Books
10 Kick-Ass Quotes From J.K. Rowling
It's no secret that J.K. Rowling is one of the most inspiring women ever to walk on this Earth, and everything about her, down to the things she says, will make you feel like taking the world by storm. These 10 J.K. Rowling quotes prove it. After all, she didn't just write a series of books; she created an entire world you fell into head first. She gave you a place where you finally felt like you belonged, and one to which you still make frequent visits when you reread the books. Her words, imagination, and wisdom will always have an impact on your life.
Rowling always seemed to know that even though her characters lived in a fantastical world, she was creating people who were totally relatable — and totally ass-kicking. I'll never forget the moment Hermione punched Draco in the face, or any of Ginny's witty plans. And when life gets me down, there's no better way to pick myself up than to wonder what my favorite character would do, and even what Rowling, herself, might say.
You may not be a witch or a wizard, but that doesn't mean you don't have the power to kick ass at life. Whether you're facing a big project at work or a personal dilemma, always remember to stand tall, breathe deep, and drink some Butterbeer. You'll get through this. Oh, and don't forget: Keep calm and listen to J.K. Rowling.
“The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive.”
— Harvard Commencement Address
Every setback you've faced and worked through proves just how strong you really are.
“We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already. We have the power to imagine better.”
— Harvard Commencement Address
Your imagination can create beautiful worlds just like Rowling's did, and you don't even need a wand to do it. Trusting in yourself can often enough be the most powerful motivator there is.
“Personal happiness lies in knowing that life is not a checklist of acquisition or achievement. Your qualifications are not your life.”
— Harvard Commencement Address
What your resume or LinkedIn profile displays isn't nearly all that you can offer. You're capable of doing a lot more than you think!
"Failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than I was and began diverting all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me."
— Harvard Commencement Address
Pretending to be something you aren't won't get you any closer to achieving your goals. The sooner you find inner peace, the sooner you'll find happiness.
"It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default."
— Harvard Commencement Address
Failing has always been one of my biggest fears, but like Rowling says, without it, you aren't living. The first rule of kicking ass is that you can't be afraid to live.
“Whatever money you might have, self-worth really lies in finding out what you do best.”
Rowling found out what she did best and created a magical steam train to get her there. Find out what you do best and don't let anything stop you along the way.
"There is an expiry date on blaming your parents for steering you in the wrong direction; the moment you are old enough to take the wheel, responsibility lies with you."
— Harvard Commencement Address
It's all too easy to blame setbacks and bad habits on your past. Remembering that you, and only you, are in charge of your life from now on is an important thing to keep in mind.
“I was set free, because my greatest fear had already been realized, and I was still alive, and I still had a daughter whom I adored, and I had an old typewriter and a big idea. And so rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.”
— Harvard Commencement Address
The bright side to hitting rock bottom: the only way you can go is up.
“Is ‘fat’ really the worst thing a human being can be? Is ‘fat’ worse than ‘vindictive’, ‘jealous’, ‘shallow’, ‘vain’, ‘boring’ or ‘cruel’? Not to me.”
This is one of my favorite quotes by Ms. Rowling. Fat is certainly not the worst thing anyone can be, and I'm forever thankful that such a powerful woman made it be known.
“As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters. I wish you all very good lives.”
— Harvard Commencement Address
Listen to the queen and kick ass at your good and long life!
Images: giphy (1)
