In life, worries never seem to end—whether it’s the busyness of each day or anxieties about the future.
At times like these, having something to serve as a guiding star might help you move forward along the path you believe in without hesitation.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of memorable quotes.
From sayings that remind you of what truly matters to words that meet you where you are, you’re sure to find something that resonates with your current state of mind.
I hope you’ll recall them whenever you stumble and feel unable to take another step.
If you know them, they might become guiding lights that illuminate your life: A collection of memorable quotes (11–20)
There’s the character for ‘pain’ (辛). It looks like it’s just a little bit away from becoming ‘happiness’ (幸).Tomihiro Hoshino
These are words left by Tomihiro Hoshino, who was active as a poet and painter.
If you add just one stroke to the kanji for 'pain/hardship' (辛), it becomes the kanji for 'happiness' (幸).
In other words, it’s a quote that supports the heart, saying, “If you endure and overcome painful times, happiness will soon follow.” At the age of 24, he had an accident that left him unable to move his limbs freely, but that became the catalyst for him to begin his work as a poet and painter.
Taking action without giving in during hard times became the turning point of his life.
Since we are being kept alive, let’s simply feel grateful. We are being allowed to live because our lives have value.Jakuchō Setouchi
These are words by Jakucho Setouchi, who was active as a writer and a Buddhist nun.
It’s a famous saying based on the idea that we are not simply living on our own, but are kept alive through the support of the people and things around us, as well as invisible presences like gods and Buddhas.
In this saying, she tells us that being kept alive means our very existence is being valued that much.
When you feel like you’re losing sight of your own worth or purpose, remember these words and try to feel gratitude for being kept alive.
If you then reflect on what that means, something may come into view.
To have been born into this world—that in itself is the greatest opportunity, isn’t it?Ayrton Senna
When you see someone who’s successful, you sometimes feel like saying, “They were blessed by their environment,” or “I never got my chance,” out of jealousy, right? But there’s a quote from former F1 driver Ayrton Senna that can turn those feelings on their head.
He said that simply being born into this world is a huge opportunity, and that God has given us all equal abilities and bodies.
What matters is how much we can do to make the most of that opportunity.
It makes you realize that to seize the chances given equally to us, we have to keep putting in the effort.
Even if it doesn’t lead to immediate results, the struggle to move forward will surely become a source of strength for living.Hiromitsu Ochiai
This is a quote from Mitsuhiro Ochiai, an important figure in Japanese baseball who, after a successful playing career, also managed the Chunichi Dragons.
He continued playing baseball through various experiences in his student days and eventually made his professional debut, and that background gives his words great persuasiveness.
When you’re moving toward a goal, you will almost certainly run into difficulties along the way.
However, he teaches that the very experience of taking on those challenges will one day prove useful.
These are words that can support your heart in tough times.
There are no solutions in life. What exists in life is only a force in motion. We have to create that force. The solutions will follow afterward.Saint-Exupéry
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the novelist who wrote The Little Prince, a work loved around the world.
Here is a passage from one of his masterpieces, Night Flight.
Life never goes backward.
As we keep moving forward, we must overcome many things.
However, moving forward requires effort.
He tells us that as we proceed through life by trial and error, we can find solutions to each of our problems.
If you’re troubled and have come to a standstill, try, above all, to take a step forward.
Don’t listen to others’ expectations. Live your own life and meet your own expectations.Tiger Woods
Support often gives us strength, but excessive expectations can turn into pressure.
This quote from Tiger Woods teaches us that rather than carrying others’ expectations to achieve something, it’s important to listen to your own inner voice—what you want to do and how you want to live.
It’s natural to want to live up to the encouragement and expectations of those you care about, but if they become a burden, the results are unlikely to be good.
Your life is yours.
Please walk straight down the path you truly wish to take.
Always be yourself, express yourself, and believe in yourself. Don’t imitate some successful person’s example.Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee, a martial artist and movie star, is famous for films like Enter the Dragon and The Way of the Dragon.
His quotes often jolt us into realization.
When you lack confidence and don’t know what to do, do you find yourself comparing with or imitating those who seem better? Mimicking others might calm your nerves, but people are people, and you are you.
Imitation doesn’t always work—no matter what, you can’t become someone else.
Since each of us has our own individuality, the best thing is to trust yourself and express yourself in your own way.
Prioritizing the team’s victory over personal glory ultimately leads to individual success as well.Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, a soccer player who represents Argentina and has won more than 40 titles including the FIFA Ballon d’Or and the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award.
Soccer is a team sport played by eleven players.
If you focus only on your own play, you may disrupt the team’s balance.
He shows us that if you first fight for the team—prioritizing winning as a whole and delivering results—it will also lead to your own individual achievements.
This applies not only to sports; when working in groups at school events or in the workplace, it might be best to act with the team’s needs before your own.
Beyond the clouds, the sky is always blue.Louisa May Alcott
Beyond the clouds, the sky is always blue. #Shorts #LouisaMayAlcott #LouisaMayAlcott #Quotes #SelfImprovement #SelfAffirmation #Business #Knowledge
These are the words of Louisa May Alcott, an American novelist, speaking to the idea that if we endure even in painful times, brighter days are sure to come.
Even when the sky is covered with clouds, there is blue sky beyond them—this conveys the fact that with time, hardship will pass.
If we think of the bright essence as merely hidden by clouds, it may help us remember that brightness.
The message is hopeful: suffering doesn’t last, and there is surely something bright ahead.
