistently provided wisdom grounded in faith, and what had been passed down to her from her own mother and father.

All three of my brothers and I finished high school and eventually went on to college. During my sophomore year at the University of Texas at Arlington, I worked at the school newspaper, The Shorthorn, where I designed and sold ads to local businesses. I was also active in my fraternity, campus organizations, student and community politics, and the Student Senate. I graduated in 1979 with a BFA in Communications, and pursued my lifelong dream of working in advertising.

My life has been filled with wonderful moments as well as many stressful challenges. In the more than 30 years since I graduated from college I’ve constantly relied on the words of many motivational gurus such as Tony Robbins, Wayne Dyer, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Rev. Mike Hayes, Joyce Meyer and Les Brown. I’ve watched countless webinars, attended seminars and conferences, listened to tapes, and read their books. And I thank every one of them for the many times their words have kept me strong so I wouldn’t let go.

In 1993, I took a huge leap of faith and started my own business after years of working tirelessly to build a successful professional career. Within a short period of time after setting up my one-man operation in my tiny Dallas apartment, clients poured in and I was on my way to building a small but thriving advertising boutique.

I had so much work that I had to hire subcontractors who were constantly in and out of my apartment-based business. Working around the clock, I outgrew the space so quickly that I never had time to find my own office space. But luckily colleagues came to my rescue and offered space as my business expanded. With growth came many opportunities, awards and recognition beyond what I could have ever imagined.

Within a short period of time I met and married whom I believed to be the woman of my dreams, and together we built a luxurious home in an exclusive suburb of Dallas. Then the son I prayed for all my life was born a year later. Our family was happy, successful and prosperous, and it looked like I had achieved the American Dream.

Then on September 11, 2001, a plane hit a building in New York City, then another, then another, and life changed forever. A tsunami of personal downfalls followed that affected every part of my life. I won’t belabor the details, but I will say that during the subsequent five years after 9-11 my marriage ended in divorce, my business failed due to halts in work from my affected clients, I lost my home to foreclosure, all my money, business associates and many people who I thought were close friends.

A once confident, self-assured husband, father and businessman, my life was broken. I was left only with my faith in God, and all the words of the authors I’d been encouraged by over the years. After I heard one of Joyce Meyer’s broadcasts on faith -- You ask why me, God? Well, why not you?" -- I decided to hold on and not give up.

I have survived many more hard times since then, but I’ve refused to give up. I’ve maintained a very close bond with my son, my family, and close friends who have been with me during good times and sustained me through bad times. They are my number one priority, and I spend as much time as I possibly can with them.

In 2004, my career took me to the Missouri School of Journalism where I taught advertising for four years. I met scholars from all over the world, and traveled to parts of the globe teaching and facilitating seminars.

In 2012, I made my way back to Texas where I held executive positions at a major Austin advertising agency, and moved back to the Dallas area where I am once again close to my family. I currently provide marketing communication consulting to individuals, businesses, and universities across the United States.

I am happy, healthy and content. My struggles have made me a better man, and I am confident that I will see more happiness in my life. But whenever I’m faced with challenges – and you can rest assure there are always challenges -- I will know where to turn for words of encouragement.

Hopefully my Life’s Little Book of Survival Quotes provides inspiration, hope and nurturing during troubling times. It is my desire that the examples of people’s lives and their perspectives will break apart the clouds of gloom and allow sunshine in all aspects of your life. Their voices were always there for me ... and will be there for you as well!

–Larry W. Powell

How to Use This Book

Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

–Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Better to light a candle than curse the darkness.

–Chinese Proverb

Life’s Little Book of Survival Quotes was written for people who are experiencing struggles in their lives. Containing words of comfort, support and advice, it’s a constant companion that can lift your spirits and keep you hanging in there during your worst of times and even your best of times.

An abundant variety of the most inspirational quotes of all times are broken into sections by subject to remind you that no matter how you’re feeling at the moment or what you’re going through, it WILL NOT last forever.

Each quote represents what many others just like you have experienced and survived. And each chapter ends with valuable tips and survival stories of notable people you surely will recognize.

You can use this valuable Little Book of Survival Quotes in many different ways:

1. As a daily guide: Find the topic that matches what you’re going through and the quotes to inspire you. Jot them down, say them out loud, and memorize them. Use them throughout your day to keep you feeling positive and motivated.

2. Find a daily quote to use for affirmation, meditation, or as your mantra throughout the day. Write it on sticky notes and place them around the house and at work as a reminder to keep you committed to your improvement and recovery.

3. Read the book from cover-to-cover to explore the wealth of knowledge available to help you face the difficulties life presents.

4. Randomly turn to any page to find surprising and inspirational ways to prepare you for the days, weeks, months and years ahead.

5. When anxiety threatens to overwhelm you, find quotes that relate to your problems that can help you become re-centered and remind you that better times are ahead.

6. Send family, friends and colleagues quotes who need uplifting during life’s challenges.

7. Keep this book at your fingertips as a handy reference guide to find the perfect words to use during sensitive