This past year, I have been writing down any quotes or phrases I came across while listening to podcasts or seeing them on social media. I find myself coming back to my list of notes, and I wanted to share my favorite ones with others because I believe that they truly have help me have a more positive perspective and not feel alone in my mental health struggles. I highly recommend taking the time to reflect on each of these sayings and figuring out what it means to you.
All of the following quotes are by Lacy Hartselle, creator of This Is Temporary podcast.
“Surround yourself with people who celebrate you, not tolerate you.”
I think that learning to let go of people who don’t add value to your life is such a hard thing to do, but it is necessary. Sometimes friendships or relationships are not meant to last forever; that is just a part of growing – learning about who makes you happiest. It doesn’t mean the memories shared with someone weren’t amazing, it just means that you’re no longer serving a purpose to each other. Be mindful of your time and how you share it.
“This is temporary.”
I say this to myself whenever I am not feeling my best, which has been a lot recently. With the stressors from the pandemic, school and everything in between, life has been extra difficult lately. My anxiety has been through the roof, and I know a lot of people are feeling the same way. So, this quote is a reminder that things will get better and we will not always feel this way. Think about everything you have overcome in the past.
“We will always be a work in progress.”
We truly will be, and reminding ourselves of that takes the pressure off of everything. No one is ever going to be perfect. There is no need to judge yourself or someone for making mistakes. We’re just experiencing life on a daily basis. Enjoy it and your flaws.
“An apology without change is just manipulation.”
Stop letting people take advantage of you. Period. If someone truly cares about you, the apology will be sincere. Actions speak louder than words.
“I don’t need anyone’s approval because I approve of myself.”
I think many of us seek validation in others; I know I do. That thought pattern is toxic. Loving yourself comes from within. What others think is inconsequential. Seriously! Wear whatever you want. Post whatever you want. Love whoever you want. As long as you are happy and accept yourself, it will be so much easier to be more confident.
“Comparison is a thief of joy.”
I’ve been recently trying to stop going on social media all the time. It’s hard, given there is nothing else to do, but it is so detrimental to our mental health. On a platform like Instagram, all we see are everyone’s highlight reels. We don’t see the struggles behind the scenes. It’s important to only follow people that make you feel good about yourself, and remember that everyone is on their own journey. You are doing just fine.
“Failure is not a permanent condition.”
As someone who has a tendency to be really hard on myself, I have to remind myself of this phrase often. Our society has such a hustle mindset that whenever I am not doing something productive, I feel guilty for failing. There is no reason to feel like this. Failing is natural and necessary to grow as a person.
“It’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility.”
This statement is in regards to one’s mental health disorders. It is not your fault for having struggles, but it is your job to take the right steps to help yourself, whether that is seeking professional assistance, or implementing more self-care into your daily routine. I have to remind myself of this one often. Take the initiative to help yourself.
“A masterpiece is still a masterpiece when the lights are off and the room is empty.” – Charlotte Geier
You are still just as beautiful even if you can’t see it.
Whenever I find myself in a downward spiral, I come back to these quotes, and find relief knowing that it is going to be okay. I hope they do the same for you, and remember you are worthy of whatever your heart desires. Take a deep breath. We will get through this challenging time. <3