Inspiring Words of Encouragement for Tough Times

Life is hard sometimes. These words of encouragement are here to remind you that hard times always end and good times always return. You are stronger than you know.

Life isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it’s incredibly hard. It’s so easy to forget that hard times always end and that dark clouds eventually part to reveal a new sunny day.

Here are some inspirational words of encouragement to help see you through the hard times. As you’ll see, some pretty incredible people have been through tough day too. We hope their words will help you see the light and find your inner strength.

#1 The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived. —Robert Jordan

the oak fought the wind and was broken the willow bent when it must and survived

Strength comes in many shapes and forms. While you may want to fight until your last breath, that’s not always the best way to win life’s battles. Sometimes true strength is quietly conceding and knowing you can fight again tomorrow. Pick your battles wisely and you’ll find you win far more of them.

#2 The most common form of despair is not being who you are. —Søren Kierkegaard

The world is always trying to change us, to mold us into someone else. Being who you truly are is perhaps the most admirable kind of strength. As hard as it may be, it’s important that you defend your inner self and let your personality shine.

#3 Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway. —Mother Theresa

Strength isn’t just physical and it’s not just about picking battles you know you’re sure to win. Strength and life are about taking chances, about turning the other cheek and then picking yourself up after you fall. It’s about letting yourself be destroyed if necessary…and then rising from the ashes.

#4 Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. —Neale Donald Walsh

life begins at the end of your comfort zone

If you’re an adventurer at heart, or if you’re simply looking to live life to the fullest, then this quote should be your personal motto. As scary as stepping outside of your comfort zone can be, it’s the most thrilling and fulfilling thing you are ever likely to do. There’s a whole world out there; go explore it. Claim it as your own.

#5 Don’t be afraid of your fears. They’re not there to scare you. They’re there to let you know that something is worth it. —C. JoyBell C.

Fear isn’t about being in a scary situation. It comes when you’re afraid to take the leap of faith that’s necessary to build a better life. Figure out what you want. Reach for it. It’s scary, but in the long run, overcoming that fear is what makes life worthwhile.

#6 We’ll never be as young as we are tonight. —Chuck Palahniuk

Each moment you live will be yours only once. Each second, you lose a moment of your life forever. That’s why it’s to live a full and colorful life. That’s why it’s important to be yourself, to reach for dreams, to laugh and love without end. You only live once, so you must embrace life fully.

#7 Life is beautiful, as long as it consumes you. When it is rushing through you, destroying you, life is gorgeous, glorious. It’s when you burn a slow fire and save fuel, that life’s not worth having. —D. H. Lawrence

Living a full life isn’t about standing still. It’s not about sitting in your comfort zone and watching someone else live your dream. Life is about throwing yourself into the world. It’s about feeling the thrill of each day and seeing the beauty in each night. Life is to be lived.

#8 Nobody can hurt me without my permission. —Mahatma Gandhi

nobody can hurt me without my permission

Someone once told me that strength is something we choose. I believe it. You may not have a choice about whether people hurt you, but you have complete autonomy regarding what you choose to do next. You can even choose not to hurt. When you choose strength, no one can tear away your happiness. No one can steal your dreams. It’s just a matter of choosing.

#9 The purpose of life is to be defeated by greater and greater things. —Rilke

You don’t always win life’s battles. You’re going to face defeat. You may not achieve all of your dreams. You’re going to get hurt. Rilke tells us that it is precisely these hardships make you who you are. Your character is forged in the bitter fires of pain and disappointment. Every challenge delivers a lesson as its gift.

#10 In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on. —Robert Frost

Of all the quotes on this list, this is by far my favorite. No matter what life throws at you, no matter how far you’re thrown down, no matter how much hurt you face, life goes on. You will face countless challenges in life, but you have the strength to overcome them, to endure. Today’s setback feels like the end of the world. But tomorrow the sun will rise anew, and you’ll have all the days ahead to pick yourself up and build a better life. Never lose hope.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these words of encouragement and that they’ve inspired you to live each day to the fullest despite the hardships. We live this life only once. If you do it right, that’s enough.

Inspirational Quotes Infographic

About the author

Nichola

Writing is Nichola’s passion but she's also an avid reader and a massive film geek. Like most of us, Nichola spends way too much time surfing the web, mostly reading blogs on the weird and wonderful or rumours of who's got the lead role in next years hottest films.

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