Are there certain lines said by people, famous or not, that have stayed with you?

I have some favorites. My father used to say, “You can be anything you want, as long as you don’t break the law.” (He believed very much in the quality of character.) Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” (I conjure this one when I’m having a really  bad day.) Yet another is, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” (This one hung on a sign in the gym I used to go to. Sometimes it inspired me, other times it ticked me off.)

To add to this collection of lines, something said at the recent Academy Awards is staying with me. Although the acceptance speeches of Lupita Nyong’o and Jared Leto were eloquent and timely for today’s society, I didn’t come away with a quotable line. However, I sure felt the Wow! of their messages … the struggle of those denied freedom and equal rights, denied the joy of opportunity. The struggle of those afflicted with AIDS.

Lupita Nyong’o

Jared Leto

But as to memorable lines, two sentences in Matthew McConaughey’s speech caught me. The Oscar winner for Best Actor said, “There are three things that I need each day. One of them is something to look up to, another is something to look forward to, and another is someone to chase.” His words made me think.

Thank you, Matthew.

Who or what do I look up to? One is the higher being who has put this world and this life into motion. On the earth bound side, I look up to strong, accomplished, innovative, and courageous people, famous or not. I look up to people in the arts who reflect, record, and perpetuate our culture.

Who or what do I look forward to? Being with family or friends and doing things like watching a movie, or just sitting and talking, or sightseeing together. I’ll have to add I look forward to a really good book, too. I also look forward to time with myself, continuing to discover new parts of me and new experiences: talents, interests, thoughts, ideas, feelings.

Who or what do I chase? Life … with the glass still full of adventure and curiosity and joy and health and ideas and people I care about.

What is your something to look up to, something to look forward to, someone to chase? Favorite lines that stay with you?