I’ve been feeling out of sorts the last week or so.

Nothing major—just a subtle niggle that I couldn’t put my finger on. I just knew I wasn’t quite right (the comfort eating was a distinct clue).

But yesterday, I pinpointed what was going on.

I was feeling powerless.

A general air of discontent—mixed with frustration at my seeming inability to change things—was demanding my attention. A sense of powerlessness was lurking in my psyche, and it was draining my ability to maintain any kind of can-do outlook.

I knew I had hit the nail on the head, because once I named it, the tears started to flow. I named it, and I sank into it.

Afterward, I felt drained—but I always think that’s a good sign.

Today I’m on my way back to myself. I’m better able to shift my conscious attitude, because I acknowledged and sat with the icky stuff. And to help me get back on track, I rooted out some quotes to support myself—and anyone else who is struggling with feelings of powerlessness right now.

From what I’ve found, here are my favorites:

“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face…You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” ~ Maya Angelou

“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” ~ Stephen Covey

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” ~ Alice Walker

The truth is, we’re all more powerful than we know—but every now and again, we forget that. For those days, stick this one on your fridge:

“Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” ~ A.A. Milne

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Relephant:

When Fear is Present: Quotes to Inspire Courage.

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Author: Hilda Carroll

Editor: Yoli Ramazzina 

Photo: Unsplash/Kyle Broad