Wings beat at the center point of my creative mind.

They are a frequent motif in my writing, and they represent for me all the most precious human attributes: freedom, expansiveness, joy and spirit.

The imagination and spirit undoubtedly have wings, for how else could they achieve such vertiginous heights? The angels, dragons and myriad of other creatures of mythology all had wings, for they demanded the suspension of disbelief. To believe in them is to believe everything possible; to believe in our own wings is to believe our transcendent selves possible.

If you struggle to see your Self in all its winged glory—if at times you forget your own magic and question your gravity-defying potential, if you need a little push to trust yourself and fly—these are for you.

The following are words to inspire, to delight and most of all to give wings. Not surprisingly, they are some of my favorite quotes.

“Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?” ~ Frida Kahlo

“You wanna fly, you got to give up the s*** that weighs you down.” ~ Toni Morrison

“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.” ~ J.M. Barrie

“You were born with wings.
You are not meant for crawling, so don’t.
You have wings.
Learn to use them and fly.” ~ Rumi

“If you were born without wings, do nothing to prevent them from growing.” ~ Coco Chanel

“We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down.” ~ Kurt Vonnegut

“Run my dear,
From anything
That may not strengthen
Your precious budding wings.” ~ Hafiz

“There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask “What if I fall?”
Oh but my darling,
What if you fly?” ~ Eric Hanson

 

Relephant Read:

We Make Our Own Wings.

~

Author: Toby Israel

Editor: Alli Sarazen

Photo: Courtesy of Author/Featured Image: Flickr