Fridays can drag, but I’m here to assist. To vibe with you through these last few hours before the weekend begins, I’m going to hit you with my top five quotes.

A quality quotation has always inspired me to think, to smile, to laugh. Sometimes provocative words make me want to sprint through a wall. Very occasionally, I’m inspired to sit still.

I’ve become fascinated by folks based on a single line or two they uttered or penned. One can comprehend oodles about a man or woman based on the poignant words they share.

Professional sports locker rooms are notorious for having quotations plastered about and for good reason. The seasons are arduous and players are consistently clamoring for motivation. Joe Maddon displays a powerful example for young, impressionable ballplayers in his clubhouse in Tampa Bay. From Albert Camus:

Integrity has no need of rules.

When I was with the Red Sox, I placed a reminder above my locker.

This moment is exactly as it should be.

I looked at it every day to remember not to fight the flow of the season. Kevin Millar and I would remind each other of this mantra whenever the seas became rough.

These two quotations inspired me throughout my playing days, but don’t crack my top five.

You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step

Whenever I’m starting a new project, workout or task that feels overwhelming, I close my eyes and picture Dr. King’s image and hear his voice. Simply move forward, I tell myself. I do.

Be the Change you wish to see in the World.

How often do we complain about the foul characteristics of society, then turn around and contribute more unpleasantness? I’m guilty, we all are. The power of Gandhi’s words paled in comparison to his actions. I’m proud to follow his lead.

A man’s character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation.

Twain seemed to have the perfect words for every situation; picking a single quote to represent him seems a near impossibility. This, however, is my top dog. Listen, then listen some more. You’ll know everything in a matter of moments.

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them – that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

The Zen quote above my locker is inspired by Tzu’s brilliance regarding resistance. This quote isn’t about sitting still while the world moves around us or an avoidance of personal responsibility. Instead, it’s a reminder that some of life’s happenstances are beyond our control. Attempting to stop the inevitable sabotages our ability to enjoy life moment to moment.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

These days, we tear open packages to shovel food down while driving, text in line at the market and tweet while we pump gas. We compete with one another to prove how busy we are and how little time we have. This quote reminds us that if we slow down and become present, our lives will remain squarely intact.

Please share your favorites in the comments section below.

Be inspired and inspire,

Kap