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107 Words of Encouragement for a Friend Who’s Going Through Tough Times

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107 Words of Encouragement for a Friend Who's Going Through Tough Times

How often do you hear words of encouragement from friends or family members? 

If you don’t hear them enough, then you should try to encourage your loved ones more often.

Words of encouragement are powerful because they provide us with hope and motivation. They can also help us cope with life’s challenges.

Words of encouragement can motivate us to achieve our goals and give us strength to overcome obstacles. 

In addition, they can boost self-esteem and improve relationships, as well as helping you getting through a really tough time in life.

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Inspirational Messages and Words of Encouragement for a Friend Who’s Going Through Tough Times

  • 1. You’ll get through this!” – Whenever we hear about someone going through a difficult time, we think how great it would be if he/she gets out unscathed and happy again. 
  • 2. “You’ve got my support.” No matter what happens, we need somebody who cares when we fall short; somebody whose hands are always open to lend us a helping hand whenever we need it. 
  • 3. “I’m thinking of you.” – We can never know just how much a simple act of kindness can lift up another person’s spirits. This is why saying something like “I’m thinking of __________” as a way of being kind and supportive is such an effective form of encouragement.
  • 4. “Everything will work out fine.” – For most of us, life seems to have its ups and downs. And yet, some things happen in our lives which seem so unfair. When this happens, you can always count on those around you to tell you that everything will turn out just fine.
  • 5. The best thing you can do now is…” – There are so many things we can do to cheer a friend up no matter how bad his situation is. But usually, none of us really has an idea of what works. That’s why it helps to say what works and what doesn’t.
  • 6. “You’re doing a good job.” – It takes a lot of guts to face problems head-on. Yet, there are so many people who find ways to deal with any problem by trying to look from the other side.
  • 7. Try to enjoy yourself.” – Sometimes, things go wrong and you feel like giving up. You begin doubting whether you made mistakes or not and wonder if you’ll ever learn your lesson. Now, your only choice is to either dwell on it forever or start enjoying life.
  • 8. “Just keep moving forward. Nothing worth having comes easy.” – Life can be an uphill battle indeed. If you haven’t lost hope completely, you should remember that nothing worthwhile comes without effort.
  • 9. “Don’t worry. Things will change for the better soon enough.” – Worrying is useless because it only delays positive change. So, the next time you see a friend who’s struggling, try reassuring her that things will soon change for the better.
  • 10. “It’ll be okay in the long run.” – Many times, we don’t realize how serious a situation is until later on. In reality, things can turn out worse than what they seemed at first sight. So, when you notice signs of a possible relapse, don’t hesitate to encourage your friend to pull through.
  • 11. “Nothing is impossible!” – Remember that life is full of challenges and it won’t be fun all the way. Yet, some people choose to give up on things that others would easily handle. This is why it’s important to affirm that everything is not hopeless.
  • 12. “I’m glad you told me. I can help you.” – There’s something about hearing words of encouragement that helps lift our spirits. Besides relieving stress, these kinds of words can also motivate us to move on with our lives and become stronger individuals.
  • 13. “No one’s perfect. People are bound to make mistakes.” – No one enjoys being criticized. Still, sometimes we need to hear it from someone else rather than ourselves. When you see friends making mistakes, don’t think twice before pointing them out. 
  • 14. “Hang in there.” – The hardest part about facing difficult situations in life is the decision to stick around longer. But you shouldn’t doubt your ability to endure such trials, especially if you know that you’re not alone.
  • 15. You never know.” – It may seem strange to say that you never know about other people’s feelings and thoughts. Nevertheless, you still should speak kindly to your friend no matter what. 
  • 16. “We’re here for you.” – Sometimes, we tend to forget about those who care for us most. Whenever you fail to show gratitude towards your friends and family members, simply tell them that you appreciate their kindness.
  • 17. “Let go of your anger and focus on the present.” – Anger often causes us to do irrational things. Therefore, once you’ve dealt with the cause of the problem (anger), you shouldn’t let it affect your actions anymore.
  • 18. “You deserve much more than this.” – We tend to underestimate the importance of our daily routines. Nevertheless, maintaining good habits will only benefit you emotionally. 
  • 19. “Everything happens for a reason.” – There are certain instances where we don’t understand how events in our lives played out.
  • 20. “Life’s too short to dwell on regrets.”- Regretting choices doesn’t necessarily mean those choices were wrong or that we failed to live up to expectations. In fact, regretting choices usually results when we focus on negative memories while ignoring positive aspects of life.
  • 21. “Doing nothing won’t bring back what’s been lost.”- When faced with an unpleasant situation, we want instant solutions. However, the right thing to do is to take time off to think rationally and figure out what went wrong.
  • 22. “Don’t worry about the future; prepare for today.”- No matter how optimistic we may appear, most of us tend to fret about what could happen down the road. However, worrying negatively affects us physically and mentally.
  • 23. “Be strong; you can do anything!”- When facing adversity, strength becomes imperative. The first step is to acknowledge the issue as real and then choose to overcome it in the best possible manner. But, it’s not always easy to control our emotions.
  • 24. “Don’t look at the end result of any endeavor; just keep moving forward without expecting anything in return.”- Since no one ever achieves their goals overnight, your friend should know that he or she cannot expect swift improvement.
  • 25. “It’s never too late to make a change.” – At times, we feel so stuck that we’ve given up thinking of doing anything different. Don’t let negative feelings stop you from taking action to improve your quality of life. Instead, start working on a plan and see how far you can go.
  • 26. “Your dreams are worth fighting for.”- Your friend has achieved a lot in her lifetime, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t capable of achieving more. 
  • 27. “You only live once, so why spend it complaining?”- Don’t let your friend wallow in unhappiness. Tell her that she needs to take advantage of every opportunity because soon enough its gone forever.
  • 28. “When you lose a battle, don’t lose faith in winning the war.”- Losing a seemingly hopeless battle won’t spell defeat for your friend. Rather, it marks the beginning of victory. It teaches your friend the value of perseverance.
  • 29. “What other people think of me has nothing to do with who I am.”- Despite how critical others can be, they’re still humans, which means that they sometimes fall short. So, when someone treats you badly, focus on what really counts – your own self-worth.
  • 30. If there was something special about you, why would anyone waste a minute hating you?”- Negative comments are sure to hurt, but that does not necessarily mean that they will affect your friend negatively.
  • 31. “You are only a certain age once…so don’t spend it being bitter over things you did ten years ago.” – This statement is similar to saying that time heals all wounds. Even though it may seem true based on personal experiences, people always come back around.
  • 32. “Be positive. Be active. And most importantly, stay optimistic.”- Your goal is to motivate your friend through encouragement. If you want her to become happier, encourage her to get out there and try new activities. Help her develop new interests and hobbies. These can serve as valuable sources of motivation.
  • 33. I’m proud of you regardless of whether you win or lose.”- You’ve seen your friend work hard throughout high school on many different projects. Remind her that she should praise herself for getting out of her comfort zone and doing something no one else could even attempt.
  • 34. “There is no shame in admitting when you need help.”- When you notice that your friend is struggling, tell him or her that you’re willing to lend an ear. Let them talk about whatever concerns them. In turn, you’ll learn more about yourself and how you deal with difficult situations.
  • 35. Nothing ever stays the same.”- Things change. Change can be painful, but it can also bring growth. When friends are faced with uncomfortable topics, they often try to avoid them because they’re afraid they won’t understand what’s happening. 
  • 36. “Life is too short to let negative emotions rule you.”- Many people hold onto their feelings tightly because they fear losing control in an emotional situation. Try telling yourself: “It’s not worth letting my emotions destroy me.”
  • 37. “The universe works in mysterious ways.”- Your best friend has been struggling lately. You really care about her and want to see her succeed. As hard as you may try to convince her to look on the bright side, she’ll only respond negatively.
  • 38. “I believe in miracles.”- Your friend needs help. It might seem like everyone in his or her life is walking away from him or her. But don’t give up hope yet! Even though your efforts might seem futile, you have to keep trying. Your friend will get better if you stick around.
  • 39. “Your actions should reflect your words.”- We all say things we don’t mean sometimes. For example, a girl might tell her boyfriend that she wants to break up with him, while actually just being angry with him about something unrelated.
  • 40. “You’re stronger than you think.”- One day, you found out that your friend was having trouble making ends meet. After talking with her, you decided to lend her some money. This week, she told you she couldn’t repay you. Though this news hurt, you remained confident.
  • 41. We owe it to ourselves to find joy in each new day.”- Take time to enjoy your daily activities. Whether you’re working towards a career goal, spending quality time with family, or learning how to cook healthy meals at home, take note of your accomplishments. 
  • 42. “Don’t wait until tomorrow to start living today.”- Make the most out of every minute. There are many beautiful things happening right now. Enjoy them! Live life to its fullest by doing positive things, even when you’re feeling down
  • 43. Love comes to those who love themselves first.”- Loving yourself means taking good care of your health. Eat balanced meals, exercise regularly, sleep well, and breathe deeply. Feeling happy doesn’t happen overnight.
  • 44. “There are no coincidences.” – Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes our lives seem unfair. However, there are positive aspects to difficult events too. Every lesson we learn helps us become better people and makes us stronger.
  • 45. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Never take anything for granted. Be optimistic about the future and try not to underestimate anyone or anything. Remember: only action can change the world. So keep moving forward.
  • 46. Sometimes, the hardest thing is to let go.” – It’s hard to put aside something you want. But holding onto it will only cause stress and disappointment. Letting go is an act of self-love. Try to look at your possessions objectively. If they bring you pleasure, hold onto them.
  • 47. “No matter where you are in life, you still have a choice.” – In any given situation, you may not have control over all the factors involved. Nevertheless, you do have control over your attitude. A positive mindset allows you to cope with challenges and obstacles.
  • 48. Never compare your successes with others’.” – Your achievements should always motivate you to work harder and achieve bigger goals. You want to show off for the people closest to you, but don’t forget to congratulate yourself in the process!
  • 49. When you dream big dreams, you can inspire others.” – Don’t limit yourself. Set lofty goals and pursue them without wavering. If you envision the life you desire, you’ll never stop dreaming.
  • 50. “You’re as strong as your weakest moment.” – No one is perfect. Everyone has flaws and shortcomings. Admitting these mistakes to yourself and accepting your weaknesses is crucial to becoming a stronger person. Learn to forgive yourself and move on.
  • 51. It won’t last forever.”- Have faith that life will get easier once you achieve your goals. Keep your mind focused on your ultimate goal. Remember this: the worst thing that can happen to you isn’t failure; it’s giving up.
  • 52. Happiness is just a journey away.”- Know how to enjoy simple pleasures in life such as listening to music, walking through nature, or watching sunsets.
  • 53. “Life is unpredictable.” – Take everything in stride. Sometimes, bad things happen and leave us sad. Even though misfortune may occur, your experiences serve as valuable lessons in helping you improve yourself. Life is full of ups and downs.
  • 54. “Your failures are more interesting than your victories.” – We all make mistakes, so why focus solely on our good deeds? Think about when you failed to accomplish a goal. What did you learn from it? Look back on your past failures and use them as motivation to succeed next time around.
  • 55. “Don’t waste time wondering ‘What’s wrong?’ Just figure out ‘what to do.'”- When facing challenges, remember that everyone goes through difficulties. The important thing is to deal with them quickly and effectively. Once you’ve handled your problems, think positively. Stay true to yourself.
  • 56. Have a plan to reach your destination before you actually arrive.” – The road to success is paved with preparation. Plan every detail down to the smallest part of the project. Nothing will hinder your progress more than planning a trip that doesn’t include all the required stops.
  • 57. “Strive everyday to become a better version of yourself.” – Don’t give up easily. Never settle for mediocrity. Make the most of every day by learning something new and improving upon yourself daily.
  • 58. “Everyone deserves respect, no matter who they are.” – Be kind to everyone. You never know what someone else is going through in their life. Treat people well because you want to be treated in turn.
  • 59. “Remember: Your beliefs create your reality.” – Believing in yourself is much different than believing in what other people tell you. It takes inner belief to help transform your external world into an internal positive place.
  • 60. “Everything happens for a reason.”- You have control over your thoughts. If you’re unhappy right now, then there must be a reason for it. Stop analyzing your circumstance and just accept the fact that you aren’t in control anymore.
  • 61. “Focus on the present moment.”- Enjoy the moment. Focus on what is happening at present rather than worrying about future events. Try not to worry. Worrying consumes unnecessary energy and does nothing to solve your current problem. Instead, find a solution to fix your problem.
  • 62. “There is always another opportunity to show your greatness!”- No one can predict how things will turn out; however, if you fail after taking action, it isn’t too late to start again.
  • 63. “Never stop dreaming or you’ll die trying.”- Dream big. Put your dreams into motion and get excited about your possible futures.
  • 64. “Life is full of twists and turns and eventually leads us to our own personal conclusions.” – Every decision has consequences. Think carefully before you make choices that influence your life negatively.
  • 65. “Your best decisions often come while doing ordinary things.” – In order to be successful, you need to focus on what’s important to you. Don’t waste time getting caught up in petty details.
  • 66. “Trust yourself.” – Trust in yourself. Confidence comes from within. If you trust in yourself, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Don’t give in to fear or apprehension.
  • 67. “If you want to achieve your goals, set a goal.” – Set a clear objective and follow through with the task. If you decide upon a vision for your future but never act to achieve it, then there is no point having that vision as a motivation.
  • 68. Be grateful for all the blessings in your life.”- Find value in the little things, like having enough food to eat, a comfortable space to sleep in, clean clothing, and money in your pocket to spend as you please. Be thankful for these simple luxuries.
  • 69. “Take care of your health.”- Know your limits. Avoid overdoing activities. This includes socializing, eating foods you shouldn’t, working long hours, and being around people who cause stress. Take breaks to relax and recharge.
  • 70. Dedicate yourself to a positive mindset.”- You can control your thoughts. By thinking positively, you can boost your self-esteem and create success in any area of your life. Use positive affirmations and visualize achieving your desired outcome with each breath.
  • 71. “People may let you down, but not your ideals.” – Let go of negative expectations and strive to have faith in others. People are sometimes unreliable, but remember that they also possess great potential. Treat everyone with kindness.
  • 72. “It’s okay to fall down and get back up again. It takes courage to survive and build a better future.” – Life will throw curve balls at you, but it doesn’t mean you should stop trying to reach your dreams. Embrace change because it’s only going to get tougher from here.
  • 73. “Believe that you deserve happiness!” – Happiness comes from within. Everyone possesses the ability to become happy. Seek knowledge about living an abundant life. Understand where joy comes from and why it’s important to nurture it.
  • 74. “Love what you do!” – Make sure whatever you decide to pursue helps support yourself financially. When you’re passionate about something, you feel more energetic which translates into doing better work and accomplishing greater results. Aim to grow your skills and gain experience in areas that interest you.
  • 75. “Don’t get discouraged by setbacks.” – Everyone fails at some point. Failure isn’t fatal. Persevere in spite of temporary hardship. Your failures teach you valuable lessons that help you succeed next time. Learn how to bounce back and move on.
  • 76. “Approach every day with optimism!” – Have fun. Surround yourself with positive influences such as upbeat music, friends, movies, books, games, or hobbies. Always keep a smile on your face no matter what. Happiness is contagious. If you’re smiling, then others probably will too.
  • 77. “You must develop new habits before old ones fade away.” – Practice positive behaviors and new attitudes. Keep reading and learning so you stay informed about current events and ideas. Listen to uplifting music. Read inspiring quotes. Work out regularly.
  • 78. “Never let fear run your life.” – Fear paralyzes us. However, don’t let fear overrule your actions and steer you off course. Remain confident and focus on pursuing your goals. Don’t allow doubt to hinder your progress.
  • 79. “Dream big and achieve those dreams.” – Dreams are very powerful. They serve as inspiration and fuel motivation. They can make all the difference between failure and success. Set realistic goals for yourself. Never be afraid to dream. Dream big.
  • 80. “Do what you know–excel in what you love.” – Do what you enjoy instead of focusing on what you hate. Concentrate on making improvements. Focus on working toward your goals rather than getting stuck on the roadblock.
  • 81. “Keep the faith.” – Believe in yourself. Know that your abilities are unlimited. Don’t ever consider being defeated or giving up. When there’s a setback, learn from mistakes, and try not to dwell on them.
  • 82. “Happiness comes from within.” – Everyone has within him/herself the power to be happy. Happiness is an attitude that stems from within. It doesn’t depend upon external factors like money, possessions, social status, etc.
  • 83. “If we never fail, then we have nothing to achieve.” – We need to have something to work toward. Otherwise, we have no reason to live. Without a purpose, our lives would be meaningless.
  • 84. “Success is measured not only by final achievement but also the struggle needed to reach that goal.” – No one ever becomes totally perfect. There will always be room for improvement..
  • 85. “Don’t look back; don’t wish things had been different. Just think of the good times. That way, you stay focused on the future.” – Don’t waste your energy dwelling on the past. Don’t feel guilty for making a mistake.
  • 86. “Think of it this way: Your best day has yet to come.” – A person who achieves his/her ultimate dream must overcome many obstacles. It takes hard work and persistence to accomplish anything worthwhile.
  • 87. “Life is full of choices. Make yours wisely. Choose joy.” – Your attitude determines which actions you perform each day. An optimistic mind allows you to see possibilities everywhere. An angry mind perceives problems and discourages hope.
  • 88. “Never give up. Never surrender.” – Even though everything seems hopeless at times, do not despair because you’ve failed to realize your dreams. Often the greatest successes come after seemingly impossible situations. Believe in yourself and continue striving to succeed.
  • 89. “Your destiny is in your hands. Take charge of your own life.” – Every human being is born with certain talents and abilities. However, most people never discover their true potential.
  • 90. “Whatever you want out of life, pursue it persistently.”- Pursue happiness! Do whatever makes you happy. Happiness comes when you put yourself first, before family, friends and the opinions of others. Put your needs before theirs.
  • 91. “Actions speak louder than words.” – Words alone cannot change your reality. Actions speak louder than words. If you want something badly enough, take action. Don’t sit back and wait for things to happen. Be proactive and move toward your goal.
  • 92. “The only thing constant is change.” – Nothing remains the same forever. Everything changes over time. Life goes by much too fast sometimes. So make the most out of every experience. Enjoy what you have while you have it.
  • 93. “Don’t wait until success comes knocking. Make it knock.” – To overcome any obstacle, keep moving ahead. Persevere even in the face of discouragement. Keep going. Remain positive. Never give up hope. Always believe that the best opportunities are yet to come.
  • 94. “To accomplish great things, we must count on each other. Not only should we count on each other, but we must also build a community where everyone counts on each other.” – A healthy society requires individuals who cooperate, play fair and work together in order to maximize individual progress.
  • 95. “It takes courage to grow old, grow wise and grow strong.” – No matter how old you are, there is still much wisdom to gain. With age, you develop your character and learn valuable lessons from previous experiences. As you mature, you realize that not everything was meant to be.
  • 96. “Your past is not your prison; your freedom lies in what you choose to do today.” – What has happened in your past does not determine who you are. Your current actions create your future. How you deal with whatever has already occurred determines whether you repeat patterns or break them.
  • 97. “Never fear failure. Failure is simply another word for learning.” – Do not be afraid to fail because you never know what you may learn from making mistakes. Success usually means someone else failed first.
  • 98. “When life gets tough, don’t get discouraged—don’t think about what has been, think about what could be.” – Think positively. Rejoice in the fact that you still have time to make changes in your life.
  • 99. “Life is better lived while being kind. Treat others as you would wish to be treated.” – Show compassion to those around you. By doing so, you will experience great happiness. You will also make people happy if they are able to see that kindness in you.
  • 100. “Be thankful for everything in life. Don’t waste precious moments complaining about things beyond your control.” – Thankfulness helps us cope with problems and keeps our minds focused on the positive aspects of our lives.
  • 101. “Success comes through hard work, persistence, focus, and dedication. Nothing good ever came easy in life; no matter how much talent or intelligence you possess, you must learn to work at it.” – Successful people understand the value of hard work.
  • 102. “Don’t wait for tomorrow…Live today as though it was your last day on earth.” – If we do not take advantage of the time we have now, we may lose the opportunity to live the rest of our lives. 
  • 103. “It doesn’t matter if you fall down seven times. As long as you get up eight times, you will be successful.” – Life brings setbacks every once in awhile. But even when facing failure, keep trying. Keep working on achieving your goals. Each setback teaches valuable lessons.
  • 104. “You’ve got to run in place to gain momentum. Just keep running.” – There is great freedom in doing the same thing over and over again. The more you repeat something, the more easily it becomes habitual. Habits eventually turn into automatic behaviors. By repeating certain tasks, we build momentum.
  • 105. “Try not to become bitter, simply because you failed. Try to concentrate on correcting your mistakes, learning from them, and concentrating on improving.” – Failure is inevitable. Even the most experienced professionals occasionally face defeat.
  • 106. “When you fall down, pick yourself up and try again. Don’t give up. You’ll rise above whatever obstacle stands between you and your dreams.” – We all face obstacles along the road. Sometimes we need to temporarily retreat from public view. 
  • 107. “Never limit your potential. Keep pressing forward. Never stop believing in yourself. Never let failure bring you down. And never give up. You must live your life through to its fullest!” – Life is full of unexpected circumstances.

Conclusion

I hope that these heartfelt messages and words of encouragement could be a source of inspiration for you to help your friend going through any challenges and negative situation in life.

The strongest people are not necessarily the ones who can withstand the greatest adversity but rather the ones who can overcome their own personal weaknesses and get up from it.

Best of luck and keep being the amazing person that you are!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Felix Prasetyo is the founder and publisher at Lifengoal, covering relationships, social skills, and personal growth. Felix holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of British Columbia, and has also contributed to other media publications such as Addicted2Success.com and YogiApproved.

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