15 inspirational quotes on facing life's challenges
Photo: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay
Life is no cakewalk. If it was, most of us would’ve breezed through it and probably would have been happier most of the time. The good news is that, in most cases, our struggles, painful as they can be, have the power to change us from within and render us stronger mentally and emotionally. They can lead to a profound shift in our character and perspective, and make us resilient and determined. It is also during these times that we discover hidden reserves of strength and courage that help us navigate the pitfalls of life – and make living a bit easier.
Here are fifteen inspirational quotes on how even the dark days of adversity eventually leads to light at the end of the tunnel —or as Khalil Gibran said so wisely, “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls.”
“We can overcome difficulty by constant practice. We must learn that nothing can happen to us, unless we make ourselves susceptible to it.”
— Swami Vivekananda, spiritual teacher
“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. You may not realise it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”
— Walt Disney, animator, film producer and entrepreneur
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
— Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, psychiatrist and author
“In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.”
— Lee Iacocca, automobile executive
“Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new centre of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand.”
— Oprah Winfrey, talk show host and author
“This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognised by yourself as a mighty one; being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.”
— George Bernard Shaw, playwright and literary critic
“There is strength in every struggle. Struggles create opportunities for you to become stronger, wiser and better. The moment you shift your thinking from “I cannot” to “I must,” you will begin to see ‘Beyond the Pain’ and draw strength from within. Learn to see each obstacle as a stepping stone and watch your life change significantly.”
— Kemi Sogunle, life and relationship coach
“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”
— Haruki Murakami, author
“I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.' “
— Muhammad Ali, professional boxer
“I haven’t always acted or reacted in a way that made me proud, but I didn’t make that same mistake twice, and I think that’s what I love about adversity is that it always reminds me of what’s really valuable in life.”
— Sandra Bullock, actor
“Just as we develop our physical muscles through overcoming opposition – such as lifting weights — we develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.”
— Stephen Covey, author and speaker
“It's your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don't take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humour in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver.”
— Betty White, actor
“Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven’t half the strength you think they have.”
— Norman Vincent Peale, clergyman and author
“The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself — the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us – that’s where it’s at.”
— Jesse Owens, athlete
“The way I see it, hard times aren't only about money,
These are really helpful quotes. I like the way they invite us to make something positive from our challenges. I think it's helpful to see those challenges as ways to learn and move ahead. It's very hard to do, but worth it.
Margot, thank you for commenting. I agree, while it is hard to learn from inspirational quotes and move on, as you say, they would fulfil their purpose even if one wise saying makes us think differently and bring a positive change in our lives.
These are really helpful quotes. I like the way they invite us to make something positive from our challenges. I think it's helpful to see those challenges as ways to learn and move ahead. It's very hard to do, but worth it.