18 Quotes to Lift You Up When Life Feels Hard

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The right words at the right moment have the power to shift our perspective. That’s why I love quotes — they offer encouragement and show us others have been through similar struggles and come out stronger.

Here are a few of my favorites.

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” — Mary Anne Radmacher

— Real courage isn’t loud. It’s in the small, consistent decisions to keep going, even when no one’s watching.

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” — Henry Ford

Resistance isn’t a sign to stop. It’s a sign you’re building the strength to rise.

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” — Anaïs Nin

— Change may feel very uncomfortable, but that’s when growth begins.

“If it’s not going to matter in 5 years, don’t spend more than 5 minutes being upset by it.” — Ed Mylett

Most things will be forgotten a year from now. Our energy is better saved for what matters.

“Make it a rule of life never to regret and never to look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can’t build on it; it’s only good for wallowing in.” — Katherine Mansfield

— Regret keeps us stuck. Let it go. Use that energy to build something new instead.

“I’m baffled that anyone might not think women get more beautiful as they get older. Confidence comes with age, and looking beautiful comes from the confidence someone has in themselves.” — Kate Winslet

— Real beauty is the glow of confidence. When we fully embrace who we’re becoming, our radiance only deepens.

“Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first; it means me too.” — L.R. Knost

Prioritizing ourselves isn’t selfish — it’s how we make sure we can show up fully for those who matter.

“When you say yes to others, make sure you are not saying no to yourself.” — Paulo Coelho

— Saying yes feels good in the moment but not when it leaves us running on empty. Sometimes saying no is an act of self-respect.

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” — Steve Jobs

— We spend so much time working, but it seems worth it to find a career that lights us up. Life’s too short for anything less.

“Good Decisions + Daily Discipline = A Masterpiece of Potential.” — John Maxwell

Big wins aren’t from one giant leap. They come from the habits and tiny choices we make every day.

“Progress always involves risks. You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first.” — Frederick B. Wilcox

— Growth happens when we step outside our comfort zone.

“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” — Tony Robbins

If we want something new, we have to try something different. New results require new actions.

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” — Mark Twain

— Following the crowd is easier, but rarely where change begins. Sometimes, standing alone is exactly what’s needed.

“The only difference between a flower and a weed is judgment.” — Wayne Dyer

— We decide what has worth and what doesn’t. When we change our perspective, that weed becomes a flower.

“There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.” — Albert Einstein

— The world is what we choose to see, every single day.

“Sometimes we’re tested not to show our weaknesses, but to discover our strengths.” — Unknown

Hard times aren’t about breaking us down. They’re about finding out just how strong we really are.

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone”. — Audrey Hepburn

— The most beautiful people aren’t the ones who look perfect. They’re the ones who lift others up with kindness and carry themselves with grace.

“Maybe true happiness is when we are happy with ourselves.” — faraway

— Happiness starts within. When we have peace with ourselves, everything else is just a bonus.

Did any of these quotes resonate? What is one of your favorite quotes to share?