Have you ever read or heard a quote that changed your perspective and immediately thought, “I’ve got to write this down?” I have a running list in my notes app, and whenever I’m having a rough day, I open it to find a little spark of inspiration. I’ve always believed in the power of words and I’ve always been a sucker for an inspirational quote, whether it’s lyrics from a song, a line in a movie, or something I scrolled past online. I hold onto words that remind me who I am, motivate me, and help me to see things differently. Below, I’ve compiled some of the quotes I live by. These words ground me on tough days and uplift me when I need a reminder of my strength and purpose.
Letting go and moving forward
- “If it’s out of your hands, it deserves freedom from your mind too.” – Ivan Nuru
- “We should always make room for more good in our lives. Because even though we lose things, a lot of the time we gain things too.” – Taylor Swift
- “Let go or be dragged.” – Zen Proverb
- “Life can be heavy, especially if you try to carry it all at once, part of growing up and moving into new chapters of your life is about catch or release. What I mean by that is, knowing what things to keep and what things to release. You can’t carry all things, all grudges, all updates on your ex, all enviable promotions your school bully got at the hedge fund his uncle started. Decide what is yours to hold and let the rest go.” – Taylor Swift
Letting go and moving on is one of life’s hardest lessons to learn. These quotes remind me that peace comes from release, rather than holding on. Whether it’s a past version of yourself, a relationship that no longer belongs, or anything that weighs you down, learning to let go creates room for growth. Although it can be hard, we must accept that we can’t control everything. Instead, you have to remind yourself to only worry about the things you can control. As an avid Swiftie, I couldn’t not mention Swift’s wise words. Her reminder that life is about catch and release is so grounding. The truth is, we can’t hold onto every regret or “what if” scenario. Moving forward means trusting that some things just aren’t meant to be and having faith in the things that are.
self Respect and standards
- “Your self-respect has to be stronger than your feelings.” – unknown
- “Don’t go back to less because you’re too impatient to wait for better.” – unknown
- “God will never give you peace in something He never wanted you to settle for.” – unknown
- “Stop being considerate in situations where you’re not considered.” – unknown
- “A man that yearns is a man that earns.” – unknown
- “Sometimes you don’t get what you want because you deserve better.” – unknown
- “May your heart remain breakable, but never by the same hand twice.” – Taylor Swift
For every girl out there who has been told they are “too picky,” I want you to know that high standards are a reflection of self-worth. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for valuing yourself enough to wait patiently for the love and treatment you deserve. It’s easy to see strength in loyalty and familiarity, but sometimes true strength lies in walking away from something or someone that doesn’t serve you. Protect your peace, even if sometimes it means saying no. Every time I revisit these quotes, I’m reminded that something meant for me won’t require me to shrink myself. And like Swift says, it’s okay to stay soft and breakable, just never by the same hand twice. And ladies, never settle for less!
Growth and grace
- “Give yourself grace.” – unknown
- “Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.” – Dalai Lama
Growth can be uncomfortable, and it might not always look like progress. These quotes remind me to be gentle with myself through change and unfamiliarity. “Give yourself grace” is the perfect saying for moments when you feel like you’re not doing enough. It’s perfectly okay to remind yourself that you’re human and you’re trying. Allow yourself to make mistakes, learn, grow, and ultimately change your mind. Life has a funny way of redirecting us, even when at first it may feel like rejection. And as the Dalai Lama reminds us, “…not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.”
The words we choose to live by are a reflection of who we are. My list of quotes isn’t just a collection of sentences in my notes app. These quotes are a reflection of lessons learned and a testament to new beginnings. Each one holds a memory and a meaning, but they all lead back to the same truth: when we let go of what we’re not, we become who we’re meant to be. Each one reminds me to release what I can’t control, value my worth, and lead with grace. Life can be full of challenges, but a good quote is sometimes all it takes to change the way you see everything.