Do quotes for hope and strength in difficult times actually work?

Can they offer comfort and solace when you’re battling to deal with intense personal challenges? Perhaps, you feel as if you’re trapped in an overlong wrestling match with a Sumo wrestler. Just how do you cope when life is battering you about relentlessly?

Right now, the whole world is battling to come to terms with loss of loved ones, fear and overwhelm as well as unemployment. Social isolation means that you can’t vent with your BF at your regular coffee date. Neither, can your anxiety be soothed away with love and hugs from family.

But you can get a verbal hug from an encouraging quote or two. Motivational quotes are like applause to a concert pianist or cheering to an athlete. They spur you on to pick yourself up and go on, to not give up..

If you’re a lonely, exhausted, stressed out single mom, a collection of thoughtful quotes for hope and strength can act as a balm to your bruised spirit.

As a quote junkie, I’ve had inspirational quotes offer me a quick pick me up many times in my life. How amazing is it that a few philosophical lines written a century ago can still comfort you today?

My quote addiction has led to my I.C.E rating formula. A good quote has to tick the following boxes:

• I – inspire
• C – comfort
• E – encourage

This post is a careful curation of 15 quotes that offer you courage to overcome the difficulties you’re facing.

By the way, they all meet my I.C.E formula.

Here are a 3 simple ways to use these quotes to help you in times of adversity.

• Copy the quotes that ‘speak’ to you in your journal so that you can read them every time you write in your journal.
• Use a graphics design program like Canva.com to make a collage of  the quotes and mount them on poster board.
• Turn them into screen savers or wall papers for your phone and computer.

15 Profound Quotes for Hope and Strength in Difficult Times

1.

The most beautiful people I’ve known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.
Elizabeth Kübler-Ross

2.

The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. Don’t give up.
Robert Tew

3.

Out of difficulties grow miracles
Jean de la Bruyere

4.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved
Hellen Keller

5.

And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you  managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.
Haruki Murakami

6.

Inhale courage, exhale fear. (Unknown)

7.

You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.
Bob Marley

8.

We don’t develop courage by being happy every day. We develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.
Barbara De Angelis

9.

You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.
Timber Hawkeye

10.

Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.”
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

11.

Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed to help you discover who you are.
Bernice Johnson Reagon

12.

Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand.
Oprah Winfrey

13.

Difficult roads always lead to beautiful destinations.
Zig Ziglar

14.

Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.
Walt Whitman

15.

Challenge and adversity are meant to help you know who you are. Storms hit your weakness, but unlock your true strength.
Roy T. Bennett

Final thoughts on Powerful Quotes for Hope and Strength

As unbelievable as it may be, quotes offer you the intense relief of  a comforting and loving hug.

Do you have a favorite quote that lifts you up when you’re down? Please share it in the comments below.

If you enjoyed this post, please save it to your best Pinterest Quotes Board.