Often times when I am feeling down, or when something upsetting happens, I can find myself falling to self-doubt and lack of motivation. These are a few of my favorite motivational quotes to help you up when you start to feel down.

1. “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decision.” –Stephen Covey

I have always loved this quote. Your actions and decisions are the key to defining who you are, or who you want to be. Words can only take you so far, and the circumstances you are put in are only roadblocks in a much bigger world. I always try to remind myself that I am much more than the challenges and struggles that life may throw at me!

2. "This, too, shall pass." -Anonymous

I have found that it is all too easy to fall to the idea that there is no light at the end of your tunnel. I sometimes fail to realize the good that can come out of some of the darkest of times. But there is truth in the saying that all things will pass, and this is not the mountain you will live or die on. Continue to hold yourself in the light; things will get better.

3. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” –African Proverb

For a long time, I was the kind of person who liked to be left on my own. I didn’t like to ask for help, and I thought I could live my life alone. As I started to face some of the bigger problems in my life, I began to realize the it’s okay to get help. Friends and family are there to carry you when you can’t carry yourself, you need only ask.

4. “Do not set yourself on fire in order to keep others warm.” –Anonymous

It is common to want to help everyone. I know that I often times fall to the assumption that it is my duty to fix everyone’s problems. But how can I help anyone else if I don’t help myself first? Sacrificing your own mental or emotional health has no possibility of being beneficial to anyone.

5. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” -1 Peter 4:8

This is by far one of my favorite Bible verses. I have found that, in some of my biggest fights, or at times where I am angry or frustrated, this verse has come to create space for light in my heart. Forgiveness is the greatest gift you can give another person, and it can also be one of the most healing decisions you will make in your life. No matter what you’re feeling, God’s got you!

6. “Maybe it won’t work out. But maybe seeing if it does will be the best adventure ever.” –Anonymous

Fear has the ability to wreak havoc on many amazing opportunities. Especially when I started college, I was terrified to join clubs or speak in my classes. I started to realize, though, that I can learn so much by trying, even if I fail. Beginning to take those chances has boosted my confidence and self-assurance indefinitely.

7. “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” –Karim Seddiki

Failure has been one of the most influential experiences in my life, especially when I can take those failures and put them towards future successes. But if doubt stops you from making decisions that may cause failure, how can you ever succeed? Through trial and triumph, failure is always better than never knowing the outcome.

8. “The best way out is always through.” –Robert Frost

The best solution to an issue is not always easy. Sometimes, it takes a long journey filled with frustration and fear, but eventually the road will clear. I first started to realize this just in the past few years, as I started to undergo the many life changes that come along with starting fresh in a new city. While the road might be scary, it’s worth it to find the strength to push through.

9. “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.” –Albus Dumbledore

Yes, I’m bringing it back to Harry Potter quotes. However cliché this may be, it speaks truth. I often have the tendency to allow myself to fall to darkness and frustration when something upsetting happens. But what if we didn’t have to? What if we could change our perspective to allow for light, even when we are down? Life is a mixture of letting ourselves feel our emotions, and then continuing on. It’s all about finding our balance.

Life is a tough road; mistakes will be made and triumphs will be accomplished. Through it all, know that you are unequivocally loved by friends, family, and God. You got this!