Encouraging Words for Someone Going Through a Hard Time
52 Inspirational Quotes
Here are 52 of my favorite inspirational quotes. Research shows inspirational quotes can really help make us happier and more resilient!
These can help you or someone close to you going through a hard time. Keep them handy if you or someone close to you ever needs a pick-me-up. You also might choose one each week as a mantra to help you stay positive and focus on what matters most.
When someone close to us is going through a hard time, sometimes offering a few encouraging words can really help.
Tips for Comforting a Friend
Here are some tips for how to use encouraging words to comfort a friend going through a hard time. Or, if you’re going through a hard time, these positive quotes might help.
- Acknowledge Their Feelings: It’s important to validate your friend’s emotions. We all experience hard times. Phrases like “It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time” can be comforting.
- Offer Hope: Encouraging them to look forward with hope can help uplift them. You might say, “Even though things are tough right now, I believe you have the strength to get through this.”
- Remind Them of Their Strengths: Pointing out their past achievements and resilience can remind them of their inner strength. For example, “Remember how you overcame [a specific challenge]? You’re incredibly strong.”
- Be Present and Listen: Sometimes, the most powerful form of support is just being there to listen. Saying “I’m here for you if you need to talk” can be very reassuring.
- Don’t Minimize Their Struggle: Phrases like “It could be worse” or “Others have it harder” can feel dismissive. It’s better to focus on their specific situation without comparing it to others.
- Offer Practical Help: If appropriate, offer tangible assistance. You might ask: “Can I help with errands?” or “Would you like me to come over and spend some time with you?”
- Encourage Seeking Professional Help: If their struggles seem particularly overwhelming, it might be helpful to suggest professional support. Say something like, “Have you considered talking to a professional? It could be really helpful.”
- Use Inspirational Quotes: Sometimes, a well-chosen quote can provide comfort and inspiration. Simple sayings like: “This too shall pass” can help. You might remind your friend: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
- Stay Positive but Realistic: It’s important to maintain a balance between positivity and realism. Aim for a tone that’s hopeful yet grounded, without feeling insincere.
- Follow Up: Show that you care by checking in with them. Texting “Just checking in to see how you’re doing today” can make a big difference.
Research Shows Encouraging Words Helps
Research shows repeating encouraging quotes and affirmations can help us become more resilient and persistent.
This was proven by a study published in the Canadian Journal of Applied Sport Sciences.
Studies show that having someone else cheering us on has a very positive impact. This one was published in The Journal of Applied Sports Psychology.
Words are powerful. Encouraging words can improve wellness outcomes, according to a meta-analysis led by Farid Chakhssi, Ph.D., a psychiatrist from the Netherlands. Words that focus on pain can trigger a pain response in the brain, according to research by the German researcher Maria Richter.
Research also supports the power of encouraging self-talk, according to a review of research published in The Human Kinetics Journal.
Another study in the European Journal of Social Psychology showed that talking to ourselves in second person versus first person (for example, self-talk like: “You are doing great! You’ve got this!”) had a much greater benefit on performance.
Words we repeat to ourselves are a core part of every culture and tradition throughout the world. Encouraging words show up in song lyrics, Bible passages, simple prayers, pledges, vows, poems, and mantras.
Intuitively, over the years, people all around the world have been doing what research is now proving.
Repeating encouraging words can truly make a positive difference when we’re going through a hard time.
Encouraging Quote #1: You Are Powerful
“You’re tougher than you think you are, and you can do more than you think you can.” -Christopher McDougall
When we are having a tough time, it can be easy to forget how much potential we have. Encouraging a friend to remember how resilient they are can be very helpful.
In his best-selling book Encouraging Quote #2: You Are Courageous
Feeling anxiety and fear is natural when we go through a hard time. Our ability to dig deep and find courage directly affects our experiences. When a friend is going through a hard time, words that encourage them to trust their intuition can help. As a prolific female writer born in the early 1900s, Anais Nin (1903-1977) had a passion for writing about the human spirit. Her controversial writing played a large role in advancing equality for women. Here is a book of her most well-loved quotes. When we’re going through a hard time, it’s natural to focus on the negative. However, as self-help guru Dale Carnegie reminds us, what we choose to focus on greatly impacts how we experience life. By asking questions that focus on positive outcomes, we can support a friend in finding her own way back to seeing things in a positive light. Dale Carnegie (1888-1955), an inspirational speaker and self-improvement writer, believed optimism can help us live more rewarding lives. He invented this new career path for himself after failing as an actor. Many of his writings are still classics. When we hit rock bottom or a crisis, it can feel as if our hearts open to new levels of grace. For many of us, moments like these help connect us with emotional strength and spiritual support we didn’t even realize we had. We can remind a friend going through a hard time of her spiritual strength. In his many beautiful writings, Meister Eckhart (1260-1328) a Dominican theologian born in 1260 A.D., wrote about experiences like this. When we need to be reminded of our own strength, it can be very useful to look to others who, in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, accomplished great things. We each have the power to overcome insurmountable challenges. Born into slavery, Harriet Tubman (1822-1913) was one of those who can inspire us. She not only escaped slavery herself but helped several hundred other slaves to escape as well, as one of the most well-known conductors in America’s underground railroad. When we are experiencing a hard time, it can be scary and feel as if we are out of control. What is in our power, however, is what we do with what happens to us. When we remind a friend of positive qualities that they’ve always Maya Angelou’s (1928-2014) prolific writings including her book I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, and her own life story of dignity and success in spite of extreme racism are truly inspirational. Her life is a testimony to how, when we share our unique gifts, even in the face of insurmountable resistance, we can change the world. Imagine Maya Angelou was still living and she handed you one of her books with these words, “Simply refuse to be reduced by what is happening to you–no matter what.” When we go through difficult experiences, we often realize we are stronger than we thought. I wrote about what that was like for me in this account of my near-death experience on a plane that was hijacked. Most people think of Christie Brinkley, born 1954 as just a model, however, the fact that she is still modeling in her 60s, has used her platform to remind others of their own inner gifts, and got through a near-death-experience like this helicopter crash are testimony to how we can all use our inner strength to improve our own lives and the lives of others. Imagine Christie Brinkley was looking you in your eyes, right in this moment, and told you: “You have more strength within than you realize.” Sometimes the hardest thing about going through a tough time like this Coronavirus pandemic is learning to let go of what we can’t control. This can be particularly hard if we are very goal-driven. Releasing our grasping, however, is how we access whatever is coming next, which over the long-term may be better than we could have ever imagined. This quote is from Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (1931-1990), a controversial Indian mystic and spiritual teacher who was also known by the name Osho. He taught about meditation through movement, which he said was easier especially for beginners: “I never tell people to begin with just sitting. With a mad dance, you begin to be aware of a silent point within you.” Whether we do it through movement, meditation, mindfulness, exercising or any other spiritual or personal practice, strengthening our ability to let go seems to be a very helpful practice for these difficult times of the Covid-19 pandemic. Imagine a mystic or spiritual teacher like Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh was looking you in your eyes, right in this moment and telling you, “You can do this. You can let go of how you think things are supposed to be and discover what is possible.” One of the hardest things for me personally at times like this Covid-19 pandemic and economic crisis is letting go of how I think things “should” be. It is only natural as humans to want things “out there” to go the way we want them to. Many spiritual traditions, however, teach processes by which we can find a different kind of happiness that comes from within. Sanaya Roman, born 1949, revealed how to find that kind of happiness through the wisdom in her many widely celebrated spiritual books. Imagine if someone intuitive and loving like Sanaya Roman were to tell you “All you have to do is let go of having the world work the way you expect. You’ve got this!” Some of the greatest challenges in my own life, personally, have reminded me what is most important, and have helped me access an inner peace and strength I never knew I had. I wrote about this in this article about a near-death experience I had while traveling on a plane that was hi-jacked. While it’s rarely easy to accept when things are not going our way, Epictetus (50-135 A.D.) a Greek philosopher taught that since external events are largely beyond our control, we need to calmly accept what happens to us, while also taking responsibility for our own actions. Born a slave in Rome, Epictetus’ owner, the secretary to Nero, allowed him to study philosophy. After Nero’s death, Epictetus was freed and became a highly respected speaker. His teachings were recording and published by his pupil Arrian. While I’ve not read his teachings myself, I’m curious about his writings and books. The Art of Living seems particularly relevant to COVID pandemic. Imagine Epictetus was looking you in your eyes, returning from long ago to tell you: “This difficulty is going to show you how amazing you really are.” No matter what happens to us, no matter how fearful, anxious or lost we feel, especially during tough times like this Covid-19 pandemic, Pema Chodron, born 1936, the widely respected Buddhist nun, teaches that we always have a unconditional goodness, a soft spot within us where we can access self-compassion and the courage to sit with our own pain and move through it. I feel incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to study with and attend multiple retreats and training programs with Pema Chodron. I cannot recommend her work enough, particularly on cultivating our “power to stay” as a path by which to get unstuck. This audio-recording Getting Unstuck: Breaking Your Habitual Patterns and Encountering Naked Reality is what first got me hooked on her work. Her teachings are particularly useful and powerful for this unsettling time. Many people discover Pema Chodron at difficult times in their lives and stay with her as life unfolds. She has very comforting, wise way of guiding us to our own ability to navigate whatever comes our way. Imagine Pema Chodron, who is so incredibly peaceful and loving, and who has spent most of her adult lifetime learning to sit with her own uncomfortable feelings was to look deeply in your eyes and remind you: “Your intelligence, warmth and openness are always accessible.” -Pema Chodron Whenever we experience pain or suffering like so many of us are experiencing during this Covid-19 pandemic, our first reaction is usually to avoid it or change it, whether through a habit like being busy, seeking enjoyment or distraction, to make it wrong, or pretend it is not happening. A common teaching in Buddhism is to instead sit with it and let it be just as it is. Accepting our pain without trying to wish it away seems to be the quickest and most effective way to move through it. Kristen Neff, born 1966, is a modern day pioneer in the field of self-compassion. As a post graduate student and meditator, she realized that self-compassion as taught in Buddhism had not been widely studied, and has devoted her career to this topic ever since. Below are a few of her most well-loved books. Imagine Kristen Neff, based on all her research and years of teaching experience said directly to you: “Be with it as it is. The only way out is through.” -Kirsten Neff When we we are in the midst of a pandemic like COVID, it’s natural to get absorbed with helping others, or distracted by the news and all the drama going on around us. It’s important to remember that, no matter what happens to us, our first priority always needs to be our own well-being. We’ve all heard the adage about putting on our own oxygen mask first, but at times like economic crises or caring for a loved one with an illness like Covid-19, that can be difficult, especially when those close to us have also been affected or we work in a field directly serving others during this health crisis. This quote by Robin Norwood, born 1945, author of the best-selling book Women Who Love Too Much, reminds us that we are always better at everything else including caring for others when we take full responsibility for nurturing ourselves. While I have not read her books myself, they have helped millions especially those in dysfunctional relationships or struggling with addiction issues. Her message of self-care is relevant for us all. Imagine if, based on all her years of experience in guiding women in realizing how much they matter, Robin Norwood looked at you with compassion and caring, and offered you this advice: “Make your own recovery the first priority in your life.” -Robin Norwood When we are going through tough times like the Coronavirus pandemic, everything changes. It can be difficult to keep up and often we try old coping mechanisms that are not relevant to the new challenges facing us. As the author of so many amazing books including The Alchemist and Warrior of the Light, Paulo Coehlo, born in 1947, teaches that we each have an important message and mission, and we often discover these while navigating during our greatest challenges. Through his works of fiction, Paulo Coehlo teaches that what happens to us in the outer world can help us to take our own inner adventures deeper. I can’t recommend Paulo Coehlo’s books enough. The fact that they are fiction makes them easy to read and absorb. It is no surprise that they are so popular. They are thought-provoking, inspiring and fun to read. His books The Alchemist and Warrior of The Light are my favorite gifts for graduations, Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs. Warrior of the Light includes short bite-sized poems and inspiration based on The Alchemist, and is a source I often turn to for my own motivation and inspiration during tough times like this global pandemic. Imagine you met Paulo Coehlo and he told you: “You can change your life, and you will, when you become fully willing to change.” During the lockdown and sheltering in place orders throughout the world, many of us have found ourselves faced with the great dilemma of more time at home than ever before. When trouble hits, our natural instinct is often to work hard (or think hard) to find an answer. Sometimes it is in silence and during long periods of deep rest when we have that experience of answers coming to us, rather than having to hustle to figure them out. Creativity and accessing our unique gifts, as well as new ideas on how to best share them often begins first in the space of silence. Doe Zantamata, the author of this quote, is a modern inspirational writer and photographer. What if you actually met with Doe Zantamata, one-one-one, and she looked you in your eyes, and gave you permission to take a break from whatever is bothering you, saying: “You deserve to deeply rest. It’s really okay.” Experiencing global challenges like the current pandemic and economic crisis, can be terrifying and paralyzing. However, only by facing the truth of our current and global realities, rather than avoiding it or denying its power, can change truly begin. James Baldwin* (1924-1987) wrote several novels focusing on issues such as overcoming racism as well as other societal injustices. His message reminds us that it is only through facing the truth about difficult cultural and societal events like this pandemic and economic crises that ultimately lead to great changes for humanity. Imagine James Baldwin was with you right in this moment, and told you: “You have the courage to face whatever is happening in your life that you don’t like.” Whether we are at the threshold of a personal crisis, or are dealing with global issues like the Coronavirus pandemic and economic crisis, it’s important to realize that each of us are seeing events through our own lens of pain, prejudice and what we don’t want to face within ourselves. Taking responsibility for our own perspectives and understanding how we may be seeing a distorted view of reality based on previous experiences is often our way out of our pain. Laurel Lee* (1945-2004) was a well-loved writing teacher and author of Walking Through Fire*, a spiritual memoir about her simultaneous battle with Hodgkin’s disease, a dangerous pregnancy, and her husband’s affair. Imagine if Laurel Lee or a teacher you have admired in your own life said to you, “You can shift your perspective and change your life.” No matter what happens to us, there is always something good happening. Finding things to be grateful for, even in the face of extreme challenges, like the Coronavirus pandemic is extremely powerful. Robin Williams (1951-2014) was a beloved and critically-acclaimed actor and comedian. He played the therapist in Good Will Hunting with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, one of my all-time favorite movies about personal transformation, healing, human potential, love and happiness. Movies like this can be a great escape at times like these, and remind us of our own inner resilience and capacity for change. Imagine Robin Williams met you for a cup of coffee, looked you in the eye and said: “You’re going to wake up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to before.” Sometimes we just have to keep moving forward even when faced with extremely difficult life circumstances as so many are experiencing as a result of this global pandemic. It can be extremely helpful to trust that ultimately, something good is waiting to happen to us. When we believe in a positive outcome, even when nothing is yet revealing how it will happen, our whole demeanor and attitude shifts. Kahil Gibran (1883-1931) was a prolific poet and author whose works offered deep wisdom. His book The Prophet is a favorite in our family, and we read his poem on Marriage during our wedding ceremony. His poems can offer comfort and help us to remember how we want to live. Imagine Kahil Gibran wrote a poem for you from the other side that read something like this: “You just have to get through this and you will get to the light on the other side.” When we face something we don’t like, taking small steps to change it can help us to feel better. When problems feel bigger than we can handle alone, like what we are experiencing as a result of the Coronavirus, all we have to do is reach out to other like-minded individuals and join together in a positive direction. This can range to include striving toward political changes or simply joining with a few friends to grocery shop for elderly neighbors or to spread cheer. Margaret Mead (1901-1978) was a well-respected anthropologist who served as an adjunct professor of anthropology at Columbia University and as Vice President of the New York Academy of Sciences, as well as held many other prominent positions. Her work on coming of age in Samoa influenced the 1960s sexual revolution. Her life is a fascinating one. Here is a book of her letters. Imagine Margaret Mead met with you and told you this: “There are so many people who feel the exact same way as you. Find them and connect with them. Together, you can change the world.” As we are going through the motions of our everyday lives, it can be helpful to remember that even in the toughest of times, everything we do can have a sacred way of blessing others, and ourselves. When we see everyday events from a higher perspective, our experience of life’s events can shift. Hafiz (1315-1390) was a 14th century Persian philosopher and mystic whose poems have become mainstream and inspire seekers still today. He is one of my favorite poets of all time, and his books are always close at hand in our home. Imagine Hafiz wrote a poem, just for you, that read: “All you do is sacred.” -Hafiz We all have good days and bad days, but no matter what, our perseverance is what determines the long-term impact of our actions. This message is particularly relevant today during this global pandemic and economic crisis. Mary Anne Radmacher, born 1957, is an inspirational contemporary writer and artist. Imagine Mary Anne Radmacher, or some other writer you love and respect looked you in your eyes, right in this moment, and said: “You have done good work. Tomorrow, you will try again.” Sometimes when we are in the midst of a crisis, we can feel impatient or lose faith. As this inspirational quote from the spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism reminds us, it is important to remember that change happens gradually, and that includes our own inner well being filled. Buddha was born approximately in 567 BCE and died approximately 483 BCE and founded the religion and way of thinking that is now called Buddhism. He lived for about 80 years. Like so many spiritual leaders at this time, the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, is providing an important role during this pandemic, calling for compassion and collective unity around the world. This video with a message from the Dalai Lama, read by his friend Archbishop Desmond Tutu, is a call to reach out to each other with compassion and unite. Imagine you and Buddha were sitting side by side to meditate together. What if he looked you in your eyes and gently whispered something like, “Minute by minute, second by second, breath by breath, you will find your peace within.” Sometimes when we see people suffering, we look outward for answers, or for something to change politically or culturally so that people can get the help they need. Mother Teresa (1910-1997) was the internationally-recognized Catholic nun and winner of the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize who reminded the world through her actions, how much difference one person can make. She devoted her life to feeding the poor and offering help for those who needed it most, and reminding us all about the dignity of each human being. During this global pandemic, it can be helpful to remember that we always have the opportunity to make even one life a little bit better. Here is a book of Mother Teresa’s quotes. Imagine Mother Teresa stopped by your home for a cup of tea. You are sitting at your kitchen table, and she reaches over, filled with compassion and love, and puts her hand on yours. Then, looking deep into your eyes, she says kindly, “Person by person, you are changing the world.” When we are going through hard times, we can find great comfort in the idea that we are never truly alone. We are all interconnected, and can gain our support in that, and an inner connection to something bigger than ourselves. Ellen Burstyn, born 1932, is an acclaimed actress, and a survivor of domestic violence. She is deeply spiritual and has a powerful story of success and overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. Imagine Ellen Burstyn or anyone else you know who has experienced abuse, violence and has still achieved great things, said to you, “Soon, you will experience more joy, peace and love than you ever have before and you will be surprised to discover that it happens when you are all alone.” In the toughest of times like the current pandemic, it can help to believe that we are tracking toward a better future and that they choices we make today truly matter. Thich Nhat Hahn, born 1926, is a Buddhist monk, teacher of mindfulness and a widely-respected global spiritual leader. Thich Nhat Hahn’s books are beautifully written, simple and teach about mindfulness, getting through tough times, and living a peaceful life. His books of short essays like are always close at hand in our home. His book Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through The Storm is particularly relevant for this troubling time. Imagine someone knocked on your door and said that Thich Nhat Hahn had come to visit you with a very important message and this was what it was: “Believe. Tomorrow will be better.” The outcomes we experience in our lives are often a direct result of what we believe is possible for us. Celine Dion, born 1968, the Canadian born singer, has had a hugely successful career. She took time off from performing from 2014-2015 to emotionally support her family and husband in his fight against cancer. His fight and eventual death and her own health issues have had a great effect on her personal outlook on life. In 2022, Dion announced that she was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome. This is a rare neurological disorder impacts her ability to sing because of muscle spasms. Yet, through it all, she has not given up doing what she loves. She is still fighting, believing in herself and her gifts, and acting as a powerful role model for all of us. Her quote reminds us that even when times are tough, we have to keep dreaming and believe in a positive future. If she can do it, we can do it. Imagine Celine Dion or your favorite musician wrote a song just for you that went like this: “Your dreams are going to come true. Everything is possible for you.” Time and time again, we hear great stories of people changing their lives for the better as a direct result of going through challenges, either global ones like the current Coronavirus, or personal ones. Og Mandino, (1923-1996), is the author of The Ten Ancient Scrolls for Success, as well as The Greatest Salesman in the World and later founded his own coaching methods to help people overcome negative habits. Staying open to unexpected possibilities during the darkest of times can change our lives. Imagine someone very wise like Og Mandino came to you and said, “Look up, look at the stars. You can find the light, even as you go through this.” This is one of my favorite quotes. Something powerful seems to happen when we align with what we really want and channel all of our energies toward it, as Napoleon Hill describes in this inspirational quote. NapoleonHill (1883-1970) was a pioneer in the self-help industry and the author of Think and Grow Rich, which is among the 10 best-selling self-help books of all time. He was born in a one-room cabin in southwestern Virginia. When we are going through tough times, we need to find a way to keep ourselves motivated so we can stay open to unexpected sources of assistance and finding new ways to make our dreams come true. Imagine you had a private coaching session with Napoleon Hill, or some other motivational speaker or writer whom you respect. Imagine he gave you this: “Commit. Really commit. Get ready. Act as if everything you’ve ever wanted is going to happen. Because it is.” The story of Anne Frank (1929-1945), the young Jewish girl who kept a diary while living in hiding in a house in Amsterdam during the holocaust is so powerful because it reminds us that even during the most challenging times in history, we still find value in simple pleasures. There are so many people around the world going through unfathomable hardships like that of Anne Frank still today. Even when the world is falling apart around us and our future is unknown, we still have quiet moments of seeing beauty and remembering there is so much good. Diary of Anne Frank Imagine you opened your mailbox and there was a letter that had been sent to your address from a mysterious sender. In the envelope was a letter written by Anne Frank that read: “Whoever receives this, trust this message is for you. Please, look around you right now, in this moment. Find the beauty.” This quote by Bernie Siegel, M.D., born 1932, reminds us how positive personal change can come from some of the greatest challenges of our lives. Dr. Siegel worked with cancer patients and discovered the power of helping patients use creative visualization, their own intuition and love to accelerate healing. Bernie Siegel’s work had a great influence on my life growing up. My father was a fan of his books, which inspired my high school thesis paper, Cancer is Curable. I was also fortunate to have an opportunity to work with Dr. Siegel briefly as member of a group that organized a holistic healing conference with him in New Hope, PA, many years ago. He was the keynote speaker. Love, Medicine and Miracles is a powerful documentation of how many of his cancer patients overcame their illnesses through the use of creative visualization and belief. His message of believing in miracles can offer hope for these difficult times during this global pandemic, especially those who are dealing with any health issues or struggling with consequences of this virus. Imagine you were given the opportunity to meet privately with Dr. Bernie Siegel or someone like him that you respect. During your meeting, he looked at you kindly and something like this: “What you are experiencing right now is challenging, I know. But from my perspective, you seem to be undergoing a magnificent transformation.” Sometimes we look at our lives and the world and all we can see is what’s wrong. But when we shift and train ourselves to notice things through the lens of gratitude, the way we see our challenges changes too. Robert Holden, born in 1965, is a British psychologist and author who was born in Nairobi, Kenya. His book Be Happy is about how the journey toward happiness can be a spiritual path. Imagine Robert Holden or another psychologist or motivational speaker called out to you in an audience and said, “You are so incredibly grateful. You radiate so much gratitude and positive energy, I can see it from here.” It is so easy to look at things as a victim, especially on difficult days when everything feels like it is going wrong. However, Nora Ephron (1941-2012) an American journalist, writer and filmmaker, knew firsthand how shifting our own self-perceptions can help us create great things with our life, even in the face of challenges. She was nominated three times for the Academy Award for best writing. One of Ephron’s first jobs was in the mail department of Newsweek. She started working there in the hopes of eventually getting a job as a writer, but was told they didn’t hire female writers. She eventually quit and participated in a class action lawsuit against Newsweek for its stance against female writers. Ephron’s passion for having the equal right to do the work she loved helped to transform the news industry and help other women writers share their voices. We can remember people like her when it feels like there are odds against us. Her inspiration message was to always believe in your ability to find your way to success, no matter what. Imagine if you bumped into Nora Ephron or another person who inspires you and she put her hand on your back and said, “You are my hero!” Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) knew about difficult experiences. She had an unhappy childhood, marked by the early death of her parents and brother when she was very young. After she was married, her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt had a very public affair with another woman in 1918. At that time, she made the choice to throw her energies into her passion for work. Three years later, FDR became paralyzed as a result of illness. Through all of her personal life challenges, Eleanor provided a powerful role model when it came to never giving up. At the time of FDR’s paralysis, Eleanor encouraged him to continue with his political work, giving speeches and attending campaign events on his behalf. After he became president, she dramatically changed the role of the First Lady during her husband’s four terms in office, making her the longest-serving First Lady of the United States. She was a writer and had her own daily newspaper column, monthly magazine column, hosted a weekly radio show, and did regular speaking engagements. She later served as United States Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly and has been honored for her human rights achievements. Like so many who are using their voice to share honesty, comfort, encouragement and inspiring people to give their best selves, Eleanor Roosevelt’s message of believing in yourself and having the courage to persevere and do what is right is particularly relevant at this challenging time. Imagine if Eleanor Roosevelt came to you in a dream with this message: “You’ve got this. You can overcome anything facing you right now. You are stronger than you know.” Jane Goodall, born 1934, was one of the first female anthropologists. She broke away from typical scientific practices at that time and during an anthropological expedition to Tanzania, began interacting with chimpanzees, even giving them names. Her unique, intuitive approach gave her access to the chimpanzees that led to many discoveries that astounded the scientific community at the time. Jane Goodall continues to this day to inspire and teach children to have a deep love of the natural world, which she hopes will lead more people to want to protect it. Her message of using our lives and passions to help others and the world overall is particularly relevant during this global pandemic. Jane Goodall’s message continues to be one of hope, which is the name of a new documentary that just came out about her call to save the earth. Roots and Shoots is her youth-led community action program that inspires young people to take leadership roles and help make the world a better place. Imagine you met Jane Goodall and she told you: “You have everything you need right now to make the world a better place, just by being you.” This quote by Steve Maraboli, born 1975, reminds us one of the most important things in the face of challenge is our ability to be resilient. Steve Maraboli is a widely respected speaker, writer, podcaster and behavioral scientist who has inspired millions through his work. His life story teaches as much as his words. His family migrated to the United States in the 1960s to escape poverty and give their family a better chance. He has developed his own fine-tuned method of inspirational coaching. Imagine you met Steve Maraboli or a coach or spiritual teacher whom you respect said these words of encouragement, “You are tougher than you know. You’ve got this.” Wayne Dyer (1940-2015) was an internationally-recognized self-help writer. He wrote over 40 books, 21 of which were New York Times best-sellers. This quote about the power of perspective is an underlying foundation of his work. He taught that within each of us is a power that we can tap to change our lives and our ability to reach our dreams, overcome personal obstacles and manifest what we desire through the power of belief. I had the pleasure of attending multiple workshops and speaking engagements by Wayne Dyer through the Omega Foundation and Hay House while he was still alive. As a child, Wayne Dyer was abandoned and entered the foster care system. The many difficult experiences during his childhood taught him the true power of perspective, and are a reminder that during the current global pandemic and economic crisis, there will those who suffer greatly and then there will be those who rise up, find inner strength and determination, and recognize opportunities and gifts where others do not. Imagine Wayne Dyer came to you in this moment, looked deeply and lovingly in your eyes and said, “You can change everything, right here and right now, by the way you see.” The story of Louise Hay (1926-2017) is a true testimony to how we can each overcome challenges, change our own lives and the lives of others for the better, even later in life. As a young child, she and her mother suffered physical abuse by her stepfather. At the age of 5, she was raped by a neighbor. When she reached her teens, she became pregnant, dropped out of high school, ran away from home and gave the baby up for adoption. She eventually became a model, and was married twice. She loved her second husband very much, but the marriage ended when he had an affair. After her divorce, she was also diagnosed with cervical cancer. She found great comfort during this troubling time at the Church of Religious Science in New York City, where she trained in their ministerial programs. She came to believe that she had manifested cancer (deemed “incurable” by doctors) as a result of holding onto resentment about her abusive childhood. In 1978, at age 52, Louise Hay wrote a small pamphlet that included positive affirmations for a long list of physical ailments, which she printed copies of herself (one of the first “self-publishing” success stories). She used her method of positive self-talk to heal her own cancer, and to help others overcome emotional pain and their own physical ailments. Her methods proved very useful to AIDS patients and she became a well-respected leader fighting for compassion towards patients affected by the HIV epidemic. At the age of 58, Louise Hay founded the Hay House Publishing House, and her book You Can Heal Your Life, an expanded version of her pamphlet of affirmations, was the first book the company published. The publishing house grew and continues to publish popular self-help and inspirational books offering healing and transformation even today. You Can Heal Your Life has since been sold in 33 different countries and translated into 25 languages, and is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. One of the highlights of my career was hearing her speak a few years before her death. Her life and her message offer great hope, and are very relevant for this troubling time. Imagine Louise Hay met with you, gave you a big hug and said, “You can love yourself. You are amazing. You are a miracle.” SARK, born in 1954, is an author and illustrator of many self-help books. As her posters were first being created, she spent time in poverty. Her artwork and self-help books are true originals. Her message to trust yourself is powerful advice for tough times like this global pandemic. I was fortunate enough to attend a weekend retreat with SARK many years ago at The Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY. Her guidance during that workshop, and her teachings on following your dreams were of great support at the time as my husband and I made the decision to move from the east coast to the San Francisco area. Imagine you bumped into SARK at a park and she said laughed out loud with joy, saying, “I’m so excited to meet you! I’ve been wanting to tell you–you are a miracle!” When I imagine what life must be for people like Helen Keller (1880-1668) who could not see or hear, suddenly my own troubles don’t seem nearly as difficult. Helen Keller’s story of overcoming blindness and deafness to be able to read, advocate for others and become a widely respected writer and leader is absolutely incredible. Equally inspiring is the life and work of her teacher Anne Sullivan, who unlike Helen, was born in poverty in Ireland and suffered greatly as a result of having a vision disability and botched operations on her both of her own eyes. As a result of writing this article, I am inspired to read Helen Keller’s writings and autobiography, many of which are listed below. Whatever we each individually face during the Coronavirus lockdown and the consequences of it in the years to come, we would benefit greatly from having courage, fortitude, belief in ourselves and others, determination, resilience and optimism similar to that of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan. Imagine Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan met with you, listened to your story about whatever is bothering you most with understanding and together asserted with complete confidence, “You will overcome this.” This quote by Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) is one of the most well-known and has been one I use in my workshops over the years. It is a reminder that rather than spending our life energies wishing and dreaming, we need to take action to create what we most desire. Gandhi did this himself. As a lawyer in a leadership role in Indian society, he wore a loincloth to show his alignment with India’s rural poor. Literally, he personified what it would be like if some of India’s poorest had access to the social status that he enjoyed. His compassion and commitment to non-violence inspired people all around the whole world to use non-violent activism to create real change. By trade, Gandhi was an Indian lawyer who used non-violence resistance to lead the successful campaign for India’s freedom from Britain’s rule. He lived for a large part of his life working as a lawyer in South Africa, where he first employed non-violent resistance for civil rights. After returning to India at the age of 45, he held a leadership role in India’s National Congress, in which he led campaigns for women’s rights, ending poverty and the practice of shunning certain classes of citizens by deeming them “untouchable.” He is most famous for his fasts where he did not eat and neared death in an effort to end religious violence. He believed people of different religious beliefs should be able to live in unity and peacefully together in society. This movie of his life story is very inspiring, and can be a reminder that during the current global unrest, we each have the power to make a profound and lasting difference. Imagine Gandhi came to your home, looked deep into your eyes, bowed his head and said, “You are the change that is most needed.” Greta Thunberg, born January 3, 2003, has emerged as a global leader in the environmental call to save the earth. Time Magazine named her Person of the Year for 2020. She is demanding that adults act more maturely and honestly when it comes to the climate crisis, inspiring children to raise their voices and demand respect, and offering a voice of reason about the importance of science. Her quiet nature and the fact that she is on the spectrum of autism make her a powerful voice for being authentic and remind us that no matter what our stories, we all have an important role to play in the crisis unveiling before us. The media have recently been relying on Greta Thunberg as a spokesperson not just about the environmental crisis, but also on the role of children and science in this global pandemic. For me personally, the story of how she sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to attend the United Nations Climate Summit in 2019, because of her boycott of flying is particularly inspiring. (This video is taken from her speech before the UN in 2019.) I love this inspiring video of her preparing for the journey. If she, at such a young age, can do such a courageous endeavor based on her own personal convictions, there is no reason why each of us can’t take action and achieve what we most desire even if, as her quote says, at first, we think it is impossible. Imagine you had the opportunity to meet Greta and she said in her quiet, still, peaceful way, “You must do the impossible.” -Greta Thurberg Brenee Brown, born 1965, broke ranks with the social researchers and studied vulnerability, rooting her research on personal stories and interviews more than empirical data. Her work has transformed the self-help industry as well as the field of corporate leadership. Her work has led to a call for greater authenticity and vulnerability in corporate cultures and among leaders. She reminds us that we all experience failure and setbacks as part of life, and her books offer tools to support us all in getting through tough times. Her message is particularly profound at this time when so many of us are feeling vulnerable. Imagine Brenee Brown called you on the phone and told you, “Even if you fail, you are okay. You can feel vulnerable and strong.” Debbie Ford (1955-2013) was the author of The Dark Side of Lighworkers. In the self-help field of “think positive” and optimism as a panacea, Debbie’s work challenged everyone, most especially lightworkers and healers to explore their shadow side. I was fortunate enough to take a multi-day workshop with Debbie Ford through the Omega Foundation’s annual conference in New York City many years ago. Her message is especially relevant now, as it shows that it is through facing our own personal darkness, which many of us are certainly feeling now during this global pandemic, that we gain the power we need to change. Imagine Debbie Ford or someone else you admire and respect stopped you in the street, put her hand on your back and said, YOU “are capable of making radical and lasting change.” -Debbie Ford The story Rosa Parks (1913-2005), the small woman who, tired after a long day of work, refused to give up her seat in the “colored” section of a bus to a white passenger because the white section of the bus was filled, is an incredibly inspiring one. It reminds us of the quiet power we each have to bring injustices to light, something that is very important during uncertain times like this global pandemic. Because of the respect that she had in the community, Rosa’s defiance spurred the Montgomery Bus Boycott, during which many passengers refused to ride the bus for one year, leading to great strides in the Civil Rights movement. Just by living our lives and doing what is in our highest good, even in the face of others who do not honor our importance, we can achieve great things and make a profound difference. Imagine you had a dream where you met Rosa Parks and she told you this:” Your fear will diminish when you know what you need to do and do it. You are going to help others by helping yourself.” Julia Cameron is to creative people (which we all are) like a warm, cozy blanket is to the cold. Comfort, encouragement and a mirror to what is really going on when you struggle and suffer in any way, especially when it comes to how life’s challenges can affect your creative work, as well as how creativity can be a panacea for troubling times like the current pandemic. I highly recommend all of Julia Cameron’s books. Transitions is a gift I often give when people I care about are going through loss or personal crises. Her book The Right to Write is another all-time favorite of mine. The Artist’s Way is a classic and like The Artist’s Way, many of her other books are also designed to be 12-week programs. However is not necessary to read through them as courses to get great benefit. Just by opening them on any page, you can find support, insights and guidance, and they are filled with easy-to-read essays and bite-sized inspiration. Julia Cameron understands what it means to sit with your suffering (or write through it) and how to keep moving and flourishing even when times are hard. Imagine you had a private creativity training session with Julia Cameron, and she told you, “You are here, in this moment right now. This is the moment that matters.” The idea of being carried through life and experiences like this global pandemic and economic downturn by a higher energy, what Anne Lamott calls grace, which takes us from one place to another appeals to me greatly. Anne Lamott’s books range from fiction to collections of inspirational essays about her own faith-based journeys of battling addiction, raising her son, becoming a grandparent and navigating all the ups and downs of everyday life. She also wrote one of my favorite books on the writing life Bird by Bird. What I love most about Lamott’s most recent books is that they are easy-to-digest, funny and authentic essays that can be easily read in short sessions. Her voice is vulnerable, real and grounded, and offers great comfort for tough times like those we are experiencing now with this global pandemic and economic downturn. She reminds us that we are all imperfect and human, and being there for each other and real is what life is all about. Imagine you had a private zoom session with Anne Lamott and she said to you, “You can end up somewhere very different because of grace.” This quote by Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) is a good reminder that even when it looks like nothing is happening on the surface, change is happening all the time. His message of hope, tenacity and integrity is particularly helpful now during this global pandemic, as well as the other crises currently facing our world. For those who are actively working toward change, it can be helpful to remember Mandela’s story. He was a non-violent activist who played a major role in ending apartheid in South Africa as a non-violent activist. He was imprisoned for several decades, after which he became the first Black president of South Africa from 1994-1999. As we navigate this troubling time, his message offers hope and reminds us that the Coronavirus pandemic will not last forever. We will get through this together. Imagine Nelson Mandela saying directly to YOU, “Keep on doing what you’re doing. Keep on doing what matters until you are done.” Martha Beck, born 1962, began her career as a sociology professor at Harvard University. She found herself often coaching her students in life issues and as a result, ended up launching her career in life coaching, long before life coaching was even an official field of study. When she became pregnant and learned her son had Down Syndrome, she chose to leave her position as a Harvard professor after her colleagues questioned the value of carrying her pregnancy to term. She wrote about this experience in her first book Expecting Adam. Beck has firsthand experience in the challenging act of following one’s bliss and inner truth in the face of extreme challenges, which provided the foundation for her book Finding Your Own North Star. She was raised a Morman but left this religion, a decision that, along with her public accounts of her sexual abuse by her father, a leader in the church, resulted in estrangement from many of family members and friends. She currently teaches her own life coaching training program, is a best-selling author of multiple books, and has been a columnist for Oprah Magazine since its inception in 2001. I was fortunate to have been able to take a very inspirational workshop with Martha Beck at an Omega Foundation conference many years ago. Her teachings about how to follow your inner truth, and how to maintain connection with others as a way forward in life are very relevant today as we all face this global pandemic, and are finding our way in a rapidly changing world. Imagine Martha Beck or someone else you deeply admire and trust told. you, “You are not alone. There are so many people in this moment who are waiting for someone like you to come into their lives.” Viktor Frankl (1905-1997) was an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist who was a contemporary of Sigmund Freud. He wrote 39 books, but is most well-known for Man’s Search for Meaning, which was inspired by his experiences in the Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Man’s Search for Meaning became an instant international best-seller. He taught that the way we envision our future during tough times can affect our longevity and the outcome, as can our ability to find meaning in the face of suffering. These are important and valuable lessons for us during this time of hardships as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and ensuing economic crisis. Imagine having the opportunity to meet Viktor Frankl or someone else who lived before you who you deeply admire and respect who said, “You can change whatever you need to change about yourself to get through what you are experiencing right now.” This Chinese Proverb reminds us that step by step, we can achieve great things. During this time of change, many of us will be trying new things, whether it is finding new ways to earn an income, or doing things differently with social distancing. If we remember the Alcoholics Anonymous adage of taking “one day at a time” and strive toward removing obstacles in our lives, whatever these may be for us personally, one “stone” at a time, we can persevere and achieve a sense of steadiness and progress. Imagine meeting someone very wise who gave you this advice: “You can overcome anything one stone at a time.” We never know where we are headed or what is going to happen next. As we all navigate this time of unrest together, we can keep the faith that better times are ahead. If you have comments about this article, I’d love to hear from you. Please share them in the comment section below.“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin
Encouraging Quote #3: You’re In Charge of Your Perspective
“Two men looked out from prison bars, one saw the mud, the other saw stars.” -Dale Carnegie
Encouraging Quote #4: You Are Supported
“When we are in sorrow…light is nearest of all to us.” -Meister Eckhart
Encouraging Quote #5: You Can Overcome The Unthinkable
“Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” -Harriet Tubman
Encouraging Quote #6: Your Value Is Not Negotiable
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” -Maya Angelou
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #7: You Are Strong
“It’s through adversity that you find the strength you never knew you had.” -Christie Brinkley
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #8: You Can Let Go
“Let life a deep let-go.” -Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #9: You Can Experience Inner Peace
“Inner peace means releasing attachments to…having the world work the way you expect.” -Sanaya Roman
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #10: You Have Inner Resources
“It is difficulties that show what men (and women) are.” -Epictetus
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #11: You Have Unconditional Goodness
“For each and every one of us, intelligence, warmth, and openness are always accessible.” -Pema Chodron
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Encouraging Quote #12: You Can Move Through Difficult Feelings
“The only way to eventually free ourselves from debilitating pain…is to be with it as it is. The only way out is through.” -Kristen Neff
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #13: Your Self-Care Matters
“Make your own recovery the first priority in your life.” -Robin Norwood
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Encouraging Quote #14: You Can Transform
“When we least expect it, life sets us to a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change.” -Paulo Coehlo
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #15: You Need To Rest
“Taking time to do nothing brings everything into perspective.” -Doe Zantamata
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #16: You Can Face The Truth
“Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.” -James Baldwin
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Encouraging Quote #17: You Determine Your Experiences
“I’m not seeing things as they are, I’m seeing things as I am.” -Laurel Lee
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Encouraging Quote #18: You Can Find Gifts In Everything
“You’ll have band times, but it’ll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to before.” -Robin Williams, Good Will Hunting
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #19: You Can Make It Through the Darkness
“One may not reach the dawn save by the path of the night.” -Kahil Gibran
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #20: You Can Unite With Others
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #21: You Are Sacred
“Now is the time to know that all that you do is sacred.” -Hafiz
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Encouraging Quote #22: You Will Persevere
“Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow.” -Mary Anne Radmacher
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Encouraging Quote #23: You Can Be Patient
“Drop by drop is the pitcher filled.” -Buddha
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #24: You Can Change Someone’s Life
“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.” -Mother Teresa
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #25: You Are Never Alone
“What a lovely surprise to discover how unlonely being alone can be.” -Ellen Burstyn
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Encouraging Quote #26: You Can Trust The Future
“If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.” -Thich Nhat Hahn
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Encouraging Quote #27: Your Dreams Can Come True
“Nothing is impossible. Keep dreaming.” -Celine Dion
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Encouraging Quote #28: You Can Find Blessings In Everything
“I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.” -Og Mandino
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #29: You Have Help Available
“The moment you commit and quit holding back, all sorts of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance will rise up to help you.” -Napoleon Hill
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Encouraging Quote #30: You Can Find the Silver Lining
“I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.” -Anne Frank
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Encouraging Quote #31: Your Challenges Can Transform You
“Embrace each challenge in your life as an opportunity for transformation.” -Bernie Siegel
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #32: You Have So Much to Be Grateful For
“The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the world. you see.” -Robert Holden
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Encouraging Quote #33: You Can Save Yourself
“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” -Nora Ephron
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Encouraging Quote #34: You Can Face Your Fears
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
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Encouraging Quote #35: You Can Make a Difference
“We have the choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a better place–or to not bother.” -Jane Goodall
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Encouraging Quote #36: You Are Tougher Than What Happens
“When times are tough, dare to be tougher.” -Steve Maraboli
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Encouraging Quote #37: You Can Take A Different View
“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” -Wayne Dyer
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Encouraging Quote #38: Your Mind’s Power Is Incredible
“We think so often that we’re helpless, but we’re not. We always have the power of our minds.” -Louise Hay
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Encouraging Quote #39: You Are Enough
“Stand tall, laugh loudly and be who you really are.” -SARK
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Encouraging Quote #40: You Can Overcome Suffering
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” -Helen Keller
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Encouraging Quote #41: You Can Be The Change
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi
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Encouraging Quote #42: You Can Do It
“You must do the impossible. Because giving up can never be an option.” -Greta Thurberg
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Encouraging Quote #43: You Don’t Have To Be Perfect
“There is no innovation and creativity without failure. Period.” -Brenee Brown
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Encouraging Quote #44: You Are Capable of Change
“I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that human beings are capable of making radical and lasting change.” -Debbie Ford
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Encouraging Quote #45: You Can Overcome Fear
“When one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” -Rosa Parks
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #46: You Can Be Present
“When the future is too terrifying to contemplate and the past too painful to remember, I have learned to pay attention to right now. The precise moment I was in was always the only safe place for me.” -Julia Cameron
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Encouraging Quote #47: You Can Experience Grace
“I do not understand the mystery of grace–only that it meets us where we are and does not leave us where it found us.” -Anne Lamott
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #48: You Can Achieve The Impossible
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” -Nelson Mandela
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Encouraging Quote #49: You Can Connect With Others
“Basic human contact–the meeting of eyes, the exchanging of words–is to the psyche what oxygen is to the brain. If you’re feeling abandoned by the world, interact with anyone you can.” -Martha Beck
Imagine if…
Encouraging Quote #50: You Are The Answer
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” -Viktor Frankl
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Encouraging Quote #51: You Can Keep Going
“The man (or woman) who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” -Chinese Proverb
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Encouraging Quote #52: This Is Not How The Story Is Going To End
“At any moment, you have the power to say, this is not how the story is going to end.” -Anonymous
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