Each week before members step on the scales to weigh in, we send out a reminder email with a quote to either motivate, inspire or make them laugh.
So enjoyed are these motivational musings that we thought we’d compile a collection of the best ones to brighten up your week. So whether you’re in need of a little giggle, some get-up-and-go or something to aspire to, take your pick from a few favourites below.
Quotes to put a smile on your face
According to an anonymous philosopher and foodie fan, “If you are what you eat, then I'm fast, cheap and easy!”
Reflecting what many of us are feeling in today’s credit crunch, comedian Spike Milligan said, “All I ask is the chance to prove that money can't make me happy!"
It’s a fact – you’re never too old to get what you want. According to an anonymous philosopher, “Age is mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it don’t matter!”
Fifties screen comedienne Lucille Ball knew a thing or two about staying youthful. She said, “The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age.”
American magician and writer Robert Orben said, “Older people shouldn't eat health food – they need all the preservatives they can get!”
The all-giving Mother Teresa of Calcutta once noted, “I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much.”
It seems actor, writer and general wit Noel Coward was an aficionado of walking. He said, “I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.”
A.A. Milne’s beloved cuddly creation Winnie the Pooh wisely noted, “It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words, but rather short, easy words like ‘What about lunch?’”
Charles Gordy advised, “A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks.”
According to this Hebrew proverb, “What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul!”
Quotes to motivate
Getting involved is the best way to learn according to the Chinese proverb which says, "Tell me and I'll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I'll understand."
If you’re in need of a little motivation, take heed of the words of Chinese thinker and philosopher Confucius, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
According to the Yiddish Proverb, “If you don't want to do something, one excuse is as good as another.”
Writer Erica Jong said, “Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer, but wish we didn't!”
Zig Ziglar says, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily!”
Historic US president Abraham Lincoln noted, “Folks who have no vices have very few virtues!”
American author, Alice Malsenior Walker said, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.”
Be motivated by this anonymous quote. “The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”
Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or think you can't – you're right!”
As Walter Elliott said, “Perseverance is not a long race – it’s many short races one after another.”
Quotes to inspire
Wickedly witty Oscar Wilde wrote, “Anyone can sympathize with the sufferings of a friend, but it requires a very fine nature to sympathize with a friend's success!”
The great French painter Monet noted, “Listening only to my instincts, I discovered superb things.”
Author C.S. Lewis said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
Writer Diana Schart Hunt said, “Goals are dreams with deadlines.”
According to an Italian proverb, “All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of yesterday.” So start cultivating!
Be inspired with one of Buddha’s many teachings, “An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.”
Singer/songwriter Tori Amos says, "Healing takes courage, and we all have courage – even if we have to dig a little to find it!"
The iconic Coco Chanel mused, “It's amazing how many cares disappear when you decide not to be something, but to be someone.”
Consider this quote by writer William Faulkner, “Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself!”