16 Positive Messages That Will Help You in Hard Times

Lift yourself up with these simple and encouraging messages

A few 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 daily.

This tiny practice has helped me tremendously. 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 the phrases immediatley, 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 said, “I am,” and sometimes it didn’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 resonates with you.

16 Messages to Encourage Yourself in Hard Times

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

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 too.
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 these phrases to encourage yourself when life is difficult.

But also consider making a list of your own positive messages, the ones that speak the mostly directly to you — who you are, what you need, and your particular circumstances.

One thing I know for sure, 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.

Life is painful sometimes. There’s no way around that. But let’s not make it worse by amplifying and adding to any negative thoughts that happen to arise in our mind. Respond with a positive message instead.

Life is good at the moment. I rarely need to use these messages. But I keep them in my planner because I know life always changes. And if it gets difficult, I know I’ll be there for myself with these messages in hand.

Sandra Pawula is a Writer and Mindfulness Teacher. She shares inspiration to help you calm your mind, ease your heart, and embrace your inner wisdom at Always Well Within.

Originally published on alwayswellwithin.com

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