The highs of life mean that inevitably, there will also be lows. Though this fact alone usually doesn’t tend to bring us solace, darker times almost always lead us to a place of metamorphosis, depth and growth.
They draw out our otherwise untested inner strength, love and fresh perspectives. As Rebecca Solnit writes;
‘To be lost is to be fully present… Getting lost seems like the beginning of finding your way, or finding another way.’
There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, so here are ten life quotes that might just help you to see it.
1. First thing’s first; a reminder that even in just being, you are incredible.
‘She wasn’t doing a thing
that I could see,
except standing there
leaning on the balcony railing,
holding the universe together.’
– J.D Salinger
2. A reminder to follow your heart.
‘Gamble everything for love, if you are a true human being.
If not, leave this gathering.
Half-heartedness doesn’t reach into majesty.’
– Rumi
3. A life quote reminding us to simply flow through life.
‘You are the books you read, the films you watch, the music you listen to, the people you meet, the dreams you have, the conversations you engage in.
You are what you take from these. You are the sound of the ocean, the breath of fresh air, the brightest light and the darkest corner.
You are a collective of every experience you have had in your life. You are every single second of every single day.
So drown yourself in a sea of knowledge and existence.
Let the words run through your veins and let the colours fill your mind until there is nothing left to do but explode. There are no wrong answers.
Inspiration is everything. Sit back relax, and take it all in.’
– Jac Vanek
4. A reminder of the inspiring company you’ll meet along the way.
‘You will meet many types of people in your life. you will meet delicate flowers, raging oceans, quiet forests, towering mountains, and colourful skies.
You will meet thunderstorms, you will meet lightning.
They will knock you down, they will leave you breathless.
You will meet sunrises, you will meet gardens.
They will give you light, they will take you on adventures.
Explore them. Get lost with them. They all have something different to teach you.’
– R.A.S
5. An affirmation for yourself.
‘Today, I tell the truth.
Today I create a piece of art.
I remember myself at least one time, and I love myself inside and out.
A few moments at a time I lean on the universe with my honesty.
I ask for the signs and receive them with gratitude.’
– Elena Brower
(I heard this gem whilst on a Happy Buddha midweek retreat, in a gorgeous Yin Yoga session. I’ve since been using it as a daily affirmation!)
6. A quote reminding us that we’re surrounded by magic.
‘There is a pleasure in the thought that the particular tone of my mind at this moment may be new in the Universe; that the emotions of this hour may be peculiar and unexampled in the whole eternity of moral being.
I lead a new life. I occupy new ground in the world of spirits, untenanted before; I commence a career of thought and action, which is expanding before me into a distant and dazzling infinity.
Strange thoughts start up like angels in my way and beckon me onward, I doubt not I tread on the highway that leads to the Divinity.’
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
7. A reminder to see the bigger picture.
‘One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.’
– Sigmund Freud
8. Some encouragement for introspection.
‘Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness.
Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing.’
– August Wilson
9. A life quote on being yourself.
‘Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary.’
– Cecil Beaton
10. And last but not at all least, a reminder to look after yourself.
‘Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers. Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul.’
– Mario Quintana
Remember to be gentle with yourself. If you’re after more inspiration, be sure to check out our book recommendations, or treat yourself to some rejuvenating time away at a Happy Buddha retreat!
Nisha is a freelance writer and Vedic astrologer, based in the magical Byron Hinterlands. As well as running her candle business, her life and loves involve: yoga, gardening and all things esoteric. You’ll find her out in nature, or curled up at home with a good book. Happy Buddha is one of her most treasured places on earth (and indeed where she met her fiancé!).
