Words have an incredible power—they can break us down or lift us up. A single word has the potential to inspire revolutions or destroy empires. It’s a reminder of just how impactful language can be in shaping our lives. With that in mind, here are three of my favorite book quotes and the reasons they resonate with me and continue to inspire.

F. Scott Fitzgerald – The Great Gatsby

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

There will be good times on the water—easy, breezy moments where everything just flows—and then there will be times when the current pushes back, making every stroke feel like a struggle. The past has a way of showing up too, sometimes as a warm, nostalgic wave, other times as a ghost tapping on the shoulder, reminding us of things left undone. But here’s the thing: the past is the past. No matter how much we want to rewind or rewrite it, we can’t go back—we can only keep rowing forward.

Paulo Coelho – The Alchemist

The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.

For years, I believed that making a difference meant doing something big—something that impacted a lot of people in a big way. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to see things differently. The most extraordinary things aren’t grand gestures or massive changes; they’re the small, everyday moments that shape our lives and the people closest to us. It turns out that living simply—showing up, being present, choosing kindness—matters more than I ever realized.

Stephen Chbosky – The Perks of Being a Wallflower

We accept the love we think we deserve.

I’ve always been way too hard on myself, expecting perfection while settling for less when it comes to praise, gratitude, and love. At some point—maybe because of past experiences or just the way I saw myself—I started believing that “less” was all I was meant for. But I’m trying to unlearn that. I’m working on actually listening to my feelings, reminding myself that I am worthy, and allowing myself to receive the kindness and love I so easily give to others. These quotes are a reminder of how powerful words can be, shaping the way we see ourselves and the world around us. They’ve inspired me to live more intentionally, appreciate the simple things, and remember that I’m worthy.