Powerful yet gentle, words that save the heart... Encouraging words that lift you up in tough times.
There are times when we overthink, when our hearts feel worn out, and when it seems impossible to pick ourselves up on our own.
There may also be times when, even though your mindset is positive, the situation itself feels tough—like when you’ve pushed yourself too hard and it’s exhausting.
So this time, we’ve put together a list of uplifting words for when you’re feeling down.
Quotes from great figures and well-known people are sure to ease your pain.
They’re also perfect for when you want to encourage someone around you—so be sure to check them out!
- Uplifting words by great figures and famous people that, despite their brevity, convey a sense of philosophy.
- Knowing it will surely save your heart… Short quotes to remember when times are tough
- Powerful words give you a push! Words that help you try even harder than before.
- Words that embrace a wounded heart... Comforting sayings by great and notable figures
- Just remembering them fills you with courage! Striking quotes that touch the heart from great figures and famous people
- Even a single word can save your heart! Uplifting, happy words that make you feel positive
- When your tension or motivation is low! Short phrases to boost your motivation
- It soothes a cornered heart! Words to say to someone who’s mentally exhausted.
- Encouraging quotes for when you're feeling down. Words that give you the strength to rise again.
- [Heart-Touching] Quotes That Keep You Going Anytime! Fiery Words That Push You Forward
- Tears overflow and won’t stop. A collection of moving quotes that gently reach the heart.
- Guaranteed to move you! Memorable words by great figures and famous people.
- A prescription for a weary heart! What comforting words can support and reassure you?
Powerful yet gentle words that heal the heart... Words that lift you up in tough times (11–20)
Think not of today’s failures, but of the successes that may come tomorrow.NEW!Helen Keller
These words teach the importance of looking to the future rather than the past.
When people fail, they often think, “If only I had done this back then…” That’s natural in a sense, and it’s important to reflect, identify causes, and apply the lessons next time.
However, it isn’t good to keep replaying failures and letting them become fixed in your memory.
Instead of dwelling too much on an unchangeable past, keep a positive mindset and pour your energy into succeeding at the next opportunity.
Failure is a necessary experience that guides you toward a better future.
There are, of course, days when your heart hurts.NEW!Ma Rainey
All kinds of things happen in life.
At times you’ll be struck by misfortune that makes you wonder, “Why is this happening?” You may feel it’s unfair, but that’s life—there’s no use lamenting it.
I feel that this quote by blues singer Ma Rainey teaches us the importance of accepting life’s daily ups and downs just as they are.
Bad times don’t last that long, so there are simply days like that! Remember this quote and try to get through them.
Do what you can, and then just worry quietly in your heart about the rest. Things will only turn out the way they’re going to anyway.NEW!Katsu Kaishū
After you’ve given everything you’ve got, all you can do is hope for success.
As Katsu Kaishū’s famous saying teaches, if there’s nothing more you can do, you just have to stay calm and let things take their course.
Being able to do that comes from having done all you can and having no regrets about the time you’ve spent.
Being able to feel that way is itself a kind of success, and an experience you need.
If you can say you’ve poured out all the strength you have, be proud of yourself no matter the result.
If you fail, you can try again. If trying again doesn’t work, think it through once more and try again.NEW!Konosuke Matsushita
This quote teaches us that failure is a necessary experience for success and not the end of things.
These are the words of Konosuke Matsushita, a Japanese entrepreneur known as the “god of management.” From this saying, we can sense that even he, a successful figure, went through many failures and overcame them time and again.
When you feel your spirit may break after a major failure, or when repeated failures leave you on the verge of giving up, these words will support you.
It might be just right to think of failure as a chance to try something new and inventive.
There are moments when everything changes. Things you used to lament suddenly start to feel trivial.Iris Murdoch
Here’s a quote by Iris Murdoch, a British writer and philosopher.
Many of us have probably had times in everyday life when we convinced ourselves we’re no good and slipped into negativity.
When that happens, try to remember these words.
In a single moment, everything might suddenly change.
When we’re facing problems or worries, we tend to overthink them.
But looking back later, we sometimes find ourselves feeling, “Ah, those were the days!” Let’s try not to miss the moments when change arrives, and keep moving forward with a positive outlook.
As long as people live earnestly, misfortune and suffering are bound to befall them. However, if they accept them as their fate, endure them with patience, and furthermore actively and vigorously fight against that fate, they will surely triumph someday.Ludwig van Beethoven
Here is a quote from Ludwig van Beethoven, the great composer born in Germany in 1770.
If you’re struggling with something right now, why not turn to Beethoven? His life was filled with music, yet he also faced the adversity of gradually losing his hearing.
It was in the midst of that struggle that he spoke these words.
He accepted hardship as fate and confronted it with even greater strength, and his music was born carrying that resolve.
If you, like Beethoven, keep moving forward to overcome difficulties, your steps today might transform into powerful music for the future.
Do not rush. What matters is to keep moving forward boldly, like a cow.Soseki Natsume
Here is a famous quote by the novelist and poet Natsume Sōseki.
Remember these words whenever you’re troubled.
It’s a gentle message from Sōseki for those facing worries and hardships in life.
Many of us sometimes feel rushed or trapped by anxiety in our daily lives.
But, as this saying suggests, if you try to move forward slowly like an ox and tackle things at your own pace, you may find the confidence to keep going.
Especially when you feel stressed, take a deep breath and remember to proceed at your own speed.
Without rushing, let’s take our time and move forward little by little.
No matter how many times a person fails, as long as they don’t lose the courage to try once more, they will surely make something of themselves.Konosuke Matsushita
On the path toward a big goal, failure is something you’re bound to encounter, and depending on its magnitude, it can even lead you to give up.
These are the words of Konosuke Matsushita, known as the “god of management,” expressing a mindset for overcoming such failures.
Rather than dwelling on failure, he emphasizes learning from it and trying again; as long as you keep challenging yourself without giving up, you should be able to achieve great results.
It’s a message that stirs up the courage to keep taking strong steps forward toward your lofty goals.
All misfortunes are nothing but stepping stones to the future.NEW!Thoreau
When something unfortunate happens, it can feel like the rest of your life will be nothing but bad.
This quote shines a warm path of light into such a darkened heart.
What counts as misfortune differs from person to person, but in many cases we imagine failure or setback.
Things don’t go smoothly, unforeseen mishaps occur… By seeing them as stepping stones to the future, we can keep facing forward without giving up.
That’s what Thoreau’s words teach us.
If we think of misfortune as a step toward the next stage, we can surely take it in a positive light.
The worst thing is to convince yourself that you’re no good.Nobita Nobi 'Doraemon'
When we run into failure, it’s natural to feel down, and the thought that we’re worthless can creep in.
These are the words of Nobita Nobi, a character from Doraemon, who tells us that thinking of ourselves as useless only makes things worse.
He says this to a discouraged Doraemon, powerfully conveying the importance of believing in oneself by rejecting the negative parts.
It’s a message that lifts our spirits, encouraging the belief that we can do it and that a good future is waiting for us.