Douglas Pagels Quotes

I am aware that I am less than some people prefer me to be, but most people are unaware that I am so much more than what they see.

Many of us have road maps we envision for the course we think our lives should take. It's important to get headed in the right direction, but don't get so caught up in the concerns over your destination that you forget to delight in the scenery of each new day. Remember that some of the secret joys of living are not found by rushing from point A to point B, but by inventing some imaginary letters along the way.

Even if you can't just snap your fingers and make a dream come true, you can travel in the direction of your dream, every single day and you can shorten the distance between the two of you.

A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be.

Sometimes you just have to be patient and brave and strong. If you don't know how, just make it up as you go along.

Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow.

In all of our days our lives are always changing, tears come along as well as smiles ... May you have rainbows after every storm, may you have hopes to keep you warm. And may you always have an angel by your side.

Love is a feeling, the deepest and sweetest of all. It's incredibly strong and amazingly gentle at the very same time.

Keep believing in brighter days, finding ways for your dreams and wishes to come true. Giving you hope that is as certain as the sun, giving you strength of serenity as your guide.

What is a friend? A friend is one of the nicest things you can have – and one of the best things you can be. – Douglas Pagels, from These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You (published 1999)

Have steppingstones to look forward to, milestones to look back upon, and -- in between -- do everything it takes to have an abundance of connect-the-dot days that lead to happiness. – Douglas Pagels, from 30 Beautiful Things That Are True About You

May you remember that though the roads we take can sometimes be difficult, those are often the ones that lead to the most beautiful views. – Douglas Pagels, from A Special Christmas Blessing Just for You

Love of family and love of friends is where everything beautiful begins. – Douglas Pagels, from A Special Christmas Blessing Just for You

I want you to be reminded from time to time that you are a wonderful gift, and one of the nicest things in this entire world... is your presence in it. – Douglas Pagels, from A Special Christmas Blessing Just for You

Do your part for the planet. Do all those things you know you "should" do. Our grandchildren will either have words of praise for our efforts and our foresight, or words that condemn us for forgetting that they will live here long after we are gone. Don't overlook the obvious: This is not a dress rehearsal. This is the real thing. Our presence has an impact, but our precautions do, too. – Douglas Pagels, from Words That Shine Like Stars

Your life can be what you want it to be ... You'll make it through whatever comes along. Within you are so many answers. Understand, have courage, be strong.

You are personally responsible for so much of the sunshine that brightens up your life. Optimists and gentle souls continually benefit from their very own versions of daylight saving time. They get extra hours of happiness and sunshine every day. – Douglas Pagels, from Simple Thoughts That Can Literally Change Your Life

The secret joys of living are not found by rushing from point A to point B, but by slowing down and inventing some imaginary letters along the way. – Douglas Pagels, from Simple Thoughts That Can Literally Change Your Life

"There is nothing more important than family." Those words should be etched in stone on the sidewalks that lead to every home. – Douglas Pagels, from Simple Thoughts That Can Literally Change Your Life

I may be uncertain about exactly where I'm headed, but I am very clear regarding this: I'm glad I've got a ticket to go on this magnificent journey. – Douglas Pagels, from Simple Thoughts That Can Literally Change Your Life

When your heart is filled with gratitude for what you do have, your head isn't nearly so worried about what you don't. – Douglas Pagels, from Simple Thoughts That Can Literally Change Your Life

Don't let cynical people transfer their cynicism off on you. In spite of its problems, it is still a pretty amazing world, and there are lots of truly wonderful people spinning around on this planet. – Douglas Pagels, from Required Reading for All Teenagers

All the goo

Delight in the scenery of each day.

It takes being an active participant in your life. But you are in the driver's seat, and you can determine the direction you want tomorrow to go in.

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying. The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it becomes. Don't take life too seriously. Live a life full of serenity, not of regrets.