What's a Quote Dispenser?
I just re-read my post about quotes and even though it was written in November 2016, I still feel the very same way about them. I see quotes everywhere and I just love to soak up every word. There are lessons to be learned and wisdom to be shared every day. Wise people say amazing things!
Because people like me are in love with quotes, they have become a business. There are pillows, framed artwork, wine glasses, journal covers, daily calendars, websites, blogs etc. These businesses are hoping that a quote resonates so much within us that we buy whatever it’s printed on. My awareness of the quote business led me to make up the term “quote dispenser”. For me, a venue, an item, social media sites, etc. - anything that displays a quote is a quote dispenser. Like a tissue box dispenses tissues, these things dispense words of wisdom in the form of quotes. I think the main reason the “quote dispenser” business is successful is because in a world where there is just too much noise, we pause when we read quotes, captured and immersed in the meaning of it. Nothing speaks louder than concise wisdom - even when we’re being blasted with information 24/7.
If you don’t have a quote dispenser, don’t worry. All you have to do is scroll thru Facebook and you’re bound to see a quote that someone shares. The funny quotes on FB are my faves. Below, are some featured thoughtful pinches that fall under the “quote dispenser” category:
Beautifully presented and such a great way to motivate.
This pinch, A Great Thought a Day, in full disclosure, has made me aware that I am pretty CRAZY. Of course it’s amazing and of course it’s from my cousin Jay-Jay . On one hand, I love the concept. The look and feel of this product are also spot on. However, on the other hand, my craziness kicks in because I don’t want to waste paper. If I write on a page everyday what do I do if I don’t use up the whole sheet? Now you see my craziness. Why can’t I just read the quote, scribble a note on the paper and then recycle it? I’ll tell you why. Because I was always taught to save nice things, the things I love and treasure, for only special occasions. There were 365 sheets included in this pad (which I received for my birthday two years ago) and as you can see there are probably 350 sheets remaining. At this rate, if I wait to use a sheet for only special moments, it could be decades before I use up this thoughtful pinch! I’m positive that was not the intention of the gift. If I don’t use the whole sheet of paper, I cut off the used portion and continue to use the paper all the way up to the quote. Why can’t I just relax about a gift that is meant to be used daily, not just for special occasions? I’m being ridiculous.
I gave this “dispenser” to Cybele when she started working in a new salon. I thought she could display it in her work space and start off each day with some wisdom. I couldn’t help but buy one for myself too. This quote came up a day after my brother and I spoke about life and how hard it can be. You bet I sent him this photo.
This quote dispenser is perfectly displayed on my bathroom vanity. Ever since I bought it, I have had a routine to read one quote a day, letting the words sink in, while I brush my teeth for two minutes. This dispenser has bunches of quotes because they are printed on both sides of each card. The supply of wisdom seems never-ending. I’m in complete awe about some quotes and I am sure it has everything to do with the timing. When one of these awesome quotes comes up, I usually take a picture of it and share it with someone telling them why the timing is incredible. Yes, having this routine was all good in the ‘hood until…
I got a calendar from my body work friend Julie. Let me explain my angst. On one hand, I was ecstatic that she made a daily calendar filled with wonderful inspirational quotes. Its extra special because I know her and I see that she lives this way every single day. I also love how the calendar can be used every year because only the month and number of the day are listed on the page; the week day and year are not listed. However, my dilemma happened when I put this calendar next to my other quote dispenser. Each message seemed to stand out less and my concentration for each quote was divided. It was as if the quotes were competing against each other and it messed up my mojo. Fortunately, I found a solution that works out great. I moved the calendar to my treadmill. Not only does that solve the problem of competing with my teeth brushing routine, but it helps me get on the treadmill because I am excited to see what she has to say about the new day. As I’m running, I glance at the picture and quote. Don’t worry, I have a solution for when the weather gets nice and I am able to run my mile outside. I will put the calendar in view from where I sit to tie my shoes before my run. Problem solved. Now both quotes can sink in separately during my daily routine.
The first page of the calendar is a picture of Julie and her four-legged child. She’s very thoughtful to put out a reusable quote dispenser.
This book was featured in my November 2016 post mentioned at the beginning of the post.
The last quote dispenser that I’m featuring is the book Think Happy, Be Happy. I wish I could feature all the books and cards in my house that have quotes but I won’t. I wanted to take a moment to point out that the title of this book - in its simplest form - is pretty much a quote that everyone can relate to. I’m not saying that we all live this way or that we all relate to being happy. What I am saying is the theory that one can not be sad or mad while thinking happy thoughts has to be indisputable, right? Positive books likes these allow us to flip thru the pages in order to find a quote that lifts our spirits. I know there’s nothing new about getting our quotes from books. In fact, books are the oldest forms of quote dispensers out there. But they’re still classically wonderful.
Pinches,
Barb