Down in the dumps? Let these feel-good reminders bring your smile back!
Ups and downs are normal, and it’s impossible to feel positive constantly. The key to bouncing back or finding a positive mindset quickly is having a dependable go-to when you’re down.
Uplifting quotes always seem to help us feel better quickly, as well as grateful (a most powerful emotion) or simply help us recognize that we don’t have it so bad, and that things could be worse.
There is a challenge with running from what we don’t want because the core feeling creating that motivation to run is negative. And, acting from negative motivation just attracts more negative people and situations into our lives.
So here are some uplifting quotes with empowering thoughts to run toward for more positive inspiration. I’ve included some of my own inspiring quotes on self love, and some from other inspirational people.
1. “Your dreams don’t have to be lofty; they just have to be lived.”- Kelly Bouchard
Sometimes we feel like our dreams are too big, and we’ll never realize them, so it’s important to have small dreams as well as large ones. This way, you can reach the smaller ones more easily, and feel a sense of accomplishment and completion. The confidence this builds will make your bigger dreams not only feel more attainable, but you’re actually more likely to achieve them. The example I use with my clients is, “You don’t have to own the boat; you just have to go for a sail.” Kelly Rudolph
2. “It’s your life; live it well.”- Judge Judy Sheindlin
I admire Judge Judy’s guts and boundaries, and I love this quote. We often feel guilty for wanting nice things when other people don’t have nearly as much. Who are we to want lavish vacations, nice cars, beautiful homes around the world, financial wealth, and fulfilling relationships? Well, who are we not to want nice things, great people in our lives, and abundance? Many people who achieve abundance outwardly feel guilt or unworthiness internally, which makes it short-lived, or they become ill and can’t enjoy it. Remember, it’s your life. You’re here to feel happy and learn as much as you possibly can.
3. “Let your dreams be bigger than your fears, your actions louder than your words, and your faith stronger than your feelings.” – Unknown
We know that fear arises on a daily basis for most of us and focusing on our dreams is a great inspiration that defeats that fear. It energizes us and puts us in a positive mindset. Words are cheap, and actions have always spoken the loudest. And, I’m going to throw in another of my own quotes here regarding faith. “Your faith will always get you through. Make sure you believe in something bigger than you.” My experience in coaching hundreds of clients has been that when we feel overwhelmed or out of control, we’re disconnected from our faith or spiritual center. Faith is not necessarily religion, but it does have the potential to coincide. Find what works best for you, and stay in touch with it daily.
4. “We don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason.”- Unknown
Sometimes the reason we desperately need an uplifting quote is because someone in our life has really pushed our buttons or dragged us down. Remember that we’re here to enjoy life, be happy, and learn as much as we possibly can. We do this by being the best that we can, and empowering other people to exude their best. During this process, we encounter people who we may not choose to have in our lives, but there is something to learn about ourselves from each and every one of them. No one meets by accident. Some people we meet, we realize have so positively impacted our lives that we don’t know where we’d be without their influence. This is a great quote for them too.
5. “Taking care of yourself makes you stronger for everyone in your life … including you.” -Kelly Rudolph
Women are often brought up to care for everyone else first, and have only the time that’s left over for ourselves. That would be okay if there ever was any time left over, but there isn’t, and until we schedule it, there may never be. No need to feel guilty taking “Me Time” anymore. Flight attendants instruct us to put our own oxygen mask on first before helping others, in case of an emergency. We can’t help anyone if we’re dead, and sometimes we die inside taking care of everyone but ourselves. Here’s a bonus quote about self-care: “Allowing yourself to take a break is a sign of self-respect.”
6. “Negative people need drama like it’s oxygen. Stay positive and take their breath away.” – Unknown
If you are a positive person, you know the feeling you get around those who are not. You start to feel anxious and maybe a little cranky and down. Realize that negative people like drama. They will tell you their problems with no desire to solve them, because they are getting attention by having problems. If either of you solve the problem, they will have to create another one for their attention-getting strategy. Negative, drama-fueled people are insecure, and dislike those of us who are happier than they are. They feel threatened and want company in their dismay. Rather than getting dragged down by them, keep your positive attitude, and take the wind out of their negative sail. Look at it like a game to make it fun.
7. “Laugh at yourself. It tones your facial muscles and attitude.”- Kelly Rudolph
Stop taking yourself so seriously. While not always simple, life is one big, fun-filled event. When you mess up, learn whatever lesson you can and start laughing. If you can read that quote and it doesn’t bring a smile, you’re too serious. Tone your facial muscles and attitude with a laugh and get on with your day.
8. “Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and twice as beautiful as you’ve ever imagined.”- Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss is frickin’ brilliant. This uplifting quote is so empowering that first it brings a smile to my face and then tears, because if we all realized the power and importance of it, the world would be a much more positive place. Just imagine knowing, without a doubt, that you are brave, strong, smart, and beautiful every day. Doesn’t that feel great?
9. “It’s your life. Be sure you’re playing to your strengths instead of simply to other people’s weaknesses.”- Kelly Rudolph
By taking care of others, we often wind up enabling them rather than empowering them to improve upon themselves. What are you good at? Are you doing that in your life, or do you need to start? Who in your life are you doing too much for — things you should hold them accountable for doing on their own? By allowing them to take responsibility for themselves a little at a time, you can empower them rather than enabling them to remain weak. It’s important to know that if guilt is your motivating factor for playing to other people’s weaknesses, it will never make you stronger or heal your guilt. Forgive yourself, learn from it, and move on to play to your strengths.
10. “May you see sunshine where others see shadows, and opportunities where others see obstacles.”- Unknown
Many people you will meet along your journey may see only shadows and obstacles, but wherever those are, the sunshine and opportunities are right there too — and you can find them.
You may also read this article at ThriveGlobal.com
You may also read this article at YourTango.com
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