I am a big fan of cartoon shows. During my childhood, there weren't many but we absolutely adored the few comic books we could get hold of.
But those days are nothing compared to the abundance we have now - as I found out when my son started watching TV as a toddler. I would invariably watch with him, also to keep an eye on what he was being exposed to. I still do - even though he's away at college!
One of the shows we both adore even today is SpongeBob SquarePants. I love his indomitable spirit and his constant cheerfulness. I remember teasing my son, asking him if he was SpongeBob or Squidward? Why, when he was 10, he even wrote a little essay on his favorite TV show. So crazy about SpongeBob that I painted him on his school bag! Let me not even get started on the mugs, pencil holders, giant cutouts, etc.
Over the years, my love for cartoons has only increased, what with the fabulous shows and movies that have been a treat to see, usually with my son. We've seen most of them several times, and will probably continue to do so. Frozen, Rapunzel, Pinocchio, Ratatouille, Sesame Street, Pocahontas, The Lion King, The Incredibles, Kung Fu Panda, Winnie the Pooh, Rugrats... ah, too many to list here.
In the middle of life's hectic schedule, joys and sorrows, inspiration comes to us from the sweetest sources. I am thankful for a childhood - both mine and my son's - filled with wonderful fairy tales books and fun cartoon characters.
We love listening to the fantastic dialogs that accompany these shows - filled with humor and wisdom. And what better way to be inspired than through the words of these beloved characters we see and enjoy? They teach compassion, courage, friendship, love for one another, loyalty and optimism.
This set of quotes has been doing the rounds online, and I've found them wonderfully motivating. Most of them are short and powerful and speak volumes in encouragement.
So thrilled to share them with you today!
What a great reminder to breathe, love life, play and enjoy the little things!
And - have fun!
Inspiring quotes and life advice from favorite cartoon characters
The Flash
DC Universe
"Life doesn't give us purpose. We give life purpose"
Merida
Brave
"Our fate lives within us, you only have to be brave enough to see it"
SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob SquarePants
"I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready"
Meowth
Pokemon
"We do have a lot in common, the same earth, the same air, the same sky. Maybe if we started looking at what's the same instead of always looking at what's different... well, who knows?"
Pocahontas
Pocahontas
"How high does a sycamore grow? If you cut it down, then you'll never know"
Sophie
Howl's Moving Castle
"They say the best blaze burns the brightest, when the circumstances are at their worst"
Patrick Star
SpongeBob SquarePants
"Sometimes we have to go deep inside ourselves to solve our problems"
Iroh
Avatar: The Last Airbender
"In the darkest times. hope is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength"
Edna Mode
The Incredibles
"I never look back, darling. It distracts from the now"
Jake
Adventure Time
"Sucking at something is the first step to becoming sorta at something"
Finding Nemo
"Just keep swimming"
Action Hank
Dexter's Laboratory
"It's not the beard on the outside that counts. It's the beard on the INSIDE"
Mewtwo
Pokémon
"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irelevant: it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are"
Chef G
Ratatouille
"You must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul"
Alice
Alice in Wonderland
"I can't go back to yesterday - because I was a different person then"
Zeus
Hercules
"A true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength but by the strength of his heart"
Jack Skellington
The Nightmare Before Christmas
"Just because I cannot see it, doesn't mean I can't believe it"
Elastigirl
The Incredibles
"Your identity is your most valuable possession. Protect it"
Phineas
Phineas and Ferb
"The only thing that is impossible impossibility"
BMO
Adventure Time
"When bad things happen. I know you want to believe they are a joke. But sometimes lite is scary and dark. That is why we must find the light"
Rapunzel
Tangled
"Venture outside your comfort zone. The rewards are worth it"
Tiana
Princess and the Frog
"Fairy tales can come true. You gotta make them happen, it all depends on you"
Lois Foutley
As Told By Ginger
"Being in a relationship just for the sake of being in a relationship is plain crazy. You gotta let your heart lead the way"
Chuckie Finster
Rugrats
"A baby's gotta do what a baby's gotta do!"
Jack
Samurai Jack
"The shell of an oyster only hides the pearl inside"
Dumbledore
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends"
Raven
Teen Titans
"I don't do fear"
I would love to know: Eeyore
Winnie- the-Pooh
"A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference"
Anna
Frozen
"Love is an open door"
Buzz Lightyear
Toy Story
"To infinity and beyond!"
Ellie
Up
"Adventure is out there"
Thanks to Kim Hart at AAA State of Play for the beautifully put together infographic
Do you enjoy watching cartoon shows?
Who's your favorite character?
Which is your favorite quote?
If they aren't on this list, please do share them in the comments!
Writer, editor, blogger, social media enthusiast. Love DIY, Coffee, Music, Reading, Photography, Family, Friends and Life. Mantra: Happiness is a DIY Project. In my free time I play with my dust bunnies and show my diabetes who's boss. Tweet as @vidyasury
