Leather bound journal. Tips??

Okay. So my journal is mostly about a real journal! I went on Barnes & Noble's website and ordered a leather journal! I've wanted one since I was ten. It hasn't arrived yet, but I am sooooooo excited. It will come in Tuesday. I bought a book with it to have free shipping. Paradise Lost by John Milton. Anyway, I want to weather the leather a bit, anyone have any tips?? I want it to look worn and beaten up, but still classy. Also, I'd like to put afew inspirational quotes in the beginning. I need some that aren't biblical or preach-y