We've started a recurring series at Finish Line featuring readers' favorite aphorisms.

• Why it matters: Big ideas often come in small packages, and we've received nearly 1,000 emails from readers around the country and the world sharing the one-liners they live by.

Soak it up!

🎂 "My grandfather, who is turning 90 this July, taught me: 'When you're stuck between two decisions, either one is fine.' This has coached me through many difficult situations, big and small." —Noa Shapiro, New York, N.Y.

🤪 "When the kids were younger they would periodically come across someone unique in their own way, and they would say the person was weird. I would remind them, 'We're all weird.' Our adult daughter has reiterated it to her friends so often that she will say, 'Like my dad says,' and her friends will chime in together, 'We're all weird.' ... I guess that our kids do listen to us sometimes." —Dave Kisko, Bozeman, Mont.

🗞️ "'Wear a belt and suspenders at the same time,' meaning have a backup plan and be prepared for anything. Got this from my old boss at The Miami Herald, a legendary sports editor and journalist named Ed Storin." —Paul Anger, Griffin, Ga.

🪧 "'Leave it better than you found it.' This one is definitely influenced by my mom. When I was 13, in 1983, she allowed me to skip school to go to a protest dealing with issues I was passionate about. It was the beginning of a very long road of civil activism." —Lora Fraracci, Des Moines, Iowa

👣 "'Start the work; the rest will follow.' A good reminder that when you're feeling stuck, take any single step and things happen." —Jeremy Esensten, Westminster, Colo.

💼 "As I was contemplating making a career switch, unsure of how it would play out, I reached out to a mentor of mine. Donna said to me, 'What's best for you, is best for the world.' When you're at your best, not only do you benefit, but so do the people around you — and the world is a better place for it." —Mikre-Ab Abera, Salt Lake City

🌅 "From my mother: 'Things will look better in the morning.' And I have found that they often do!" —Jean Andrews, Santa Cruz, Calif.

👋 "'Leave while people are still sorry to see you go.' I watched too many people staying at a job after they were no longer welcome. This helped me when I was considering when to retire." —Gail Kouril, Arlington, Va.

🚚 "Best one in my repertoire, from my father who passed away in November at the age of 86. 'If you can't use your family, what the hell good are they?' That went for helping you move, helping you through a tough time, helping you get your foot in the door for a job interview — just about anything! … He was one of the most generous people I know. I miss him every day." —Julie Kokrda, Lincoln, Neb.

⏳ "You always overestimate what you can do in the short term and underestimate what you can do in the long term." —Bob Martin, Purcellville, Va.

• More one-liners ... If you'd like to add yours to the mix, send it to us — along with your name and hometown — at [email protected].

The Lincoln Memorial is bathed in an orange glow at sunrise a few weeks ago.