Here's What To Remember When Life Gets You Down

When I woke up this morning, I was exhausted, mentally and physically. It's been a long week, and the weight of the world was making its impression on my shoulders. "I have to get out of bed today," I repeated in my mind as my eyelids would pop open and close again like someone were controlling blinds on a window. It seemed impossible until it was done, and those few words alone pulled me out from the comfort of the sheets, springing into a new day.

Where is the motivation when you need it? Where is that version of yourself that bounces around a room, full of energy, excited for what's to come? Where is the sheer will to shake off the negative and power through to find the light?

When we're faced with a decision, or the crossroads between do or don't, few factors come into play the moment we discover the silver lining and power through. Below are 17 affirmations that I collected from Facebook users who put them to use in times of need, to uplift your spirits and help you live your best life.

1. "This might seem like it sucks, but think of it as an opportunity." - Sean

When faced with another chapter of drudgery, embrace the challenge and take ownership of the struggle. There is blessing in even the greatest misfortunes, as there is imminent opportunity to rise up again.

2. "Life is too short not to do what makes the soul happy." - Sarah

Live for yourself in every decision you make. Take chances. Do what scares you. Live outside of your comfort zone. Love uncontrollably. Place faith and trust in your intuition to lead you towards a life worth living.

3. "Make your bed every morning." - Naz

"You could have the worst day in the world, but at least you accomplished one thing, and at the end of the day, you have a freshly made bed," Naz says.

4. "Live the moment." - Kevin C.

Do not take for granted the beauty of life, but take pleasure in life's little moments by focusing on the present, not the past or future which are out of your control.

5. "Do you and love everyone else." - Celine

Find comfort in loving the self, and enjoy other people for who they are and the unique qualities they add to the world. Judge no one for their character; appreciate people's differences for the color they add to life.

6. "Keep your nose to the grindstone, and don't let the bastards get you down." - Taylor

A lesson from a parent like this one is a reminder to focus on your own agenda and to be empowered by your strengths, disregarding the negative influences and individuals who aim to hinder your success.

7. "Everything is temporary." - Angela

When we find ourselves in a rut or challenging moment, remembering its fleeting nature will help carry us through.

8. "There are two types of people in this world: survivors and victims. Always be a survivor." - Abby

When life gets you down, there's a choice to be made: You can feel sorry for yourself, taking pity for the situation in which you've landed; or you can devise a solution, power through it, and come out on the other end stronger and smarter.

9. "Unconditional love and happiness is a skill or muscle that must be trained daily." - Chris

"Every day I try to take some time to reflect on my thoughts. I look to see if my thoughts leave me with feelings of regret, guilt, or sorrow and try to realize these feelings are from thoughts of the past. If they cause stress, fear, or anxiety, they must be thoughts of a future I don't truly know. Several times a day, I walk my clients through meditation. In each session, we put our hands over our heart and breathe life and love into our hearts. I take seven full breaths and try to think of as many people, places, things, events that I am thankful for in my life. Every time I start to have negative thoughts, I stop myself and try to list things I'm thankful for rapid fire," Chris explains how he finds comfort in gratitude.

10. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." - Joe

"My grandfather tells stories about how the Serenity Prayer got him through rough times and it has become a pretty important daily affirmation in my life as well," Joe tells me.

The cards we are dealt have meaning and purpose. Whatever they may be, it is what it is, and finding peace with your circumstances is the key to cultivating a happy life.

11. "Count your blessings." - Jenna

"My mom has always told me to count my blessings. When I'm feeling down or stressed or I start focusing on the bad, I try to take a step back and count my blessings, and even the small ones make the stresses feel less stressful and the negatives feel less bad," Jenna explains.

12. "Free yourself from fear of judgment." - Ian

No one person is better than another, by personality, wealth, material belongings, or any other circumstance. Enter each day dismissing the weight of judgment and opinions of others; they have no bearing on your personal happiness.

13. "Hope I have a long, healthy, happy life." - Lauren

A simple, daily mantra such as this one can breathe lasting energy and positivity into your life, and serve as a consistent reminder of where you're headed.

14. "Stressed is just desserts spelled backwards." - Cheyenne

Even in our worst moments, the sweetness of life remains. When you're bogged down by stress in any respect, take time to yourself to reflect on the positive. Revisit your worries with a renewed state of mind, ready to take them down.

15. "You can't always control what's happening, but you can control the way you react." - Kevin A.

Situations and outside factors do not control you; you are the master of your own destiny. Allowing other people or events to take claim over your emotions and actions reveals an untrue version of the self that does not accurately reflect who you are, or proactively work in favor of who you want to be.

16. "I am somebody." - Dan

Never forget your individuality. You are not one person of many, you are you, and there is no one else like you. Comparison and self-deprecation lead us down a long road of purgatory. Dismiss negative, self-inflicted thoughts before they become part of you, and remember what makes you, you.

17. "Never talk down and never talk up to anyone." - Matt

Every person in this world is living an equal life, facing their respective demons, and thriving in their unique blessings. No matter how our lives differ, we are all one in the same and should all be treated as such. Make allies, not enemies, for a happier life.

While there is no secret key or set of words to living our best lives, there is strength in affirmations and the positive energy they bring. Welcome one or many declarations of happiness and daily reminders into your life, and plant the seeds to cultivate a happier, healthier you.

Images: Brooke Cagle, Yoann Boyer, Corinne Kutz, Jenna Postma, Clay Banks, Darius Anton, Mika Matin, Swaraj Tiwari, Henry Meilhac, Eris Setiawan, Aidan Meyer/Unsplash