Where can I find or what are powerful mantras for meditation?

I want to start practicing transcendental meditation but I didn't have a mantra to repeat or a teacher to guide me. I sat down by my window this morning, leaned against my bed, crossed my legs, folded my hands together and closed my eyes. I thought of what I could repeat and just took a general word that might work because of how general it is-- 'love'. I also chose it because I thought it would help open or give more insight to this word or feeling because I feel to much inward and want to see more than myself. Help with mantras and or transcendental meditation? I live in Georgia and saw a center in Atlanta but I can't pay nearly a thousand right now. I just would like help wherever I can get it. I want to reach what David Lynch and all of the people on the transcendental site said. Just a place of pure energy and a sort of resting place to rejuvenate, help me with my writing and general living. I want this to help my writing and my moods and just not to feel like time is running out.