Google lists 2.7 million references for the phrase “inspirational quotes” and 666,000 for “overcoming adversity.” As someone who makes his living stringing words together, this doesn’t surprise me. Words can be the catalyst for changing your life, unless you are a cynic or you have beaten yourself down for so long you are content to sink deeper into the comfortable bed of self-pity. If so, stop reading and succumb to the tar pit that has swallowed your energy. However, if you are searching for inspiration to jump-start a quest, take heart with these senior class mottos.

8) Gibsonburg:  Our lives are before us; our pasts are behind us; but our memories are forever with us. (Unknown)

This may be true when you’re 18, but when you’re 60 many memories you treasured as a teen have faded. Keep the focus on the life before you.

7) Eastwood: Life brings us tears, smiles, and memories—the tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever. (Anonymous)

See above.  Make new memories each day. You are making history, not for the books, but for the autobiography which you are writing each day.

6) Woodmore: Take pride in how far you have come; have faith in how far you can go. (Unknown)

What you have accomplished has not been easy. Pat yourself on the back. Now, if you think you’ve had challenges so far, don’t delude yourself into thinking it will get easier. Life doesn’t get easier. You just acquire the skills to negotiate it and cope with it better. A hard life is not a bad thing. Prepare to work, prepare to risk, prepare to compromise, prepare to share, prepare to love and have faith in your ability to drive your dreams forward.

5) Waite: Never let the fear of striking out get in your way. (Babe Ruth)

Babe Ruth hit 714 home runs. He did it without steroids. He also struck out 1,330 times. Keep this in mind when you strike out. You can’t hit a home run sitting on the bench or by being timid. Get in the game. Swing. You’ll learn to connect.

4) Lake: We walk this road together, through the storm, whatever weather, cold or warm, just let you know you’re not alone.  (Eminem)

Find that someone who will be your strongest advocate, who will encourage you when you’re down and who will share the accomplishments in your life worthy of slo-mo replay.

3) Oak Harbor: Our glory consists not in never failing, but in rising each time we fall. (Oliver Goldsmith)

Prepare yourself to fail 100 times before mastering a thing. Expect failure but keep your eyes open and your mind engaged and you won’t fear it. You’ll use failure to learn how to succeed.
 

2) Genoa:  You have the brains in your head. You have the feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go. (Dr. Seuss)

We do not live in an animated world that we create. Others will want to decide where you should go—bosses, spouses, children, friends and enemies. Stay grounded in who you are, acquire and hone the skills you need to get where you want to go and then go.

1) Northwood:  It is amazing how much can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit. (John Wooden)

John Wooden, UCLA’s legendary basketball coach, won 620 times while losing only 147. He has street cred. Enough said.

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