Thanks to everyone who took a guess about what I write in my moleskine notebooks. (See Messages to Yourself.) In a way, everyone who guessed was exactly right.
A. Please don’t steal this.
No one guessed A, and everyone was right. Moleskine loss is on my mind, but I’d never put such a negative thought at the beginning of my book.
D. Don’t Panic.
As much as I love this sentiment, Douglas Adams, and Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy — and despite what my agent might tell you — I am not prone to panicking. Stressing? Yes. Worrying? Okay, maybe. But full-on panic is not generally my style.
B. Write your passion.
This is my writing mantra and would make an excellent Moleskine message. The only reason I don’t use it is because my Moleskine ends up holding so much more than just my writing within its pages — to-do lists, journal entries, life goals… The message needs to apply to more than my short stories and novels. (Really awesome guess though, since it is a phrase that is terrifically meaningful to me.)
E. Take what is useful, discard what is not, make what remains your own. [paraphrased from Bruce Lee]
Most people picked this answer, and I have to say, you guys know me really well. This concept affects almost every aspect of my life — from martial arts to writing, and everything in between. Maybe that’s why I don’t write it in my moleskines, because it’s already such an integral part of me.
C. I can do anything.
This phrase is the winner, mostly because although I truly believe it, I need regular reminders. It’s so easy to set limits for myself that I do it without thinking. When I open my Moleskine and see this phrase, I’m supposed to kick those limits to the curb.
It’s the most cliched phrase I listed, but you know what? That’s okay. Whatever you write in your Moleskine only needs to be meaningful to you. It is, after all, your message to yourself.
Love it!
Thanks, Rob!!
This has already inspired me more than once this morning. Thank you!
Glad I could help. :-D