16 Uplifting Messages To Help You Stay Strong In Hard Times

Lift yourself up with these simple and encouraging messages

Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels

Six years ago, I lost everything.

I lost my home, my possessions, and my beautiful five acres during the lava eruption on the Big Island of Hawaii. I lost my closest relationship. I lost my spiritual direction due to revelations of abuse perpetuated by my teacher.

Everything in my world collapsed over the space of a single year.

One day, when I felt especially down, I spontaneously wrote out a series of phrases to encourage myself. They’ve become my mainstay in moments when life feels impossible. I read them to myself whenever I feel challenged, discouraged, or hopeless.

At times, I needed to read them on a daily basis.

This simple practice has been tremendously helpful to me. Reading these phrases reminds me that things aren’t as dismal as they may feel. These positive phrases boost my energy and elevate my spirit. They invite me to tap into my strength and confidence.

I wrote down the phrases immediately, exactly as they came into my mind. They’re not manicured and polished. But they spoke to me. They encouraged me.

A friend suggested I use the “I am” format, which she says feels more empowering. That didn’t feel right to me. I wanted to use the words that came from my heart. Sometimes my heart would say, “I am,” and sometimes it wouldn’t.

But the “I am” form might feel right for you. So, below the original ones, I’ve added a few in the “I am” format. See which style resonates with you.

Use These Positive Messages to Encourage Yourself

I wrote these messages in my planner, one place I look each day. If you decide to use them, be sure to place them in a location where you’ll see them frequently.

1. I’ll be okay.

2. I can figure it out.

3. I can take care of myself.

4. I’ll make it through this.

5. This won’t last forever.

6. I will move on.

7. I will heal.

8. I’ll feel better in time.

9. Everything is in divine order.

10. Whatever happens is for a higher purpose.

11. I have a choice.

12. I am strong.

13. I am resilient.

14. I’m a survivor.

15. I’m not the only one this has happened to.

16. I will have a good life even if it’s not the life I anticipated.

A few of the above in the “I am” format:

• I am okay.

• I am figuring it out.

• I am taking care of myself.

• I am making it through this.

• I am moving on.

• I am healing.

Feel free to use my phrases to encourage yourself when life is challenging.

Also, consider creating a list of your own positive messages, the ones that speak directly to you — who you are, what you need, and your specific circumstances.

One thing I know for sure is that negative self-talk will only take you further down. If you catch yourself at the start of a negative cycle, these positive phrases can save you from plunging deeper into self-contempt, unhappiness, and pain. And if you’re already in a bad space, they can help you get out of it.

You Deserve Your Loving Care

Life is painful sometimes. There’s no way around that. But let’s not exacerbate the situation by amplifying and adding to any negative thoughts that arise in our minds. Respond with a positive message instead.

I keep these messages in my planner because life constantly changes. When difficult times come, I know I’ll be there for myself with these messages in hand.

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P.S. If you’re a stationery lover, like me, or just need a new notebook, please check out my first collection of composition notebooks. Each design is meant to spark a little joy every time you pick it up.