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A few times a year, you can have those days when it feels nothing is going your way. You get a parking ticket. You get in an argument with your partner. You mess up at work. It’s just not your day. During normal times, these days don’t come up that often, but the pandemic is not normal times, and for many, it feels like every day is just not their day.
This is a time when people need all the tools and encouragement they can get to keep on going. Without social interaction, it’s hard to remain energized and positive. But, sometimes, just those few perfect words from somebody else can give you the perspective you need. Sometimes, you need to see things through somebody else’s lens to get clarity. You need to borrow somebody else’s motivation. Luckily, there’s plenty to go around. We gathered some favorite quotes and tips from Black women authors, wellness and life coaches, influencers, and all-around good moment to help you stay on track . Take a look at these words when it feels like everything is falling apart.
Blaming others gives them the power
This quote comes from Nedra Glover Tawwab, therapist and self-identified “boundaries expert.” When life gets disappointing, it can be tempting to develop negative thought patterns about others, like the ones Tawwab listed there. But, those thought patterns move away from taking accountability, which moves away from taking control.
This, too, will pass…faster than you think
In the moment, difficulties and pain can feel like they’ll never end. It can be hard to see a world without them. But, this quote from Rachel Rodgers, intellectual property lawyer and business coach, reminds us to remember all of the other times life felt like that. It’s in the past now, isn’t it? It probably feels far in the past, even if it wasn’t that long ago. The current struggles will take the same place, soon enough.
Sometimes, it can wait
When you’re feeling completely underwater and overwhelmed, consider this quote from Luvvie Ajayi Jones. Jones is an author, speaker, digital strategist, and activist known for her comedic spin on things and holding nothing back. Her quote reminds us that there are some things that can be put off until tomorrow. Or…until never. Not everything is a priority.
No more waiting
This quote comes from Maya Elious, a career coach and branding strategist who focuses on helping women of Faith “Sell a high-end signature offer.” If there is some way you’ve been wanting to take life by the horns or take some action towards goals and dreams, this is no time to be hindered by the thought of “Some day…” Pandemic life has taught us that days aren’t promised.
You see what you believe. Be careful what you believe.
The mind is an egotistical b*tch. She likes to be correct, as Frencesca Hogi, life and love coach, highlights here. On a parallel track as the self-fulfilling prophecy, her quote reminds us that, if we see life through a certain lens, we’ll validate certain thoughts or feelings. Positive or negative. So be careful what lens you put on today.
Power isn’t found in self-pity
Lauren Ash is a creator of Black Girl In Om and a wellness expert. She describes her platform as a “Culture-shifting lifestyle brand synonymous with Black women’s wellness.” When life gets tough, it can be tempting to ask, “Why isn’t life showing up for me?” but perhaps Ash’s words are a reminder to ask how you can show up for tough circumstances.
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Almost nothing is a big deal
This quote is reposted by Ariel Lopez, but not an original quote of hers. Lopez is a career coach and founder of the hiring platform Knac that works specifically to help professionals find careers they love in tech. This quote does remind us to zoom out and think about what part a very small bump in the road will play in the big picture. How much will it actually change your day-to-day life? Probably not much.
Serve others when you’re down
Lisa Nichols is climbing the ranks as one of the most sought-after inspirational speakers today. She’s a best-selling author of several books, including “Abundance Now: Amplify Your Life & Achieve Prosperity Today.” Next time it feels life is kicking you in the ovaries and you want to think of how to lift yourself up, take a page out of Nichol’s book and think instead, “How can I help someone else?” It’s amazing how service can fix both your own problems, and others’. It gives perspective instantly to help those who have less than you.
You can adapt
This quote comes from Tiffany Aliche, co-founder of Live Richer Academy, which offers courses on financial management and aims to teach clients about financial wellness. This pandemic may have pushed a lot of professionals off course, and even taken certain opportunities off the table. Aliche reminds us that the skills and experience you already cultivated were not for nothing. You can find ways to channel them into this new world.
