When going through difficult times in life, I’ve found that the right words can inspire and encourage me to keep going.  Here are 20 quotes to help you in tough times – whether you are struggling with mental illness, grief, changes in life, or stressful times.

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go;

they merely determine where you start.” Nido Qubein

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” Aristotle Onassis

 

“Keep yourself busy if you want to avoid depression. For me, inactivity is the enemy.” Matt Lucas

 

“We are not to blame for our illness,

but we are responsible for our health.”

Victoria Maxwell

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” Khalil Gibran

 

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Helen Keller

 

“The art of living lies less in eliminating our troubles

than in growing with them. “

Bernard Baruch

“Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.” Deepak Chopra

 

“The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you,

whose presence calls forth your best.” Epictetus

 

“Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.” Miguel Angel Ruiz

 

“Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom.” Rumi

 

“Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.” Viktor E. Frankl

 

“There is a sacredness in tears.

They are not the mark of weakness, but of power.

They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues.

They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition,

and of unspeakable love.”

Washington Irving

“Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light.” Madeleine L’Engle

 

“Smile, breathe, and go slowly.” Thich Nhat Hanh

 

“Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.” Walter Anderson

 

“Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keeps friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment.” Grenville Kleiser

 

“You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” Eleanor Roosevelt

 

“My past has not defined me,

destroyed me, deterred me, or defeated me;

it has only strengthened me.”

Steve Maraboli

“My life isn’t good or bad. It’s an incredible series of emotional and mental extremes, with beautiful thunderstorms and stunning sunrises.” Jaeda DeWalt

 

I hope at least one of these quotes can be helpful to you in whatever struggle you are going through right now. Share these with your friends and family, you never know what battles they may be facing as well.  

If you are interested in starting counseling but have some questions, I offer free half hour consultations to answer any questions you might have over the phone or in person.  Give me a call at 531-289-8246 and we can arrange a time to meet.