Some of my greatest recollections as a child are the hours I spent withering away playing with my Nana’s “dust collectors,” as my mom would often refer to them.

This was no ordinary collection, it was a huge variety of quotes, proverbs and inspirational life’s lessons scribed on things like nick knacks, plaques and photographs.

Grandma would scour flea markets, books and novelty stores to find interesting and inspirational quotes.  It did not matter what the quote was scribe on, it was the quote that mattered.

Mum pretended she did not understand, but I think she did, she would often buy nick knacks with quotes like “I love you mother” inscribed on them.

I would spend hours shuffling through Grandma’s house to see if there were any new quotes or sayings on walls, in drawers and in photo boxes in the basement. I just loved to find new ones and read them. It was my very own  treasure hunt. I think grandma would buy some,  so I would have them to look for.

Many of these life’s lessons have been etched in my mind and have influenced how I have lived my life. They were mine and Grandma’s very own version of positive affirmation.  A simple thing that made all the difference, Grandma was way ahead of her time.

I would like to share my favorite quotes from Nana’s collections with you.

• Open your arms to change but never let go of your values.
• Never sell your teddy bear, letter sweater or high school yearbooks in a garage sale.
• Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
• Follow your own star and you will always end up in the right galaxy.
• Every so often, let your spirit of adventure triumph over good sense, just do not go crazy.
• Check for the toilet paper, before sitting down.
• Always do the right thing, irregardless of what other people think.
• Remember the 3 R’s; respect for yourself, respect for others and responsibility for your actions.
• Do not overlook small successes while searching for big ones.
• Never celebrate your birthday without a cake.
• Trust in God, but lock your car door.
• Learn the rules, then break some.
• Never be ashamed of honest tears.
• Never swap your integrity for money or power.

My love of these phrases and quotations has grown significantly over the years.  I do not have nearly, as many as, my Grandma does, but I do have a considerable size collection of my own nick knacks.  It certainly makes gift giving a bit easier for family.

Nana taught me how to collect things, but the greatest gift she ever gave to me, was her profound way of learning to love and respect others. She did not even do anything really, she  simply showed me the way, through the thoughts and words of other people.

I hope that my Grandma’s  quotes have inspired you in some way.

Revive day spa encourages you to take some time out to think about things in your life that truly matter. Your health, wealth and well being is the most important thing you have, cherish it.

Revive day spa is dedicated to helping you feel better, one day and one goal at a time.