Sometimes, you just need to know that another person understands, has been where you are and appreciates your struggle. In the spirit of sharing the human experience, here are 10 insightful quotes for the anxious soul—though your pain, fear and concern are unique to you, remember that you’re never alone.
“Grant me the courage to change the things I can change, the serenity to accept the things I can’t and the wisdom to know the difference.” – The Serenity Prayer. This one is common for a reason; in moments of anxiety, zeroing in on what we can and cannot control is key.
“Have I gone mad?” – The Mad Hatter. “I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.” – Alice. Sometimes, the things that make us feel different, the demons that we struggle with, are actually the things that make us great, that allow us to think differently, to understand more and to show compassion.
“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” – Dan Millman. This one is easier said than done. Often, when we try to push anxious thoughts away, they circle back with vehemence; accept that you’re going to have these thoughts, but put them in their place.
“The only way out is through.” – Robert Frost. Or, as Dory would say, “Just keep swimming.”
“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.” – Charles Spurgeon. In a similar vein as The Serenity Prayer, it’s important to remember that you only have control over you; giving into your worries accomplishes nothing.
“Anxiety is part of creativity, the need to get something out, the need to be rid of something or to get in touch with something within.” – David Duchovny. Crippling anxiety is one thing, but given the right outlet, you may be able to channel anxiety into something beautiful.
“Without anxiety and illness I should have been like a ship without a rudder.” – Edvard Munch. This quote may seem dark at the outset, but you are who you are, your struggles make you you. Edvard was a brilliant, unapologetic artist whose work touched millions—he was entirely himself.
“A brushstroke of vanity is good to add into the mix, to balance your timidity. We’re all blessed with a lot of timidity and a lot of worry and anxiety, and vanity is a good antidote.” – Mel Brooks. In your anxious moments, Mr. Brooks suggests preening—it’s sound advice. Act the way you want to feel and you’ll be surprised at how quickly the two align.
“Fairytales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” – G.K. Chesterton. Because “there is always hope”; you’re more powerful than you might think.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Maya Angelou. Anxiety can be terrifying, it can make you feel isolated and desperate, but words have power. Speak your struggle aloud; sometimes this simple act is all it takes to diminish the power of your anxiety.
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