We all experience a bad day from time to time—a funk, as I lovingly refer to it.

Emotional obstacles stand in the way of forward movement toward whatever our goals may be. Getting out of bed on time, finishing the work we promised to finish, meeting a dear friend for dinner—these generally simple tasks can be overwrought by feelings of defeat, failure, or sadness in an instant.

I have a difficult time remembering that funk-filled days promote growth eventually, even if on a minute level at times. I tend to get stuck in the proverbial muck, focusing on the dooming thoughts of doubt, worry, and inadequacy by comparison. But, I have found that holding close a quiver of inspirational and equally motivating words spoken by those much wiser than me can help dissolve the bad day blues.

Here are some of my favorites.

“You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.” ~ Max Ehrmann

“And once the storm is over you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won’t be the same person who walked in.” ~ Haruki Murakami

“Pain by itself is merely pain, but the experience of pain coupled with an understanding that the pain serves a worthy purpose is suffering. Suffering can be endured because there is a reason for it that is worth the effort. What is more worthy of your pain than the evolution of your soul?” ~ Gary Zukav

“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.” ~ M. Scott Peck

“This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival; a joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and attend them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honourable. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the same, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each guest has been sent as a guide from beyond.” ~ Malal al-Din Rumi

These are beautiful reminders for me when it all becomes too much, when the world seems to be against me, when nothing is going the way I think it should. I encourage you, friends—when the funk starts to creep in, read these wise words. Breathe them in for a moment and remember, we are able to rise above the hurdles before us, one step at a time.

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Editor: Catherine Monkman

Photo: Flickr Creative Commons