15 Inspirational Quotes to Live By

Life is hard, chaotic, beautiful, and unique for all of us. Sometimes we need a little dose of optimism to get us through. At the beginning of each new month, I add a new, motivational quote to my calendar to remind me to be grateful, or to be patient, or even, that "every little thing is gonna be alright" (Bob Marley), etc. Seeing a daily reminder on the wall inspires me to keep going when I'm feeling high, and nudges me that it'll be okay when I'm feeling low. I thought I'd share a few of my favorites.

Without further ado, here are 15 inspirational quotes to live by.

1. “This too shall pass.”

-Persian adage

A gentle reminder that nothing is permanent. Everything in life from your highest highs to your lowest lows, is temporary. You are strong enough to get through whatever life throws at you.

2. Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

- J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

What is your light? Leaning on friends and family? Talking to a therapist? Working out? Whatever you need to get through your darkest times, do it. Turn on the light.

3. “I want them to hear your story. And know that there is a special strength" ( . . . ) "in enduring such dark trials and hardships... And still remaining warm, and kind. Still willing to trust—and reach out.”

- Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Mist and Fury

This quote really resonates with me. We've all faced traumas and hardship at some point or another. If you're out here being kind after all the sh*t you've faced, you're unbelievably strong, and you're doing a wonderful job. Trust those who have earned it, reach out when you need to, and keep going.

4. “The days are long, but the years are short.”

- Gretchen Rubin, The Happiness Project

As a human in general, but especially as a mom, this really hits home. The days can be so tiring and the minutes seem to tick by, but at the same time it's about to be 2024... What the hell?! Life is short. Take a deep breath and drink it all in.

5. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

-Wayne Gretzky (or, Michael Scott?)

Go for what you want. Ask them out, start a business, move across the country, start over... What's the worst that can happen?

6. “We have to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles and work. Or waffles, friends, work. But work has to come third.”

-Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation

Leslie Knope is a wise soul. My list is: loved ones, pizza, and work. Or pizza, loved ones, work. Work is definitely last though. What you love should always come before work.

7. “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right."

-Henry Ford

Your attitude and what you believe you can do is so much more important than you think. Envision what you want, and take small steps every day to make it happen.

8. “Meeting your own needs for sleep, exercise, meditation, and time with friends is essential to living a happier life ( . . . )”

– Hunter Clarke-Fields, Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids

In case of an emergency on a plane, you must put your own oxygen mask on before you help others. What an analogy for life. You HAVE to take care of yourself first. You HAVE to fill your own cup before you can fill others'. Self-care isn't selfish. It's necessary.

9. “It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great.”

–Jimmy Dugan, A League of Their Own [Film]

A League of Their Own is probably my favorite film of all time. Whilst Jimmy Dugan is talking about baseball, he's also talking about going for what you want in life.

10. “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”

-Dolly Parton

Again, life is short and nothing is permanent. If you're unhappy where you're at, set new goals. It's never too late in life to do something different.

11. “Do or do not. There is no try.”

-Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back

Okay, I actually picked this one for my sweet husband cuz he's the Star Wars fan. It has a similar meaning to the Henry Ford quote above. If you're passionate and want to get something done, you'll put in the work to do it. Make it happen.

12. “'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”

-Alfred Lord Tennyson

For a long time, I was afraid to let love in. I had been hurt enough and wanted to keep people at a distance. Now I know however, that we should accept and give love at every opportunity. Don't let life make you hard and distrusting. Love is why we're here. Those who value you will stick around and love you the way you deserve.

13. “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

-Dalai Lama

The outside world is a scary place right now and you never know what people are going through. A small act of kindness, be it just a smile or a wave to acknowledge someone's presence can make all difference. And, kindness tends to have a ripple effect. The choice is yours.

14. “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”

-William James

The way you love yourself, the way you treat people, the choices you make, they all make a difference. Whether you believe it or not.

15. "We've all got light and dark inside of us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are."

-J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

One last HP quote for the road. We all have the ability to be kind and loving, but we also have the ability to be angry and cantankerous. What energy will you choose to bring to the room and to the universe? When you leave this Earth, how will you be remembered?

There you have it! I hope this blog has left you feeling a little more motivated. You are beautiful and capable of whatever your heart desires!!