A motto is a short phrase or sentence that expresses the guiding principle(s) of a person, group, or organization.

In God We Trust.

Live Long and Prosper.

E Pluribus Unum.

One day at a time.

Things are always working out for me.

As above, so below.

This too shall pass,

Not today, Satan.

Illegitimi non carborundum (Don’t let the bastards get you down.)

A personal motto can be a powerful thing. It can remind you of your values, serve as a source of comfort or strength, or help you focus on your goals.

Maybe you already have a personal motto, something you say (to yourself or out loud) when you need a reminder of your own strength, or encouragement to keep going when you want to quit.

If you don’t have a personal motto, today is the day to start looking for one.

A personal motto doesn’t have to be anything fancy, or poetic (although it can be). A short phrase or sentence, even just a few words, can be enough to get you back on track, or provide a little burst of positive cosmic energy.

Inspiration is everywhere. Poetry, song lyrics, your favorite novel, a quote you love and resonate with, the punchline of a joke, your own imagination…. Whatever you settle on, make sure your motto:

• is positive.
• is meaningful to you.
• is something you can recall without effort.
• makes you feel good when you think of or say it.

Once you’ve chosen or created a personal motto, try it on for a few days. Set the intention that your motto will come to mind when you need it, and it will. Then, notice whether it rings true, and whether it gives you the spark of strength, comfort, or inspiration you need at the moment.

If it still “fits” after a few days, make an effort to think of your motto throughout the day. Headed into a tough meeting? Repeat your motto. Stuck in traffic? Repeat your motto. Celebrating a big win? Repeat your motto. (An ideal motto works across a multitude of situations.) If it’s not quite right, change it. Choose another one.

Once you’ve found a winner, make it yours.

Write your personal motto in your planner. Stick it to your bathroom mirror. Have it printed on canvas and hang it over your bed. Embroider it on your jacket. Create a collage using magazine cut outs. Repeat it, like a chant or incantation, as you walk or run. Remember, self care is a daily practice. Creating and using a personal motto is an easy way to remind yourself every day of who you really are.

In other words, make your personal motto part of your life. If you do, it can act as your own personal mantra, reminding you of who you are at your core, and who you’re becoming.

My personal motto: sempervirens

I found my motto by accident. I was reading The Overstory, a novel by Richard Powers (affiliate link to a fantastic, amazing, brilliant book that you should definitely read!), when I came across the Latin phrase sempervirens. I looked it up and discovered that it means ever green, or ever flourishing. the term is typically used in reference to evergreen trees, but I knew the minute I saw it that it would be my motto: sempervirens. Ever flourishing.

Now it’s a part of my daily thoughts, and comes to mind unbidden. Fat payday? Sempervirens! Challenging conversation ahead? Sempervirens! Compliment from a stranger? Sempervirens!

In every instance, it makes me feel strong, expansive, and fortunate. It reminds me that I’ve survived 100% of the challenges I’ve faced (I’m still here, aren’t I?!), and that truly, things are always working out for me (I’m still here, aren’t I?!) Sempervirens. Ever flourishing. Always flourishing.

Now it’s your turn! Do you have a personal motto? What is it? We’d love to hear from you!!

xo