Do quotes inspire you and give hope?
I love reading quotes for inspiration or to be reminded that there is hope for a better tomorrow.
Quotes can sometimes be the words that get to the point about how you are feeling. They may also give you a message that you needed to hear at this moment.
Here are 29 awe-inspiring quotes to help you move forward with hope and grace. I hope they inspire you!
Quotes about Hope
“When the world says, ‘Give up,’ Hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time.’ “~ Author Unknown
“Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come.” ~ Anne Lamott
“God puts rainbows in the clouds so that each of us — in the dreariest and most dreaded moments — can see a possibility of hope.” ~ Maya Angelou
“It is often in the darkest skies that we see the brightest stars.” ~ Richard Evans
“Walk on with hope in your heart, and you’ll never walk alone” ~ Shah Rukh Khan
“A whole stack of memories never equals one little hope.” ~ Charles M. Schultz
“Hopeful thinking can get you out of your fear zone and into your appreciation zone.” ~ Martha Beck
“All it takes is one bloom of hope to make a spiritual garden.” ~Terri Guillemets
“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering ‘it will be happier’…” ~ Alfred Tennyson
“No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible.” ~ George Chakiris
Quotes About Recovery
“Every day I make the choice not to drink, the choice to be present in every moment, even the difficult ones. And every night I thank God for another day of sobriety. I do not take it for granted. Not now, when I have seen how quickly everything good about my life can dissolve in a glass of wine, never to be recovered. I am responsible for my own sobriety, and my own happiness.” ~ Elizabeth Vargas, author of Between Breaths
“At the end of the day, our recovery must be based not on shame or perfectionism or the need to impress others, but on our willingness to be kind to ourselves.” ~ Erica Spiegelman, author of Rewired.
“Internally, I have also experienced a tremendous transformation, which took many years and included some seemingly sudden shifts–from resistance and fear to openness and presence. And, the greatest paradox is, once I released the expectation that I needed my outer life to look a certain way in order to be OK. my outer life started to manifest with a greater abundance than ever before.” ~ TJ Woodward, author of Conscious Being
“When I first got sober I thought that life was over and that I was going to be restricted to the rooms of A.A. forever. I was convinced that sobriety was a prison and I was to serve a life sentence. I was wrong about that and I was wrong about A.A. Recovery has been absolutely and completely expansive, every day bigger, better, and brighter. I have been granted a life beyond my wildest expectations.” ~ Kristina Wandzilak, author of The Lost Years
“What’s truly amazing is that I enjoy this life today, and when I was still using, I hated the idea of sobriety. I could not picture myself having fun or being content with this life that I am now living. But somehow I transformed and it did happen.” ~ Patrick Meninga creator of Spiritual River
“I was once a hopeless addict whose life has been interrupted by a Higher Power. My life was transformed by surrendering to the principles of The 12-Steps, which has led to a life that is devoted to the practice of meditation and service to others.” ~ Tom Catton, author of The Mindful Addict
“Working with people who are in the throws of their disease keeps me in touch with how far I’ve gone and how much I don’t want to go back. I now know much more about the risks and about what I’d be doing to myself were I to take them. I don’t want to kill additional neurons, and I sure as hell don’t want to go through 2 more years of hell trying to put my life in order. I’ve never tried speed again since the day I quit in 2002 because I can’t say that I’m sure of what would happen next, and I don’t want to find out in case it’s bad… This is why I believe that education is one of our best weapons in the battle against addiction.” ~ Dr. Adi Jaffe of All About Addiction
“Beliefs create reality” ~ Melody Beattie
“As crazy as this may sound, I would say to almost anyone: Consider that relapse might happen, and then plan what to do if or when it does. After a relapse, the person should call a friend who is also in recovery and get right back to doing what is needed to avoid it in the future. Learn from it.” ~ Joe Herzanek, author of Why Don’t They Just Quit?
“What is broken can be mended. What hurts can be healed. And no matter how hard it gets, the sun will rise again.” ~ Unknown
Quotes for Families
“Continue to support each other, listen to each other, care about each other. Keep fighting the fight for everyone’s children.” ~ Anita Devlin, author of S.O.B.E.R.
“Finally, I realized as long as I held on to all of that hurt pain and anger I was not going to move forward, even though he was moving forward. When I was sure I wanted to get better I told my son I was proud of him, I believed in him and I wanted the past to be in the past. That’s how I was able to let go. I had to face my fear (my son) man to man.” ~ Ron Grover of An Addict in Our Son’s Bedroom
“Contentment happens when we feel valued, connected, and loved. This is what makes life worth living; this is what drives us to thrive as infants, children, adolescents, and as adults. we want these feelings for our children and ourselves.” ~ Brad M. Reedy, Ph.D., author of The Journey of the Heroic Parent
“You will lose someone you can’t live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly–that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.” ~ Anne Lamott, author of Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
“After three years of sobriety, my son’s growth is evident. He laughs more easily, he watches more calmly and he protects himself better. He knows where he hurts and he pays attention to what is coming. He’s more reflective, thoughtful, less impulsive and more honest. He has good friends. Part of my son died with the addiction, but the son I know is still here. Suffice it to say that he is becoming a strong and caring man. He is finding his way back to himself. ” ~ Libby Cataldi, author of Stay Close: A Mother’s Story of Her Son’s Addiction
“Why does it help to read others’ stories? It’s not only that misery loves company, because (I learned) misery is too self-absorbed to want much company. Others’ experiences did help with my emotional struggle; reading, I felt a little less crazy. And, like the stories I heard at Al-Anon meetings, others’ writing served as guides in uncharted waters. Thomas Lynch showed me that it is possible to love a child who is lost, possibly forever. ” ~ David Sheff, author of Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction
“Just because you can’t see it clearly now, that doesn’t mean things won’t work out for you. Keep going and trust in yourself. This may or may not pan out as you hoped it would, but it’s worth the risk. And no matter what happens, you can handle it, and you will be just fine.” ~ Lori Deschene
“All around me, people are carrying unseen, unbearable, unimaginable burdens. So every day, I look outward, reach outward, with my heart. And I count my lucky stars, of which I still have many.” ~ Sandy Swenson, author of Tending Dandelions
It’s not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours.” ~ Joyce Maynard
Over to you. What quotes have inspired you? Let us know in the comments.
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I love these quotes Cathy! Quotes are so inspiring and help people to know that what they’re going through can be a common experience. Love the sunflower pictures as well.
Thanks!
Hi Betsy,
Quotes do inspire us. I agree that it does help to know that we are not alone in this experience.
Hi Cathy,
This was a wonderful post. I loved reading all the quotes from these great authors. The only books on this list I’ve read are: Bird by Bird & Co-Dependent No More.
Excellent choices too!
Hi Angela,
Those two are amazing books. I enjoyed both of them as well. Most of the others are addiction related. I feel they are all powerful books written by people with much wisdom. Take care.
Hi Cathy,
Such wisdom in this post. This quotes “..if you want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done.” specially intrigued me. Great food for thought. 🙂
loving blessings
Hi Andrea,
I like that one as well and had to include it. Tim Weber, the author mentioned in his book that those words were his theme for his recovery. They work for anyone!
Thank you for posting these. The 2 quotations that really struck me are from “Bird by Bird” and “The Lost Years.” I read “The Lost Years,” and just couldn’t put it down until I was finished!!! Thank you again for posting!!
Hi Amy,
I’m with you on that one. I read “The Lost Years” a couple of times and it really stayed with me. Both Kristina and her mother are such powerful figures in the book and they tell an amazing story. Welcome to Treatment Talk and thanks for your comment.
Reading through these really helps a person appreciate the depth and breadth of this family disease and all of the joy and happiness that is possible once one finds their way out — which also comes through — there are many ways to do that, as well. Sharing with one another is certainly one of the best. Thanks, Cathy!
Hi Lisa,
We all feel better about our situation when we know that we are not alone. There is a new life awaiting all those working towards recovery. You will be a different person, but life can be filled with meaning and joy. I hope these quotes show the power of recovery.
Cathy,
These quotes are powerful and strong. This may be your best post yet!
Hi Tess,
Thank you for your kinds words! Take care.
Cathy, I just can’t say it enough – your website is a beacon of light, hope, and inspiration. I loved reading this, ” But a new dance is possible. It may be together; it may be solo, but it is possible. It takes learning the new steps, and it takes a lot of practice.” Such a beautiful, strong, open hearted way of looking at recovery and allowing ones self to not be attached to the results of what it must look like ” It may be together; it may be solo, but it is possible.” So strong, so empowering – the willingness to know a new dance/ recovery is possible – and being okay not knowing what it will look like – understanding that “practice” is part of it.
Hi Cathy,
I started to subscribe your blog today and read your ebook.
I am surprised to find that we seem to think in the same way.
As a college student, I hope to enrich my life and take many things as my hobby.
For example, tennis( I know you also love it from the ebook), meditation( I agree with you, meditation has changed my life), guitar and writing.
I haven’t started my career yet, but I do hope to keep these hobbies all my life.
Hope to read more good posts from you.
Hi Jingyan,
Welcome, I appreciate you stopping by, reading my book and leaving a comment. There are many things that we can pursue that will bring us pleasure in life. When we focus on what we love, we develop a rich and fulfilling life, and there is no room for drug or alcohol abuse. People in recovery need to fill that void in their life and filling your life with hobbies that you love that bring meaning is a helpful way to continue your recovery on a long term basis. Tennis, meditation, guitar and writing are wonderful pursuits that support a healthy lifestyle.
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for your reply. It’s very interesting since it’s my first time to communicate with an unfamiliar writer on a blog.
Yeah, it seems your children have such experiences as drug addict and alcohol abuse right?
I’m sorry to hear that. Before I read your book, I was confused. I’m from Asia, people here tend to focus a lot on education, so we have to study hard every day since we are young. I’m one of these students. School mark here is important, but sadly I showed no interest in my major. Instead I spend a lot of time on my hobbies.
Sometimes I will feel doubtful whether I should do so many hobbies and maybe I should spend more time on my school work. My school work is OK, about 80% of all the students in my major. However, if I want to go to good university for master in the US, maybe I have to work hard. Sometimes I don’t feel like working hard, since I am not interested in them. My parents encourage me to choose my own way. They say even if I can’t go to America, it doesn’t matter.
Well, now I feel that even if my hobbies may take much of my time, luckily these hobbies aren’t bad ones. Maybe I shall just live like before, spend some time on my hobbies, like 15 minutes on my guitar, 20 min on meditation, 2 times a week on tennis.
Sorry to interrupt your topic. I am glad that I can share my opinion with you.
Again sorry for my poor English.
Hope you didn’t mind I linked you on my blog about this post.
Ron
Sure!
Thank you for sharing your site information. I will definitely check it out.
Hi Cathy, I am now going to have to read Spiritual River because that quote really resonated with me. I could never have imagined the wonderful gifts I’ve received as a result of my recovery and I am beyond grateful.
Hi Becky,
That is wonderful Becky. Your recovery I’m sure has made you the beautiful person that you are today. I’m so grateful that I met you.
Love the positive, uplifting messages. I also love the bright blue and yellow images!
Thanks so much, Debbie!
I feel so blessed that I don’t have children or family that have addictions. Your posts and quotes here will provide inspiration to so many thank you
That is wonderful that you don’t have addiction in your family, Suzie. It is extremely stressful and can be dangerous. Thanks as always for stopping by.
Quotes from those who have lived through the experience and continue to live it are the most inspiring and feel the most real. Love these!
Thank you, Paige. I do find it helpful to read about other people’s experiences as well.
What wonderful quotes Cathy. Especially inspiring because they’re from those brave souls who make choices every single day to care for themselves.
So true, Elle. It is hard work to stay in recovery, so wonderful that there are people who are willing to share what worked for them. I appreciate your support.
Love this collection Cathy! I especially love this one ->“At the end of the day, our recovery must be based not on shame or perfectionism or the need to impress others, but on our willingness to be kind to ourselves.” ~ Erica Spiegelman
Thank you for the inspiration.
xoxo, Z~