Dr. Abraham J. Twerski – Inspiration and Motivation

Dr. Abraham J. Twerski is the inspiration and motivation behind this site, as well as for most, if not all, of the work I do.  Staring off as a rabbi and member of the clergy, he soon decided to pursue a career in medicine.  Since then he has authored over fifty books, all of which cover the symptoms and entomology of low self-esteem.  He also founded the Gateway Clinic for Alcohol and Addiction Recovery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he is the medical director.  Twerski strives to relate to the human spirit of people regardless of race, religion, creed, gender, etc., a true humanitarian and spiritual person.

Following are several quotations from Dr. Twerski’s book, “Happiness and the Human Spirit,” which I’ve chosen at random:

• Spirituality depends on process rather than outcome (pg. 91).
• The key is to think of self-fulfillment in terms of effort rather than outcome (pg. 91).
• Your single most important tool in psychiatry is the patient’s trust. You can’t afford to jeopardize it (pg. 103).
• To be happy, each of us must have faith in ourselves and be wiling to put forth the effort to maximize our potential (pg. 109).
• Just as our bodies need proper nutrition and judicious exercise, so too do our spirits need spiritual nutrients.  Happiness is a healthy human spirit well nourished by being the best we have the capability of being (pg. 110).
• While you cannot control another person’s behavior, you can be in control of your own (pg. 122).
• Decide not to scream (pg. 122).
• Most of your character traits have been with you for a long time, even as early as childhood.  A long-standing trait cannot be changed overnight…Your process of change will be gradual, and it is normal to have relapses along the way (pg. 125).
• Remember, spiritual acts tend to bring about other spiritual acts (pg. 135).
• There are things that are important, and then there are things that are really important (pg. 139).
• I am convinced that laughing in not only a trait unique to humans, and therefore a component of the spirit, but also that it is therapeutic (pg. 145).
• Spiritual growth is rarely a smooth ascent.  There are many “slips” along the way.  But rather than be discouragements, they can be learning experiences (pg. 147).
• Since no human being is ever without shortcomings, there is no limit to how much we can refine our character (pg. 149).

The following video clip presents Dr. Abraham Twerksi speaking about issues of decision making and self-esteem:

• The following video clip presents Twerski speaking about empathy:

Click here to get inspired and motivated by learning more about Dr. Abraham J. Twerski .