I love a good motivational quote.
Quotes can be a source of inspiration when you’re feeling unsure, a prompt for journaling and investigation into your intuition, or a powerful mantra you can rely on when you feel doubts about your next steps.
I love to turn my favorite quotes into phone wallpapers so that every time I unlock my phone, I see a little piece of motivation looking at me that reminds me of my vision for the future.
Here are some of my favorite inspirational quotes that have helped me through hard times. And some phone wallpapers for you to save if they resonate with you!
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” —Anaïs Nin
The first time I heard this quote, I was in a large lecture hall at Kent State University, in an easy-A elective class during my last semester of grad school. I was also struggling with the decision to divorce my first husband. This quote came up in the professor’s powerpoint and I burst into silent tears. It was the moment I knew I had to get a divorce.
“The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling.” — Fabienne Fredrickson
I love this quote because it’s a reminder that your passions are intuitive. You feel called to them because you ARE called to them!
“Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow.” — Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher’s mental health advocacy saved my life. Because of her, I went on antidepressants for the first time while in an abusive marriage. Three months after starting meds I was able to leave. She is my guiding light.
“I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it.” — Maya Angelou
This is such a powerful reminder that we are not defined by our pasts. Of course things change us, but they do not have to reduce or define us.
I couldn’t pick a favorite Maya Angelou quote so you get two.
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” — Maya Angelou
This is 100% true and something I have had to work through in the past. I used to fear that I would run out of ideas (I wrote about this in my blog about creative scarcity) but it turns out that a creative mind just keeps on being creative.
“Be brave enough to be bad at something new.” — Anonymous
When you’re feeling paralyzed by perfectionism, this quote challenges you to dare to be a beginner. It’s excellent advice — none of us are masters at things right away. I promise.
If you’re struggling to step outside your comfort zone, there’s a blog post for that!
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” — Audre Lorde
Love love love this one, because REST IS RADICAL. In the face of a capitalist society that seeks to wring out every bit of production from the working class, taking care of yourself and prioritizing your care and rest is a revolution.
“What if I fall? Oh but my darling, what if you fly?” — Erin Hanson
This quote is another one to reflect on if you’re feeling perfectionism and fear of starting something new or taking a risk. That’s where the growth happens, my friends. What if you fly? Believe it’s POSSIBLE to fly.
Whether they’re quotes about confidence, quotes about creativity, or quotes for growth or inner wisdom, I love to incorporate inspirational quotes into my daily routine for a dose of positivity.
Free eBook
If you’re feeling stuck creatively or not sure where to start reconnecting with your passions, check out my free eBook, “Achieve Your Dreams Without Burnout” to get started!
Caitlin Liz Fisher 