If you’re looking for a creative boost, a muse to whisper ideas to you, or just something to give you a kick in the pants, look no further than your local Chinese stationery store. Instead of dismissing the bizarre English the notebooks here are generally covered with, use them to your advantage. Take their adages to heart, and you might just find the guru you’ve been searching for.

Let’s start off with your new life motto: “Happiness dot.”

IMG_20160624_094142

I’m guessing this is basically the same as “Happiness, period.” Yes. Just choose happiness, period. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.

But if you’re the type that needs more than just a two-word saying to get you going, no worries. This notebook has you covered. Just zoom in:

IMG_20160624_094152

“Smile when you greet others. Smile when it’s getting tough. Smile when it’s hell. Smile no matter what happiness will come.” The grammar of that last sentence could go one of two ways. It might mean “smile no matter what, and happiness will come” but it also could mean “no matter what kind of happiness will come, you should still smile.” Well, let’s ignore that for now and just focus on the general sentiment. SMILE. See? You’re happier and more motivated already.

You know what else will always make you happy?

IMG_20160624_094344

Right? So keep buying notebooks. Like this next piece of awesomeness.

IMG_20160624_094322

“What will matter is not what you got but what you gave. What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you are gone. Doing what you like is freedom, liking what you do is happiness. Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you only have one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.”

WOW. Inspirational gold! Plus there are dolphins.

IMG_20160629_174134

“Imperceptibly, we grow up. Is the dream of all. Remember the first dream? I think I remember. I remember that every little dream. And always to roly on their own efforts, to achieve their dreams. When junior high school good envy girls wearing fashionable dress and at that time, i only wear children’s wear…so I want to grow up quickly.”

Yes! Remember your dream and roly on your own efforts! Whether you are facing actual junior high good envy girls, or the junior high good envy girl demons of your past, whether you are wearing fashionable dress or children’s wear, keep on’ keepin’ on and achieve your dreams!

IMG_20160629_174222

“The soul is not where it lives, but it loves.”

Okay, once again, we need to navigate the waters of Sketchy Grammar, but I’m certain this is something super inspirational. In fact, if you go get this tattooed somewhere prominent in a really swirly font, you are SURE to be perpetually inspired each and every time you see this.

Alright. We’ve seen dolphins, we’ve talked about souls and dreams, we know we need to smile and happiness, dot. We are all pumped up and ready to go!

Now what should we do with all this creative energy? If you don’t already have some goals in mind, Chinese notebooks have a few suggestions.

IMG_20160624_094259

Ride a bicycle! And keep moving! Excellent idea.

What else ya got, stationery?

IMG_20160624_094225

Travel? Absolutely! That’s an even better idea than riding a bike. Any other suggestions?

IMG_20160624_094359

Become a DJ and decide on a date, location, price, and dress code for my very own 1998-style rave?!? Best idea yet! This notebook even has a great name suggestion: DJ Sample. Awesome because it’s not only got a “your text here” vibe, but is also exactly what a DJ does: samples music. Genius.

Alright, we have the inspiration, we have the goals. Now, we don’t want our motivation to lag. How can we find the daily juice to keep us going? I mean, aside from that bird/soul tattoo we just got. Don’t worry, Chinese stationary has totally thought of that.

IMG_20160624_094406

YASS!!!

Well, I don’t know about you, but I am all set to reach for the stars! Actually, these photos are making me think that my next life goal needs to start using a better camera than my cell phone. Ugh. Focus on the waves of happiness these Chinese notebooks just deluged you with.

And remember, whether you succeed or fail at your goals, Chinese stationery will love you unconditionally.

IMG_20160624_094352

Unconditionally, and in multiple languages. Aw, you are just so sweet, Chinese notebook! Right back atcha.

12 Times Taobao Made My Eyes Bleed

China is Secretly One-Upping Mexico’s Snacks

Sorry, Stephen Colbert, but I am America