A single self-encouraging phrase that resonates with a downcast heart. Short quotes that can lift you up right now.
When you’re feeling down, the spark to bounce back is often closer than you think.
One such spark is words that encourage yourself.
Even a single phrase can have a surprisingly powerful effect and make your heart feel lighter, don’t you think? When you’re tired, anxious, or have lost confidence—here are some touching words that gently nudge you forward.
You’re bound to find simple yet powerful phrases to help you encourage yourself.
A single self-encouraging word that resonates with a downcast heart. Short quotes to lift you up right now (1–10).
If you want to see a rainbow, you have to put up with a little rain.Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is an American singer-songwriter who wears many hats—actor, writer, business owner, humanitarian—and is hailed as a leading figure in country music.
Her famous quote, “If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain,” teaches us that a bit of hardship is necessary on the road to happiness.
Even those feeling down right now may find positivity if they can see this time as necessary to reach a beautiful view.
It’s a brilliant, uplifting quote that uses a universally known natural phenomenon to deliver its message.
If you don’t give up on yourself, there is no such thing as losing in life.Shigeta Saitō
Psychiatrist Shigeta Saito—who was also active as an essayist and public speaker and was affectionately known as “Mota-san.” From his famous saying, “As long as you don’t give up on yourself, there is no such thing as ‘losing’ in life,” we can learn the truth that everything depends on your own mindset.
Rather than being elated or dejected by wins and losses at life’s turning points, his message teaches that true victory lies in never giving up until the end.
It’s a quote to remember when you’re on the verge of setback or when your spirit is about to break—one that gives you the courage to stand up once more.
The flower that blooms in adversity is more precious and beautiful than any other.Walt Disney
Walt Disney, an American entrepreneur who wore many hats—animation creator, animator, producer, film director, screenwriter, manga artist, voice actor, and entertainer.
His famous quote, “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all,” teaches the value and fragility of facing difficulties.
A flower that fights to survive in harsh conditions has a strength that flowers raised in gentle surroundings do not.
It’s a message that encourages us to confront challenges precisely when we’re feeling down.
Trust others, but trust yourself a hundred times more.Osamu Tezuka
Osamu Tezuka, the manga artist hailed as the “God of Manga,” was a pioneering figure in postwar Japan.
From his famous quote, “Believe in people, but believe in yourself a hundred times more,” we can learn an attitude essential to living.
Trusting others is a noble act, but the message to trust yourself even more carries special weight precisely because he achieved such great things.
It’s a quote to recall when you’re on the verge of losing confidence—one that spurs you on.
In this world of humans, there’s no such thing as failure.Ryoma Sakamoto
Ryoma Sakamoto was a patriot who played a key role in alliances like the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance and, as an entrepreneur of the late Edo period, founded the Kaientai.
His famous words, “There’s no such thing as failure in this world,” are a message only someone like Ryoma—who repeatedly took on challenges in a turbulent era—could convey.
If you can believe that no outcome is a failure, your anxiety eases whenever you take on something new.
This is a message from a great pioneer of his time that we hope you’ll remember when you feel down after thinking you’ve failed.
You can just be yourself.Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun whose work is known for being spread around the world by generations of younger sisters.
Her famous quote, “Be yourself,” is a message that makes us feel seen and accepted.
Many people tend to compare themselves with others and focus only on where they fall short.
However, if we can value being true to ourselves, we may be able to bounce back even when we feel down.
It’s a quote that gently encourages and heals a wounded heart.
Beyond the clouds, the sky is always blue.Louisa May Alcott
Known as a writer of domestic and girls’ fiction and celebrated as the author of Little Women, Louisa May Alcott is also famous for the quote, “Behind the clouds is always the blue sky.” Doesn’t this message tell us that happiness is close at hand? When difficulties and worries weigh on our hearts, the world we see tends to look dull.
Yet this quote reminds us that once those clouds are gone, the bright world is still there unchanged—a saving thought that can lift our spirits.