Little is known about this character but we do know that Ivern was an American amateur writer full of aphorisms. Today, I share with you some of those aphorisms, they are truly little bites of wisdom. I hope these Ivern quotes will bring you some new insights.
The past should be a springboard and not a hammock.
Whilst it is useful to reflect back on our past experiences, just like the captain of a ship we shoud keep our eyes moving forward. Eckhart Tolle’s book, The Power of Now is all about how we need to live in the now.
Living in the past draws our attention off what is before us and we can miss the opportunities of today. I also share a selection of Living In The Moment quotes which all emphasise why our focus should be in this moment and not where we have been before.
Most of us can read the writing on the wall, we just assume it is addressed to someone else.
A good marriage is like a good trade deal. Each thinks he got the better deal.
He is the type that makes mountains out of molehills and then sells climbing equipment.
What is your intepretation of this Ivern quote? My understanding is that this is about exaggeration. When we exaggerate things we also lose integrity. Those around us stop paying attention to what we say because they know that we make a big deal out of small things. Zig Zaglar says,
“It is true that integrity alone won’t make you a leader, but without integrity you will never be one.”
“Most of us ask for advice when we know the answer but we want a different one.”
Each of us has that voice within that we sometimes do not like to listen to. We know the truth but instead of going by what we know we seek a second opinion just because we do not want to accept what is before us. Can you think of examples in your life or someone’s life where this Ivern quote applies?
“Ever notice that people never say ”It’s only a game” when they’re winning?”
I suppose this Ivern quote demonstrates typical human nature when we are trying to cope when things are not going so well for us. I do not think this is necessarily a bad thing, we have to find ways to rise above unpleasant situations.
In this aphorism, the loser focuses on the bigger picture in order to numb the pain of defeat. The ability to sail through defeat can make us triumphant in the long term, because we become invincible and remain steadfast whatever life throws at us.
“Nothing makes your sense of humor disappear faster than having someone ask where it is”
Hahaha! When someone points out your flaws, it can kill your creativity right there. My interpretation of this Ivern quote or aphorism is that if we want others to thrive we have to be the voice of encouragement. In fact, we can apply this to ourselves.
When we want to do better we have to stop the negative talk. Louise Hay, who I refer to as the veteran of positive talk, gives us a lot of positive affirmations that we can use to uplift ourselves. Her book, You Can Heal Your Life is a good read if you are looking to nurture positive talk within you.
Her Power Thought Affirmation Cards also provide handy pocket size affirmations we can carry round and repeat to ourselves. They can also be a wonderful gift to someone in your life who need uplifting.
“Knowledge is power, but enthusiasm pulls the switch.”
We are all hubs of knowledge. For example on this website alone there are lots of inspirational quotes from various successful people, authors, sports people, religious leaders, politicians, millionaires etc.
From the likes of Earl Nightingale to Napoleon Hill, Catherine Ponder to Cheryl Richardson, they are all here. However, it is what we do with the knowledge they share. Without enthusiasm to act that knowledge lies dormant within us and our lives remain the same. So this Ivern quote is shining the light on the importance of actually using the knowledge that is in our heads.
As little information there is about Ivern Ball, it is no doubt that the few aphorisms the writer shared pack a punch.
