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.
- A prescription for a weary heart! What comforting words can support and reassure you?
- Guaranteed to move you! Memorable words by great figures and famous people.
Powerful yet gentle, words that save the heart... Encouraging phrases for tough times (21–30)
What I want to tell people around the world is to make an effort. If you put your heart into it, you can achieve anything.Cindy Ngamba
Here are some words I want to share with those striving toward their dreams and goals.
They come from Cindy Ngamba, the women’s 75 kg boxer.
Cindy Ngamba won a brilliant bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first medalist from the Refugee Olympic Team.
“What I want to tell people around the world is to work hard.
If you put your heart into it, you can achieve anything.” These words apply not only to sports but to everything in our daily lives.
From her message, you can feel her strong will and the grueling effort she puts in day after day—a powerful quote that pushes forward everyone who strives.
I wonder what truly matters to me. Who are the people who are truly important to me? I feel like just sincerely pondering these two things is enough to lead a good life.Shigesato Itoi
It teaches us that happiness isn’t found outside, but within our own hearts.
When we’re always busy, we tend to get distracted by others’ opinions, money, and trends.
But simply pausing now and then to ask, “What truly matters to me?” gradually brings our way of living into alignment.
For example, if you decide you want to cherish time with your beloved family and friends, your actions will naturally start to change.
These words convey that facing your true feelings leads to a warmer, more fulfilling life.
Powerful yet gentle words that save the heart... Words that lift you up when times are tough (31–40)
Don’t push yourself—take a rest. Recovering your energy is part of the job, too.Hiromu Arakawa
Hiromu Arakawa is a manga artist who has released numerous popular works such as Fullmetal Alchemist and Daemons of the Shadow Realm.
In Silver Spoon, the series she serialized from 2011 to 2019, the heroine Aki Mikage’s mother says the following.
Working hard is important, and it’s necessary.
However, if you push yourself too far and your performance suffers—or in the worst case, you collapse—then it’s all for nothing.
She teaches us that in order to work hard, it’s also important to take proper breaks at times and recharge.
Face great sorrows with courage, and face small sorrows with patience. After you finish the day’s work through hard effort, sleep in peace. The rest is in God’s hands.Victor Hugo
These are the words of Victor Hugo, who was active as a poet in France, offering advice on how to strive day by day.
From the idea that when suffering is great you need courage, and when it is small you need patience, you can sense a message encouraging us to overcome difficulties with the strength that suits the situation.
It also gives the impression of portraying the importance of rest after making an effort, and conveys a powerful call to move forward with faith.
The words express a gentle reminder not to take on too much, that it’s important to stay composed and proceed calmly.
Happiness is always decided by your own heart.Mitsuo Aida
These are the words of Mitsuo Aida, who was active as a poet and calligrapher, that resonate especially when you find yourself wondering whether you are truly happy.
He speaks to us, saying that whether we feel any event as happiness or unhappiness depends on our own hearts, not on someone else’s judgment.
It also feels like a call to see things positively—if we keep thinking on the bright side, even ordinary days can turn into something fulfilling.
It’s a quote we want to remember on anxious days, one that helps turn our feelings forward.
Do not laugh at those who have fallen. They tried to walk.Seiichiro Yonekura
These are the words of Seiichiro Yonekura, expressing how wonderful failure can be, even though many people laugh at it.
If you fell, it means you had been walking up to that point—failure is proof that you took action.
It also feels like a question directed at those who laugh at someone who has fallen: are they really moving forward themselves, and do they have the right to laugh at failure? It’s the kind of message that affirms the effort someone has made up to their setback and gives them the courage to keep walking.
It’s never too late to become the person you wanted to be.George Eliot
These are words left to us by George Eliot, who was active as a writer in Britain and is known for works such as Adam Bede and Middlemarch.
While many people give up feeling they’ve missed the right moment, she shows a way of thinking that asks whether now might be the time to begin.
When starting something, the very desire to begin is what matters most—she conveys a message urging us to take the plunge with resolve.
Even when it feels like the timing has slipped away, the strength of your intention can carry you through; her words also communicate the importance of willpower.