70 Quotes & Sayings By Val Uchendu

 Val Uchendu, a writer and editor, is the author of The African-American Encyclopedia and author of African-American Almanac: Facts, Figures & Historical Events for the African-American Family. He has served as a professor and chair of the English Department at Kean University and as a professor of Africana Studies at Monmouth University. Val is also a past recipient of the New Jersey State Arts Commission's Excellence in Teaching Award and was named one of Princeton Alumni Magazine's "Women of Distinction." Val was born in Newark, New Jersey and graduated from Princeton with a B.A. in English with honors.

Put in the time, learn something new, challenge your perception...
1
Put in the time, learn something new, challenge your perception and know that a setback is an opportunity in hindsight Val Uchendu
Wisdom defines the limits of one's knowledge and responsibility pushes...
2
Wisdom defines the limits of one's knowledge and responsibility pushes one beyond those limits Val Uchendu
Success is the ability to turn a pickle, a bump...
3
Success is the ability to turn a pickle, a bump or an epic failure into an opportunity for success Val Uchendu
A closed fist cannot give. How can one give when...
4
A closed fist cannot give. How can one give when the fist is closed? Yet, most people approach relationships with a closed heart. How can one give love when the heart is closed? Val Uchendu
It takes just one idea or act to connect the...
5
It takes just one idea or act to connect the dots between hard work and success... Don’t relent until you find it Val Uchendu
6
There're many ways to inspire others but the goal is the same. The pathways are different and must be; because we're diverse. The destination must be the same; to inspire them, so they too can inspire others. Val Uchendu
Cold feet under a warm blanket, steam over an empty...
7
Cold feet under a warm blanket, steam over an empty mug--rain splatters on dry window pane--open journals of closed memories... tears of laughter and joy of pain... schmaltz of diametric morning. Val Uchendu
8
I've come to realize that life is neither a battle nor a game to be won, it is a game nonetheless, but to be played... enjoyed. There are neither winners nor losers... just players--and what's great is that you can choose who to play with Val Uchendu
Cherish simple things such as family, friends and love, because...
9
Cherish simple things such as family, friends and love, because great things appear simple from far away. Place your simple things in the best light; there's enough sunshine for all of them Val Uchendu
Only the ones whose hearts have been conquered by LOVE...
10
Only the ones whose hearts have been conquered by LOVE know the secret language of the eyes. Leave trails of love today, perhaps others might be brave enough to follow Val Uchendu
Love FREES both the giver and the receiver, love INCLUDES...
11
Love FREES both the giver and the receiver, love INCLUDES all, love GIVES without seeking or demanding anything in return Val Uchendu
12
Love frees both the giver and the receiver- FREE someone today... LOVE them Love includes all- INCLUDE someone today... LOVE them Love gives without seeking or demanding anything in return- G I V E to someone today without seeking or demanding... LOVE them Val Uchendu
13
There's no difficulty that love cannot conquer... no door love cannot open... No wall enough love will not bring down... only if we could love enough When love, skill, a talent or gift work together... we create a masterpiece Love someone with your skill, your talent or our gift... Make someone's life easier... Make someone happy today... Create your masterpiece today Val Uchendu
Nothing can resist a person who is nonresistant... When you...
14
Nothing can resist a person who is nonresistant... When you overcome negative with positive...hate with love... Evil with good. You've turn a loss to a win... You have become profound. Val Uchendu
15
Love is everything, love is God in us. Love what you do, those you do it for, love others and yourself. Love is the key to success, prosperity and happiness. Give love always and you'll never lack love. Val Uchendu
Roses have thorns, ’ we whine. When thorns of life...
16
Roses have thorns, ’ we whine. When thorns of life entwine. Simple things can bring solace to heart- Things everyone take for granted- Like tending beds of fragile roses-with heart full of scars Val Uchendu
17
Get up, work out, eat well, enjoy the moment, be present and show up for people who need your love; family, friends, less privileged, your followers. Appreciate love and remember, the journey is more important than the destination. Val Uchendu
Without passion, the earth will be full of hollow bodies...
18
Without passion, the earth will be full of hollow bodies devoid of love, relationship, religion, art, science and technology Val Uchendu
Love is purely spiritual, until you can honestly accept and...
19
Love is purely spiritual, until you can honestly accept and love your essence and truth, you have nothing to offer another Val Uchendu
Know that time is a balm that slowly heals all...
20
Know that time is a balm that slowly heals all wound. You'll heal, you'll learn to live with the scars, you'll love again and you won't be the same, nor would you want to Val Uchendu
Thorns with rose petals, beauty with imperfection, softness of insensibility,...
21
Thorns with rose petals, beauty with imperfection, softness of insensibility, pain of love; duality of human nature Val Uchendu
Endeavor to do what you love so that your work...
22
Endeavor to do what you love so that your work becomes an expression of love to the world Val Uchendu
Celebrate differences, give love, and more love. Anything short is...
23
Celebrate differences, give love, and more love. Anything short is a rigidity that cuts both ways and spawns odium and ire Val Uchendu
Never settle for being ordinary, you're made whole in God,...
24
Never settle for being ordinary, you're made whole in God, you're uniquely perfect. Made to love and be loved. Val Uchendu
25
It is only with the heart that one can see, hear and feel clearly. Think of an image, music or movie that moves you. Things that we truly love touch our heart before our head analyzes them away. Once we think we understand them, they disappear.. It is because simple things in life are invisible, inaudible and insensible to an analytical mind and an undiscerning heart. Let your heart hear the music -- be moved by images, people and places.. for that makes you more alive than others. . Val Uchendu
26
It is only with the heart that one can see, hear and feel clearly. Think of an image, music or movie that moves you. Things that we truly love touches our heart before our head analyzes them away. Once we think we understand them, they disappear.. It is because simple things in life are invisible, inaudible and insensible to an analytical mind and an undiscerning heart. Let your heart hear the music -- be moved by images, people and places.. for that makes you more alive than others. . Val Uchendu
27
It is only with the heart that one can see, hear and feel clearly. Think of an image, music or movie that moves you. Things that we truly love touch our heart before our head analyze them away. Once we think we understand them, they disappear.. It is because simple things in life are invisible, inaudible and insensible to an analytical mind and an undiscerning heart. Let your heart hear the music -- be moved by images, people and places.. for that makes you more alive than others. . Val Uchendu
Time; a concept, elusive, timeless and unmanageable. Make your dreams,...
28
Time; a concept, elusive, timeless and unmanageable. Make your dreams, work and passion highest priority and each will find a place in TIME Val Uchendu
If you seek immortality, then give. For giving frees humanity...
29
If you seek immortality, then give. For giving frees humanity from the bondage of time. When all is gone, what's left is what you gave. Val Uchendu
Life is a gift and every day is an opportunity...
30
Life is a gift and every day is an opportunity to share your gift with others. Don’t be grateful, be fabulously grateful Val Uchendu
Every second, the dial of life counts down for everyone;...
31
Every second, the dial of life counts down for everyone; whatever you do be sure it’s worth the time Val Uchendu
The earth is always changing...readjusting to our existence. Each era...
32
The earth is always changing...readjusting to our existence. Each era is full of unique challenges Val Uchendu
33
When an image depends on the next for a complete meaning, it moves the story and audience along without choking them with pathos Val Uchendu
34
All art forms possess liberty beyond space and time, yet grounded by urgency of now, and a breath of truth. Val Uchendu
35
When you mess up-fix it, when you fail-fall forward and learn, when you suffer loss-heal and always pay it forward Val Uchendu
36
If you don't know the effect of words, you are behind times. If you want positivity, speak positively If you don't know the effect of thoughts, you are behind times. If you want positivity, think positively If you don't know the effect of meditation, you are behind times. If you desire something, listen to your God. Val Uchendu
37
If you seek success, serve others. If you seek immortality give. Serve or give your time, skills, talent or gift. In the end, what you leave behind are trails of the lives you changed and the hearts you touched. Val Uchendu
38
If you’re to choose to paint your life today... What will it be? Remember, you’re the artist, not the canvas. Val Uchendu
39
As I watched the sun began its daily routine, casting golden hue and illuminating cities, I wondered, “what an exemplary way to start my daily routine? Val Uchendu
40
When you apply that gift you possess that comes so easily to you and can be used anywhere, anytime to help someone else; maybe your family, your community, your city, state, country or the world in general... that is your PURPOSE. Val Uchendu
41
I wake up everyday with an intention of delivering my masterpiece... nothing less Val Uchendu
42
Great moments are full of naked vulnerability, words merely reflect a primal or instinctual footprints that leaves trails of dust for those brave enough to follow Val Uchendu
43
Your purpose naturally is as unclear as your divine nature. To discover your purpose, you must reintroduce yourself to your divine nature. When you do, you'll begin to hear silent whispers directing you to your purpose. Val Uchendu
44
The mindset of loss of a loved one is to understand that the loss will never be undone. You must live with it, like it or not. But, to live well, you must turn that loss into something positive. That way, you can become the best version of yourself; scarred, flawed and unstoppable Val Uchendu
45
Everyday we are innudated with exciting string of events on social media and news, even suffer sensory overload at times. Keep it simple; embrace one thing at a time Val Uchendu
46
Wisdom is the thin conduit between two opposing viewpoints Val Uchendu
47
An artist must take comfort that there's no satisfaction whatsoever with one's creation, just a dissatisfaction that keeps one a step away from sliding into mediocrity. Val Uchendu
48
Laugh to be refreshed, discover to be surprised, accept and celebrate differences to be happy Val Uchendu
49
The joy of success lies in the process or journey -- not so much on the destination, because one destination opens the door for another. It's like the beauty of watching a blossoming flower ... a bird taking flight for the first time or a child taking the first step ... Enjoy your process today as I am. Val Uchendu
50
Anyone can conquer anything, but the conquest of self frees the ego, and rewards one with limitless boundaries Val Uchendu
51
Creativity can turn into an avalanche or a tempest, but can also flow like a meandering tributary to same destination Val Uchendu
52
If you seek success, serve others. If you seek immortality give. Serve or give your time, skills, talent or gift. In the end, what you leave behind are trials of the lives you changed and the hearts you touched. Val Uchendu
53
Believe in miracles as if there's no work, but work as if there are no miracles. When miracles and hard work come together success is certain. Val Uchendu
54
Words come alive from a page or script because both the writer and actor were brave enough to neither deny or invent their truth Val Uchendu
55
Most sincere answers are beyond words. Val Uchendu
56
Let fear or doubt be your indicator that you have disconnected with your spirit. Be honest, waste no time, reconnect and you'll master your life, because there're no negatives within your spirit. Val Uchendu
57
Loss is like a wind, it either carries you to a new destination or it traps you in an ocean of stagnation. You must quickly learn how to navigate the sail, for stagnation is death. Val Uchendu
58
Faced with delicate issue, consider kindness and deference. It's neither familiarity, indifference nor ire, but a perceived warmth to another soul Val Uchendu
59
Words matter, choose the words you use to describe yourself carefully, make sure they reflect your desire. By our words we ask from God and command the Universe. Both always deliver what we ask Val Uchendu
60
New projects are interesting when goals are grounded by the hunger to discover and integrate. The elusive are made concrete in such ways Val Uchendu
61
To improve your looks, to feel powerful and inspire others; just SMILE Val Uchendu
62
Tingling fingers, morning birds, rain splatters on window pane, journals of fading escapades and laughter... Val Uchendu
63
The mind is a poetic meadow for reification, where dark and light things are created Val Uchendu
64
Not like others? You may be inspired differently. Be bold, step out, follow YOUR intuition, no matter how sedate or impossible it may appear Val Uchendu
65
Live in moments that consume your heart and mind, but be distracted by the music from the leaves, birds, wind, rain, sun and people Val Uchendu
66
The candor of a civilized mind comes from the ability to question self before action; the reverse is the case for the creative mind; act first, then question later. Val Uchendu
67
We have to believe in us. We're the miracle of modern and changing times. Share your talents and gift, inspire others and be inspired Val Uchendu
68
Shed the yesteryears, embrace the present as a gift and the future as a possibility Val Uchendu
69
When one's craft is rooted in strong relationship, he or she lures the into becoming a part of the show. Val Uchendu