I’m pleased to welcome John Fioravanti here today on his “Reflections” Blog Tour! It’s a wonderful book I recently enjoyed:)
GIVEAWAYS: The author is giving away (3) $5 Amazon Gift Cards during this tour! For your chance to win, all you have to do is leave a comment below as well as leaving a comment on the author’s 4WillsPub tour page. GOOD LUCK!
Good day to you! I extend my appreciation to my host who generously agreed to have me as a guest, and to the good folks at 4 Wills Publishing who organized this tour.
Why Are Inspirational Quotes Appealing?
I enjoy a well-crafted inspirational quote, but this is not true for everyone. Such quotes, designed to inspire people to act, leave many people unmoved. This fact begs the question, why? As the author of a book that reflects on the meaning of a collection of fifty inspirational quotes, I will offer some thoughts as to why some people look to motivational quotes for inspiration in their lives.
Journalist, Hannah Brooks Olsen, in her article “Mantras Matter: Why We Love Inspirational Quotes So Much” contends that quotes offer us a new way of looking at an idea and to consider it in the light of our own ideas and beliefs. They can also stimulate new ideas, reinforce ideas we already have, and they are a lot like having a conversation with a friend.
Olsen suggests that many people are motivated to fit into certain categories or types of people. Quotes can affirm what we know or think we know about ourselves. Therefore, these pearls of wisdom can be personally satisfying as an identifier of social status or personal preference. It seems that quotes can reassure us about our own self-concept or ignite us into action to become what we desire.
While quotes might inspire us immediately, their impact does not last over the long haul. Some would argue that we would benefit more by reminding ourselves daily to do today what I can repeat tomorrow and thus build habits of living that will help us achieve long-term success. The value of quotes may not last long, but they can provide an important boost to get us moving in the right direction again.
Interestingly, I found an article by Gwen Moran, “The Science Behind Why Inspirational Quotes Motivate Us” that tackles the question from a scientific perspective. She claims that the appeal appears to lie in a combination of good wordsmithing, motivational psychology, and a measure of self-selection or how we see ourselves as belonging to a particular group or category of people.
Moran asserts that if someone else believes I can achieve something, it can be a powerful motivator. For example, a teacher, a coach, or a mentor can often move us to act in the face of a difficult challenge. Often a quote will contain some implied coaching that will appeal to us.
Powerful language can inspire us because we are drawn to well-expressed wisdom. Some quotes utilize internal rhyming that will draw us in and create strong appeal. A metaphor can make a simple idea appealing because implied comparisons make the subject clearer or simpler. We often see sports metaphors used in simple quotes.
As well, we look up to role models in our lives and look to leaders in many different fields for guidance. Because these people are successful, we look to them for wisdom even if the quote has nothing to do with their particular field of endeavour.
When I choose a quote as the subject for a reflection, it is the idea that it expresses that attracts me. I have found hundreds of quotes that I liked but found unsuitable for the purpose of a reflection. I don’t look for a quote to motivate me to act; rather, I look for words that will stop me in my tracks and spur me to look beneath the surface. I seek to better understand the meaning of life and how best to live it – how to become a better version of myself. I hope that my reflections will cause my readers to stop in their tracks too.
The Reflections Book Trailer:
An Amazon Review:
5.0 out of 5 stars Reflections Indeed!
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2020
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
As I read these collections of reflections, I noticed that I have read and been inspired by some of them at other forums. These are words to live by, words that inspire. Most of those behind these sayings did not start life as winners but through their setbacks and experiences gained from scaling these setbacks, they were propelled into thinking only of how to actualize their dreams. Their positive thinking about life made them winners.
All of these inspirations, from Helen Keller, Steve Jobs, Mary Kay Ash, Maya Angelou, to Nonnie Jules, just to mention a few of them, left us a rich legacy of words to live by, words that will propel our lives toward good if only we can internalize and apply them to the way we live and think.
All these thoughts left me thinking of my own life and how some of the sayings are a reflection of my own life, I am a positive thinker and I found all of the sayings true lessons for life. Those are words that would help one who is on the path of perdition right back on the right path. True redemptive gems! I see this as a handbook for those souls who need to be constantly reminded of what life is. It is very beautifully written. I recommend it!
– by Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko
AUTHOR BIO:
John Fioravanti is a retired secondary school educator who completed his thirty-five-year career in the classroom in June 2008. Throughout his career, John focused on developing research, analysis, and essay writing skills in his History classroom. This led to the publication of his first non-fiction work for student use, Getting It Right in History Class. A Personal Journey to the Heart of Teaching is his second non-fiction work; it attempts to crystallize the struggles, accomplishments, and setbacks experienced in more than three decades of effort to achieve excellence in his chosen field.
John’s first work of fiction is Passion & Struggle, Book One of The Genesis Saga, and is set within Kenneth Tam’s Equations universe (Iceberg Publishing). He claims that, after two non-fiction books, he’s having the time of his life bringing new stories and characters to life! Book Two is Treachery & Triumph.
At present, John lives in Waterloo, Ontario with Anne, his bride of forty-six years. They have three children and three grandchildren. In December of 2013, John and Anne founded Fiora Books for the express purpose of publishing John’s books.
JOHN’S LINKS:
Hi, John! As you know, I love quotes. Quotes inspire and uplift – but more than that, they give us pause and reason to stretch our minds further than we imagined they’d ever go. I believe, as is worded in your trailer, that inspiration is a gift so each time I find the perfect quote for just the right situation, I silently thank the author for that gift.
Thank you for taking each of the quotes found in your book and allowing us to also dig a little deeper. Enjoy your tour!
Denise, thanks so much for hosting, John today!
It was a book that I will enjoy for years to come. I’m happy to host John and spread the word about this great book.
Thanks a lot for hosting me today, Denise, and for your kind words about Reflections!
I was very happy to have you here today, John 🙂
Thanks for your inspirational comment and your kind words about Reflections, Nonnie! I appreciate your unrelenting support!
A lovely post, Denise, about this book of John’s. I have it and will push it up to my next read when I finish my current book. I need some relaxation and inspiration right now to keep all the anxiety at bay. Have a wonderful day.
It is the perfect read for right now, Robbie:)
Thanks for buying Reflections, Denise! I hope you enjoy it during these troubled times.
Best wishes on your tour, John. Thanks, Denise for hosting.
Hi, John, thanks for visiting the tour today!
My pleasure.
i am happy to host, John:)
😊
Hi, John. I totally agree that’s it’s the idea of the quote that draws me. And, as you say, it may only be for a short time, or it may last a lifetime. Thank you for sharing your findings and thoughts, and thank you, Denise, for hosting!
Thanks for stopping by today, Jan! I think what draws each of us to certain quotes will be different, and what we each take from a quote will vary as well.
So true, Jan. The quotes are there for as long as they need be:)
What a perfect book for these times. I like everyone could use help with inspiration these days. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for your comment, Jacqui! I agree that these are tough times and all of us are struggling mentally and spiritually as we deal with the isolation and social distancing – not to mention the anxiety. I hope you can find meaning in the pages of this book.
I agree, Jacqui:) Inspiration lights the way in these dark times.
I have read John’s book two times, savored its wisdom slowly and keep digging into it, as it contains great reminders to steer us through turbulent times. Some of the interpretation are amazing. Thanks for sharing it Denise and many thanks to John for writing it. 🙂
Thank you for your kind words, Balroop! I’m so pleased you enjoyed Reflections. I hope you’ll enjoy Reflections II just as much!
It’s a book to be read read times, I agree Balroop.
John, congrats on your Reflections Tour.
Thanks, Shirley, I appreciate your support today!
Thanks for dropping by, Shirley:)
As we travel these uncharted waters we search to find comfort, and hope. John’s book appears to offer both. Thank you, John, and thanks for hosting john today, Denise.
Thanks for your kind words, Soooz!
It does offer both, Soooz:)
Hi, Denise and John! I love quotes. I think I always have. I’m drawn to words whenever I walk into a store, so quotes tend to stand out to me. When I taught high school, I would display a quote each day and have the students interpret or react to it. I have less board space in my current classroom, but I’m hoping to find a way to bring back that daily activity. I loved John’s book. It is the quotes that make you ponder its meaning long after the first time that you read it that tend to be the most powerful. 🙂
That sounds like a great classroom activity, Yvette! Thanks for your ongoing support here!
What a great activity for your students, Yvette. I’ve always been a fan of quotes, too.
For me, John, a good inspiring quote can teach me a good live lesson. I can see myself in that quote, own it and let it change me positively. And, believe me, the change can be a lasting one! Thank you, D.L. for hosting.
I agree Joy, quotes can not only make you think but become a part of your thinking. I’m happy to host, thanks for dropping by!
I couldn’t agree more, Joy! There’s nothing like a well-crafted inspirational quote. Thanks for your ongoing support!
I’ve always been a fan of quotes, so I love the idea behind your book. Thanks so much for hosting, D.L.!!
I’m happy to, Marlena;) I always enjoy the quotes you post on Instagram!
Oh thank you so much!! I love searching for them & finding the perfect one. 😊
Thanks for your support, Mar!
Great post, John. I love inspirational quotes. I’ve memorized many and they became powerful influence in my life. Thank you, Denise for hosting John’s tour.
They do become a part of our lives, Miriam:) I am not a good memorizer, though. I’m happy to host!