Quote Of The Day By Toni Morrison: 'Your Life Is Already Artful — Waiting, Just Waiting, For You To Make It Art...'

From "The Bluest Eye" to "Sula," Toni Morrison's works redefined the landscape of American literature. Her works are considered some of the best books of the 1970s that hold up to this day and paved the way for a revolutionary career that earned her the Nobel Prize in Literature, a Pulitzer Prize, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Born in 1931 as Chloe Anthony Wofford in Lorain, Ohio, Morrison grew up completely immersed in Southern folklore, music, and rich storytelling that ended up deeply influencing her creative writing process. 

Believe it or not, Morrison was almost 40 when she became a published author with her debut novel, "The Bluest Eye," in 1970. Before putting out her own works, she worked as a senior editor at Random House, where she helped elevate and bring more representation to black voices and literature. She was also an accomplished educator, teaching humanities and creative writing at various prestigious universities. As if she wasn't already doing it all, she was also raising two sons as a single mother. 

As the author of some of the most tragic classic books, the Nobel Prize winner reminded the world through her tragically beautiful prose and storytelling that beauty, truth, and sadness can absolutely coexist within the hardest human truths. Her life was proof that creating something artful and extraordinary never requires permission, which is why Toni Morrison is today's quote of the day. 

"I'm a believer in the power of knowledge and the ferocity of beauty, so from my point of view your life is already artful — waiting, just waiting, for you to make it art." These inspiring words were spoken by Toni Morrison, whose books are a favorite amongst celebs like Lily-Rose Depp and Yara Shahidi, during a speech to the Princeton University Baccalaureate Class of 2005. Since then, it has become a guiding mantra for expressing oneself. And, just as she always knew what to say, the author perfectly captured an artful truth about taking ownership of one's path to students standing right at the brink of their new beginnings. 

What an encouraging message to young adults who are preparing to step out into the world on their own terms. It's a quote that makes you think and ask yourself how you're actively molding the life you've been given. And Morrison truly lived by her own words. Juggling her full-time job as an editor and being a mom, all while working on her debut novel, she proved that there is no such thing as waiting for the perfect time to fill your life with art. 

Toni Morrison's quote is a reminder that life isn't about waiting and hoping something will happen. It's about realizing and recognizing that you already hold the canvas. At its core, her message challenges people to think about how much we assume art is simply for museums, artists, or a grand stage like Broadway. But really, Morrison wanted everyone to know that there is art in everyday life and that is truly an intentional choice available to any one of us. 

Life isn't just artful when one is performing on a grand stage or their artwork hanging in a museum, but artful in every choice you make, build and cherish relationships, and bring intention to the most ordinary moments. Morrison's quote is a reminder that you can live creatively, and it's never really about the right moment. Your life is already full of art, and you can easily create more art by taking on your own story and infusing your life with purpose and heart.

• "If there is a book you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." 
• "Love is or it ain't. Thin love ain't love at all." 
• "At some point in life, the world's beauty becomes enough. You don't need to photograph, paint, or even remember it. It is enough."
• "In this country, American means white. Everybody else has to hyphenate." 
• "You wanna fly, you got to give up the s*** that weighs you down."