Write Your Own Quote Bible

“Make your own bible. Select and collect all the words and sentences that in all your readings have been to you like the blast of a trumpet.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

For the past 8 years, I have been keeping an ever-growing Word document on my laptop that includes 13 pages of my favorite quotes. I’m not sure if Emerson was the inspiration for this project, but his words have certainly been a supportive theme. His quote above is naturally on the first page reminding me of my intention.

My personal Quote Bible offers inspiration, encouragement, and validation. It brings me joy and comfort knowing that others, even those who lived centuries before me, share(d) the same beliefs and personal challenges.

As such, I have included writing your own Quote Bible as a suggestion in the free eBook, “33 Ways to Add More Joy to Your Life” which I will be publishing in the next few weeks [UPDATE: It is now available here!]. The suggestion is somewhat self-explanatory, but I wanted to give a little more in-depth guidance so that you can create something that truly supports your individuality.  

Tips for Creating Your Quote Bible

A Quote Bible is really just an assembly of all of your favorite quotes. Whenever I come across words that resonate deeply, I either copy and paste the text (my personal favorite since all of the work is done), or I type the words into my Word document. I’m always on my laptop, so this is a natural fit for me. However, you might want to use a different format for your unique Quote Bible.

Following are some options that can meet every level of technical skill or personal preference:

• Use a Bound Journal – If you prefer a hands-on approach, you may want to invest in a printed journal where you can write down quotes as you encounter them. You can keep this in your “Healing Space” so that you can read it whenever you need a lift.
• Utilize an Online Tool – If you are more tech-savvy, you may decide to use an online tool like Google docs or even a visual pin board on Pinterest. I have an “Inspiration & Quotes” board in my Pinterest account that you are welcome to follow. Pinterest boards are a great place to organize inspirational or funny memes.
• Create a Gratitude Folder – If you are a visual person, you might want to keep a pretty portfolio folder that includes quotes and inspirational sayings cut from magazines or printed off the computer. [See “Easy Gratitude Tools” for more on this.]
• Assemble a Vision Board – Another visual approach is to assemble your quotes into a Vision Board or other form of Gratitude Display. Although it is not a comprehensive collection, I have many inspiring quotes on my Vision Board and in displays around my home. They remind me to stay positive and to keep striving for my goals. [Again, “Easy Gratitude Tools” offers an example of this.]

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10 of My Favorite Inspirational Quotes

As I mentioned, my Quote Bible is currently 13 pages long and grows longer every year. As a result, it is VERY difficult to select the quotes that are the most meaningful to me. However, the following quotes stand out as they have shaped my work and the way I live.

My Life Themes

These two quotes have become the driving themes of my work as a writer and a coach. They were even part of the inspiration that led to this site.

• “If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.” – Margaret Fuller
• “So long as you can sweeten another’s pain, life is not in vain.” – Helen Keller

How I Feel About Writing

These messages express how I feel about the power of words. The first quote is why I wrote “Online Dating for Sensitive Women.” It is the book I wish I had when I was struggling with the dating world.

• “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” – Toni Morrison
• “Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.” – Jim Rohn  
• “I am by nature a dealer in words, and words are the most powerful drug known to humanity.” – Rudyard Kipling 

Loving Relief & Encouragement

When I battle low self-esteem and self-doubt, these quotes give me the support I need to feel loved and lovable.

• “A person who has good thoughts can never be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” – Roald Dahl
• “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire Universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha 
• “It takes courage to push yourself to places you have never been before…to test your limits…to break through barriers. And the day came when the risk it took to stay tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anaïs Nin
• “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” – Meister Eckhart

I hope that if words give you inspiration as much as they do for me, that you will consider creating your own Quote Bible. It is such a wonderful tool for uncovering your personal values and for supporting you during challenging times. A good quote can also make you smile, like one of my favorites from William Gibson – “Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, first make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes.” 🙂  

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I would LOVE to know your favorite quotes, and if you have your own version of a Quote Bible. Please let me know in the comments below.

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Michelle Gibeault Traub is a health writer, compassionate coach, and the author of Online Dating for Sensitive Women. Her mission is to help women be their best in body, mind & spirit.

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