7 Inspirational Quotes for a Happier Life
Life can throw unexpected curveballs our way, making life feel like an uphill battle sometimes. Staying upbeat during these trying times isn't always easy.
Quotes, or as I see it, affirmations, can guide us through these difficult times.
They can be more than just words; they may help switch our mindset from drowning in negativity to seeing the brighter side of things.
They can also offer a fresh perspective, nudging us to turn towards the good.
The following are 7 of my favourite inspirational quotes that remind me how precious life is.
“It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” ― J. Krishnamurti
There's this prevalent belief that when things aren't going our way or happiness seems elusive, it's somehow our fault.
We tend to internalise this, blaming ourselves for not hitting certain societal ideals of success or adequacy. That somehow we just aren’t good enough.
But the truth is that a big chunk of our struggles stems from the way society is set up.
I'm not advocating for a life filled with blaming external factors like the economy or government for everything. Yet, it's crucial to acknowledge that our world operates on an imbalanced and often unjust framework.
Our society places a premium on materialism and wealth rather than nurturing love and empathy for every individual, regardless of their standing.
In this quote, Krishnamurti highlights that fitting into society isn't necessarily a measure of success. He points out that to accomplish this often involves conforming to an unequal and unjust system that underpins most societies.
Personally, this idea resonates deeply with me as I consciously opt for choices that distance me from mainstream living. It's not easy, and certainly not a path meant for everyone. But it's a notion worth considering as we navigate our lives, attempting to fit into a society that might not necessarily have our best interests at heart.
Making choices that are more aligned to who we are may require us to fit in less!
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”― Ralph Waldo Emerson
And at the heart of it all lies this truth: to fit into our often sick society, we're forced to sacrifice parts of ourselves, give up on our dreams, and stifle aspirations simply because somewhere along the way, we're taught to conform.
This central theme strikes a deep chord in my book, "How Did I Get Here?" as I delve into the intricate web of conditioning that coerces us into adopting ways of living that leads us to lose touch with our true essence.
True happiness, I've come to realise, hinges on our ability to stay aligned with our core values and the authentic self we inherently know.
Straying too far from that causes a conflict between our inner truths and the external world—a clash that often lies beneath our unhappiness and, conversely, holds the key to genuine contentment. More on this in my book.
“Most people don’t grow up. Most people age. They find parking spaces, honor their credit cards, get married, have children, and call that maturity. What that is, is aging.” - Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou brilliantly highlights a fundamental misconception we're fed about growing up: the notion that it's all about shouldering specific responsibilities and adopting predefined roles in life.
We're encouraged to conform, to do the so-called 'grown-up' thing. But then, when we finally acquire those supposed ingredients for happiness, we discover an unsettling void – something missing, something not quite right.
That missing piece often stems from losing touch with our true self, leaving us feeling too worn out, disillusioned, and disheartened to even recall our genuine dreams and who we truly are.
Those who follow their dreams, attune to their inner callings, and live authentically aligned with their core selves unquestionably find the greatest joy, is that not so?
“The mind is everything. What you think, you become.” ― Gautama Buddha
Understanding our mind and refining our thought patterns shape the very fabric of our existence. The mastery of our mind directly translates to the mastery of our life—it's as straightforward as that.
When we allow our thoughts to take the lead, we fall into the trap of reactive living.
We end up controlled by fear, to afraid to step beyond the confines of our internalised beliefs.
Yet, it's crucial to recognise that our mind isn't always the most trustworthy companion.
It's similar to that friend who wears a friendly face while secretly undermining us at every turn.
A vital lesson lies in listening to our thoughts with a healthy dose of scepticism.
We ought to question the underlying motives behind our thoughts, especially when we're faced with decisions that might push us out of our comfort zone.
The mind naturally gravitates towards the familiar, but that doesn't necessarily mean that's where we ought to stay, does it?
“If you’re not in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.” —Brené Brown
When we make choices that lead us down new paths or summon the courage to pursue something different or even chase our long-held dreams, there's undoubtedly a risk involved.
Things might not unfold as planned, and it's at that point that some people might be quick to criticise or offer their seemingly well-intended advice.
That's precisely why Brene Brown's quote holds such significance.
It advises us not to lend an ear to the opinions of those who haven't experienced the challenges of taking risks or straying from the widely accepted norms of life.
While sharing our life's journey is important, it's crucial to choose the right individuals to be by your side — those who walk a similar path and genuinely desire the best for you.
However, it is equally important to disregard the opinions of those ready to critique, as they sit in the comfort of their own insecurities.
And when there's nobody around to support you on your journey, then the only option left is to walk that path alone. Finding the courage to do that is the task at hand.
“You cannot be lonely if you like the person you're alone with.” - Wayne Dyer
And because you may need to walk this journey alone it is vital to learn how to be our own best friend.
Society often misunderstands and fears solitude, but finding happiness in your own company is far from feeling lonely.
To truly find joy, it's crucial to be happy with yourself – that's one of the most important tasks in our life, after all wherever you go, there you are!
When we achieve this level of self-contentment, we can bring our best selves into relationships, fostering deeper, authentic connections.
The relationship we have with ourselves determines how we live in this world.
“The only thing I know is that I know nothing, and I am not quite sure that I know that.” ― Socrates
Socrates captured it perfectly with his timeless quote, "The only thing I know is that I know nothing,"
Genuine happiness, both on an individual level and as a society, lies in grasping the importance of maintaining an open mind. It's about not clutching to our viewpoints so firmly that we believe we're always right or that we possess all-encompassing knowledge.
As I've grown older, one thing has become clear: there's always space for learning more and accepting different perspectives.
If we could just see the world through the eyes of others, perhaps we could create a more harmonious world. After all, it's our unwavering insistence on our own correctness that often causes widespread destruction across our planet.
I'm happy to admit I know very little, and I don’t see that as a weakness, in fact I’d argue it takes confidence in oneself to openly see one’s own limitations.
What Socrates teaches us in this quotes is that true wisdom comes not from knowing but from not knowing, that way everything and anything is possible.
Read my book, How did I get here? A guide to letting go of your past & living in alignment with your true self, for a more in depth exploration of these themes and for a help to live a happier, healthier and self-compassionate life.
Or start by downloading a free self-compassion guided meditation.