I like quotes; a good one can quickly deliver a powerful message. For example, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

I have quotes posted in various places in my office. “Begin Anywhere.” “Keep it simple.” I have song quotes, the Serenity Prayer, and a Winnie the Pooh cartoon.

I recently added a small blackboard to my office (replacing a print of Picasso’s Petite Fleurs), and I’ve been trying to put up a quote every week. My clients’ reactions to the quotes have been varied and informative. Some clients comment, some don’t even notice. Others keep tabs on me, calling me out when I haven’t switched the quote from last week. One client was unhappy that I didn’t quote enough from Jewish sources.

And most of my clients were confused when I tried to channel the Zen: “All the fish needs is to get lost in the water”, from Chuang-Tzu. Never again.

For this week, I’m leaning toward “Nothing important comes with instructions”, from James Richardson.

How do you spice up your office? What are your favorite quotes? Any good quotes from Jewish sources? Hit the comments and let me know.

Shimmy Feintuch, LCSW CASAC-G maintains a private practice in Brooklyn, NY, and Washington Heights, NYC, with specialties in addictions and anxiety. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Contact: (530) 334-6882 or shimmyfeintuch@gmail.com. 

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