10 Quotes from Alice in Wonderland That Can Help You Defy Small

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In honor of British novelist Lewis Carroll’s birthday on January 27, I thought I would share a few quotes and my reflections about defying small from Alice and her adventures in Wonderland.

#1 “When I used to read fairy-tales, I fancied that kind of thing never happened, and now here I am in the middle of one!”

You know you’re living your dream when you wake up and can’t imagine doing anything else. If you’re not there yet, don’t lose heart. Just take that first step and, slowly, but surely, you’ll get there.

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#2 Alice: “Where should I go?” The Cheshire Cat: “That depends on where you want to end up.”

Have a plan (life plan, business plan, book proposal, etc.) Without one, you might eventually get to where you want to go, but you’ll waste a lot of precious time in the process.

 #3 “Be what you would seem to be—or, if you’d like it put more simply—never imagine yourself not to be otherwise than what it might appear to others.”

Be authentic. You won’t please everyone, so don’t even try. Build a group of faithful followers and just keep doing what you do best. Those faithful few will show up and bring new followers along.

#4 “You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”

Sometimes you’ll think you are crazy to pursue your dream, whether it’s starting a new business, writing a book, or traveling around the world. Other people will think you’re crazy, too. Personally, I’d rather be creative and crazy than do nothing and live a life of regret.

#5 “Curiouser and curiouser!”

Be curious. When I want to master a new skill, I do my research and delve in. Take a risk and dare to try something new.

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#6 “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.”

The more passionately you pursue your dream, the more demands you’ll have on your time. Make a choice to get off the hamster wheel. This is your dream, after all. Slow down and enjoy the journey.

#7 “Why, sometimes, I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

I am most creative in the early mornings, so that is when I write. It’s also when my thoughts are most fluid and when the best ideas come to me. Find your prime time for creativity and guard it with your life.

#8 “It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.”

Once you decide to pursue your dream, there’s no turning back. You may be successful. You will probably fail somewhere along the way. If you are open and vulnerable, you will grow. But you will never go back to being the person you were before.

#9 “If you limit your actions in life to things that nobody can possibly find fault with, you will not do much!”

See #4.

#10 “If you’ll believe in me, I’ll believe in you. Is that a bargain?”

Surround yourself with people who believe in your talents and abilities. Find a mentor to guide, empower, and encourage you. Show gratitude by believing in and encouraging those who believe in you. At the end of the day, it’s connection that counts.

 

Which is your favorite quote and why? Feel free to share your thoughts, below.

16 thoughts on “10 Quotes from Alice in Wonderland That Can Help You Defy Small”

  1. Great Post Laura! Love hearing your interpretations of each quote. I think they are all awesome but the one that really stands out to me is number 10. Perhaps, it is because I’m a counsellor and help people believe in themselves 🙂

        1. Yes, Arianna, I would love that! I have the questions you sent me—just let me know if those are still okay to use. Excited about your updates and look forward to hearing what you’re up to! I’m working on a few things myself. 😉 Thanks again for stopping by and for commenting on my post. That means so much!

    1. Christine, thank you so much for the re-post. I’m honored. I love your art and your blog, and especially like your recent post “Things To Remember When Everything Goes Wrong.”I also love your vulnerability and how you counter it with gratitude. I don’t know you, but I’m so happy you’ve found someone who is willing to support you on your creative journey no matter how bumpy the road. By the way, I have twin daughters and twins are the best! Take care and I look forward to following your posts in the future! Laura

  2. Hayley Devilly Atkinson

    I know this is an old post but just wanted to let you know that number 6 was never said by Lewis Carroll or in any adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, it’s often wrongly credited to Carroll and confuses people. I think he would have liked the quote though!

  3. Pingback: CT Blue › Running in place, and other observations

  4. Number 7 has always been one of my favorite quotes. I’d rather think up seven impossible thoughts (cause I don’t like even numbers) that might motivate me to turn them into a real possibility vs. thinking (while brushing my teeth, getting dressed, putting on makeup, etc.) about all the tasks I need to complete throughout the day. The mornings are a free pass for my brain to “daydream” without bearing the consequences I would otherwise face if I were daydreaming at school or work. And as much as I love factual data over opinionated answers, there’s something beautiful about those imperceptible morning thoughts I like to ponder.

  5. Lewis Carroll was a genius, thank you for reminding me.

    I have lived my life according to many of these quotes, and for the most they have served me well. But recently, following this advise has done nothing for me. I am not sure why.

    Am I the idiot? Has the world gone insane? Are people getting more stupid by the day?

    The failures now accepted as normal, boggle the mind.

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