"MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES FOR TEENS"
SUBMITTED BY TEENS



"If you dare to fail greatly, you are ready to achieve greatly."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Stephanie P., Age 13 --- England, United Kingdom



"Be happy with what you have; there's someone in the world without it."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Rebecca S., Age 14 --- New Mexico



"Take pride in your friends, for they are what you should see when you look in a mirror."
Copyright © 2003 Chris Hogan



"Human affection is not poured forth vainly, even though it meet no return. Love enriches the nature, enlarging, purifying, and elevating it."
Mary Baker Eddy --- Submitted by Valerie M., --- New Jersey



"Boys are like fish...there are many in the sea. Just when you think you've got a good one, he has like a third eye or funny colored gills. Throw him back and enjoy the other fish. You're young and your pond is full of them!"
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Erin C., Age 19 --- New York
Everyone gets heart broken. Grow from your experience, because dwelling on it will only make you drown in your pond. Swim with the fish, life is too short.



"It's funny how when you're little, you see the life you want, and it never crosses your mind that it won't turn out that way."
*Love and Basketball* --- Submitted by Shannon H., Age 16 --- Michigan



"Follow your heart the way sailors follow the stars."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by K.B., Age 18 --- Ohio



"When fate steps in to make a decision who are we to deny it?"
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Carmel M., Age 15 --- Tasmania, Australia



"Victory doesn't happen by chance, it's by choice and achievement."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Kevin O., Age 14 --- Victoria, Australia



"Life is the most wonderful gift in this world, no one can give a better gift, no one can understand this gift, it's just there, and you can make the best of it, and you can mold it into any type of gift you want, it's all in the fate of your hands."
David Burton Knox --- Submitted by Maggie D., Age 15 --- Michigan



"Dreams are in poetry, life is in prose. However, either way, no matter how difficult or hard the road is, you always reach your destination."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Josef F., Age 15 --- England, United Kingdom
Hope you like it and take heart from it.



"We pay just as dearly for our triumphs as we do for our defeats. Go ahead and fail. But fail with wit, fail with grace, fail with style. A mediocre failure is as insufferable as a mediocre success. Embrace failure! Seek it out. Learn to love it."
Mr. Anthony Maite --- Submitted by Emily S., Age 15 --- Ohio
My 9th grade English teacher told our class this one day, and it just stuck in my head. I've always believed in it since he has said it, and it causes me to set my standards high. I now have no mediocre successes, and now, when I fail, it doesn't matter. I just fail with style and grace.



"Everything is a miracle. It is miraculous that one does not melt in one's bath."
Pablo Picasso --- Submitted by Meghan S., Age 18 --- Maryland



"Friends are like television. Some are like PBS and always asking for money. Others are like the news, with sad tales to tell everyday, some are like that one station with the foreign language; you don't understand a word of it but you listen and watch anyway. And then there are the ones like the commercials, always changes, ever-so-annoying and only seem to be there when you are bored. But every once and a while you meet someone who's like a really good movie of the week or that one TV show you hardly ever get to see anymore because you're so busy. My point is hold on to the friends you care about and since we don't have a remote control to mute someone or just change the channel, pick your friends carefully."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Meghan R., Age 15 --- Florida



"Extra discipline makes up for a lack of talent and a lack of discipline quickly siphons away extra talent. That's why it's frequently the most disciplined rather than the most gifted who rise to the top."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by C.M., Age 15 --- Michigan



"A first place trophy is nothing compared to a first place performance."
Copyright © 2003 I. Miglane
At our regional cheerleading competition, we delivered one of the best performances in the history of our cheerleading team. The crowd went nuts for us to the extent where we couldn't hear each other throughout the cheer section of the routine, because they were screaming so loud. When we ended up getting 2nd place, many people were in disbelief. Remember- performance speaks louder than a trophy ever will.



"There is only this moment. There may be no tomorrow and if there is no one cares."
Judy Blume --- Submitted by Angela M., Age 15 --- Oklahoma



"Unhappiness does not arise from the way things are, but rather from a difference in the way things are and the way we believe things should be."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Amanda H., Age 17 --- New York



"Life is a series of journeys. Enjoying the time when you reach the destination is easy. Enjoying the journeys in themselves is the difficult part, but also the most rewarding part. The ability to sit back and enjoy the ride is the key to happiness through the teenage years."
Copyright © 2003 Robert Buesing



"Sometimes the very thing you are looking for is the one thing you cannot find, and every passing moment is another chance to turn it all around."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Savannah K., Age 16 --- Georgia



"I am young and naive. I still believe that there should be love in a marriage. I hope I never grow old and wise."
Written in 2003 by Emily R., Age 19 --- Utah
Every relationship should have love. So many people forget that as they age. Be naive: keep love in your life.



"We must use what is given to us to get what is not."
Written in 2003 by A.M., Age 16.5 --- Ontario, Canada



"When things are going perfect, expect them to get screwed up; but then you realize life wasn't meant for perfection, but only what you can give."
Written in 2003 Ericka B., Age 14 --- Ohio
I made this up myself, and it puts courage into my life everyday.



"Don't agonize over criticism from people whom you don't respect, or don't respect you. If you do, you believe what they are saying."
Written in 2003 by Andrea W., Age 16 --- Saskatchewan, Canada
I think about this all the time when people criticize me. If they are important in my life, then I take time to listen, if they aren't then why bother?



"Life doesn't always have to be a so negative, it can be a positive thing. Often times it depends on the person and how they view the experiences life brings upon them. There are two things you can do when something 'bad' happens to you.

  1. Be a baby and walk around and be nothing but a negative influence on everyone and everything around you.
  2. Suck it up and try to look at it from a positive perspective. Use it as a growing experience that will only make you stronger.

So the next time something "bad" happens to you, think about which one of them you are and if you are like #1, as many of us are, TRY to be like #2 and see how that works out for you."
Copyright © 2003 Megan Heck



"An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body , but an evil friend will wound your mind."
Buddha --- Submitted by Kavishna M., Age 16 --- South Africa
I came across this when reading a book. I really like this saying because it has reference to what's happening in my life right now.



"You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects something you love or hate about yourself."
Written in 2002 by Robin G., Age 18 --- Illinois



"If life knocks you down, you have 2 choices; either to stay down or get back up and continue on..!"
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Justine R., Age 16 --- Alberta, Canada
I live by this quote because life is full of obstacles and some may knocks us down. But, the best thing to do is get back up and never let in knock you down again; stay strong.



"One second, one minute, one hour, one day, one week, one month, one year: and you are one year older. Make full use of your time."
Copyright © 2003 Darren Woo



"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?"
Vincent van Gogh --- Submitted by Kelsey K., Age 13 --- Minnesota
Attempt things in your life! Don't be afraid to take chances, good things will come out of it in the end!



"The fools look upon the world and see only pleasure.
The lost look upon the world and see only pain.
The wise look upon the world and see their work cut out for them."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Tyro K., Age 16 --- Washington
This is my favorite quote. It epitomizes my goal in life: To help others. It means I'm always having to think about possible consequences for my actions, but it's right for me: I get real joy out of helping people. I hope you take this to heart. Blessed be, Shalom, Salaam. Go in peace.



"If you fall in love, and they fall in love with you, then love chooses to leave....don't try to reclaim it or assess blame, let it go...there's a reason and there's a meaning...sometimes, letting go and saying goodbye is a simple way of saying I love you."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Heather L., Age 13 --- Hong Kong
This quote teaches me that when life doesn't go the way you want it to, there's a reason for it, and thatthought comforts me. And although letting go of someone you love hurts, it's something you have the do and when you finally release your grip, you are letting them do what makes them happy. And if you truly love them, then you will be happy too.



People start clapping
As they get up off their feet
Some people shout "way to go"
And my heart just skipped a beat

As I stand on stage
Lights all on me
Those people are still clapping
But why for me?

I made so many mistakes
Some fumbles here or there
I squeaked on high D
But the audience didn't care

I take one last bow
And head off backstage
I laugh to myself
On all the mistakes I've made

I see my friends smiling
Look...over there
They are proud of me
Like good friends they care

With all the teachers I've had
Right now and way back
They've taught me that with music
Anything goes...
Copyright © 2003 Katherine Evans



"People never seem to realize just how much a friendship can mean until it's gone. That's what's wrong with our society. We live in a time where white-lies become the truth and the truth means nothing. And it isn't until we spark up an old friendship that we realize what life means. It isn't until we start over that we can forget the white-lies and begin anew, in a time where friendship is what keeps us alive."
Written in 2003 by Olivia P., Age 15 --- Iowa
I have two friends who showed me what a friendship can do. To them, I owe my life.



Some Advice to Myself

Don't dwell on the past
Think of what's next, not what happened last
You know nothing could've been
You're still young, only a teen
Stop torturing yourself by asking "why?"
You know it'll only make you cry

Keep a smile on your face & a giggle in your voice
You will soon forget about your ex boys
Talk to friends, write down everything
Don't worry, you will again laugh and sing
If you pretend every day is the end
Who can be troubled with a boyfriend?

Always, always remember you're awesome,
Any guy who doesn't know that is just so dumb
Don't dwell on what's been said and done,
Just concentrate on having fun
Copyright © 2002 Monica McCue
I wrote this poem after being dumped, and started to realize that if he didn't want me, then he didn't deserve me either, and that I should just get on with my life.



"Attitudes are self-created. You can either choose to be victimized by circumstance and people or choose to look at life with an open mind and be victorious. NO one else can choose your attitude for you. Your perspective and choice of attitude gives you the power to be in control. That is the essence of true freedom."
Irene Dunlap --- Liyana R., Age 13 --- Singapore
Hope it has a strong reaction for those who read it as it had for me!



"There's no such thing of having a bad day, just bad things happening on a good day."
Written in 2003 by Rebecca S., Age 15 --- New Mexico
Remember you're not the only teen who has bad things happen to them.



"Why look at the ground? The stars are in the sky."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by S.P., Age 17 --- Sydney, Australia



"If you can't help yourself, help someone else."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Rosemary L., Age 16 --- Massachusetts
I want to thank Liz, Bill, Erick, and Amanda for being there for me and supporting me with everything. Thank you Erick and Liz for being so trusting and Bill for being so funny and Amanda for always having a smile on your face. Erick and Liz you have brought me so far.



"Sometimes in life the toughest decisions are the ones worth making!"
Copyright © 2003 Rachael Braithwaite
As a senior, I'm facing a lot of decisions lately and this quote just sort of popped into conversation one day.



Escape

Escape the life we lived today,
Get rid of pain that cannot stay.
Reality escaped tonight,
Embark onto a welcome sight.

Get away from hurtful faces,
Run away to different places.
Escape out of this world we know,
Night is peaceful but it must go.

Forget the life of pain and sorrow,
Live the life of a new tomorrow.
Tears once sad now go away,
Replaced by similes we wish would stay.

Tranquil is the surface of our dreams,
Silencing our silent screams.
Fulfill the hopes we hold so dear,
Become the victor of our fear.
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Craig H., Age 16 --- New York
Dedicated to Caroline, hope it helped.



"There will be times when you will feel like quitting, giving 99% or less, letting yourself and the team down by holding back. Why? Holding back for what? This is it. You can't go back and do it all over again. When you're in the thick of things, or at the end of a game, things will start to hurt. Your body will say, 'Quit, hold back,' and your mind will want to join in and agree. That is when you have to reach down deep inside, realizing that these moments can never be recaptured or redone. Your body will scream with pain, but you won't listen because you know the pain of the effort is nothing compared to the pain of living with yourself after surrendering.

So you'll give your best; you'll keep striving because you know that tomorrow, and the next year, and twenty years from now, you won't be haunted by 'what ifs' or say 'I should've, I could've, or I wish I would've.' And you won't have to ask yourself the condemning questions of 'Why didn't I push harder? Why didn't I do my best? Why couldn't I have worked more?' You won't have to ask because you knew you could never relive past moments and opportunities. You'll know that you gave everything you had. You gave your heart. You gave your mind. You gave your body. You gave your soul. You gave it all - 110%."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Cait G., Age 14 --- Ohio
My coach gave this to me before our Championship game. It has always inspired me to do my best and try my hardest!



"If everything in your life went exactly as planned, you would get bored with it. You have to have some bad days, so you can fully appreciate the good ones."
Written in 2003 by Valerie G., Age 14 --- Wisconsin



"We were all put on this earth for a reason... you just have to find out what that is and when you do, it will change your life forever!"
Written in 2003 by Lacey P., Age 16 --- Ohio



"You must crawl before you walk, and walk before you run."
Mark Scinico
      Submitted by Maria S., Age 14

This is a quote that my father said about my brother's soccer game, but I looked at it in a totally different way. This has helped me, and I hope that it will help you too. Love everyone that enters your life, for they might not be there tomorrow.



"Life is the art of drawing without an eraser."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Katie B., Age 17 --- Maryland



"Don't let a TINY thing wreck a great friendship."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Kristi H., Age 14 --- Adelaide , Australia
Trust me; I know, it isn't worth it. Friends are worth more than you think and they shouldn't be lost over something tiny.



"Don't worry about being afraid... fear is what keeps us alive. Take that fear and use it to make you stronger."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Renee W., Age 17 --- Wisconsin
My gymnastics coach told us this one day in practice when I was scared of learning a new skill. I think it is great advice and can relate to anything in life, not just sports.



"If you reach out, and all you grab are pebbles, just be glad they aren't boulders."
Copyright © 2003 Bridget McCutcheon



"You can close your eyes to things you don't want to see, but you can't close your heart to things you don't want to feel."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Danielle S., Age 14 --- California



"Remain true to yourself so that you can go through life with a liberating sensation that allows yourself to be real."
Leigh Anne McCollum --- Submitted by Leeza, Age 16



"What would life be without a series of changes and struggles? That's what makes you a stronger human being."
A Good Friend Of Mine --- Submitted by Ashley S., Age 15 --- Wisconsin
A friend told me this when I was feeling down. It's always stuck with me. He knows who he is, and I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Chevy's.



"(you) can never pass the same door the same way twice."
Cate Blanchett --- Submitted by Desiree R., Age 18 --- Gauteng, South Africa
You should always use the opportunities you have been given - you will never get the same chance again.



"If I can't do it, then it can't be done."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Melissa W., Age 16 --- New Mexico



"Life is like a hike in the woods - YOU choose the path, YOU choose the way, YOU choose who and what to bring with you, and only YOU can quit and turn around making the adventure boring. But who would want to turn back when you've got another path ahead?"
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Sarah P., Age 14 --- West Virginia



"No one can be you, better than you. So just be you because you know that no one can do it better."
Written in 2003 by Emmy M., Age 13 --- Connecticut, United States



"If I learned anything from being in Choirs most of my life, it's this one fact: If you don't get your voice out there, it'll never be heard."
Copyright © 2003 Gemini Moler



"If you think and worry too much, you won't have a good time, just be patient. What will come will come, and we will meet it when it gets here."
Written in 2003 by C.S., Age 16 --- Ontario, Canada
Don't worry, Be Happy



"To be who you are, to show what you know, to stand up for your beliefs are just some of the side affects of being yourself."
Copyright © 2003 Savannah Crisp



"To move on from the past and to not repeat our mistakes, we must first fully understand what we have done wrong and why we have to pay for it. We must then be able to drop the blame off others and realize, that though it may affect our lives in the long run, it is only a small hole on the field of our life. So free yourself from the past and move into the future with knowledge you have gained from your errors."
Copyright © 2003 Deborah Bolton
We all make mistakes and believe it or not, other people are going through the same thing as you, but you just don't know it. So relax and see that you're not alone and that you are able to see some good from the bad things that happen to you.



"Life is like a bridge,
Decisions are like steps.
Therefore, watch your steps when you cross the bridge."
Copyright © 2003 Choo Yee



"What you do is conceivable, what you don't do is inconceivable!"
Copyright © 2003 Toby Culotte



"Everyone has to grow old, but who ever said anything about growing up?"
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Julie W., Age 16 --- Missouri
My Nana lived by this quote. It is a reminder that it's okay to stay young and have fun.



"Learn from your past and live for tomorrow. It's the learning which allows us to have a better life."
Copyright © 2003 Jenna Lederhaus



"Live it up and have no regrets."
Renee delaBuere --- Submitted by Jenny M., Age 18 --- Vermont
This quote was written by my best friend who was killed in a horrible car accident along with another one of my friends this year. It is my senior year and I promised Renee that we would "Live it up and have no regrets" this year....our last year in high school. I try to stay true to my word and live life to the fullest, if not for me, for her.



"Nothing happens coincidentally. Everything comes with a purpose and a reason."
Copyright © 2003 Jeremy Chan



"Live each day as though it were your last, for tomorrow's not a promise, but a chance- it may not be there for you."
Copyright © 2003 Megan Smith
I wrote this upon the realization that I can't rely on tomorrow, because tomorrow may not come. We must live this life on the assumption that this will be our last day, because someday, we will be right.