5 Inspiring Quotes that Give Me Strength in Difficult Times

March will be the month of my most vivid pandemic memories. Wearing a mask for the first time, seeing empty shelves in the grocery store, and anxiously listening to the state’s daily reports won’t be forgotten. Here are five inspiring quotes that gave me strength during these difficult times. Which of these resonates with you?

They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise, you can hear the birds again.

In the early days of the virus, a poem emerged called, Lockdown, written by Brother Richard Hendrick, a Capuchin Franciscan living in Ireland. I posted it on my blog, and I encourage you to read it in its entirety (here). My favorite line is the one above where something sweet, birds singing, emerged from something so bitter. I’ve found many silver linings in this experience and I want to be intentional to not lose sight of them. Hearing the birds sing may be my reminder. 

Good timber does not grow with ease. The stronger the wind the stronger the trees. 

Thomas S. Monson is a past leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a very wise man. His quote resonates with me because of my experience with the trees on my land that do become stronger through the storms and winds. Even though they may lean, and look a little ragged, they continue to grow tall, offering shade for me and safe branches for the birds. I want to not only survive hard times, I want to thrive by learning, growing, and becoming a bit wiser myself.

You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass. 

There have been many days when I just wanted to scream. (Okay, yes. I did scream.) I just wanted all of the storms to stop and go away. I wanted to jump into Hallmark movies where there is always a happy ending and life rights itself in 120 minutes, including commercials. So I added them, screaming and Hallmark movies, to my self-soothing, “calm yourself down” list. Thanks, Timber Hawkeye for the good advice.

The trick is to enjoy life. Don’t wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead.” 

I’ve learned that waiting for the good times to have good times is a poor way to live life. It’s like closing your eyes to all of the surprises and wonders that can be discovered on the drive to your vacation spot. Marjorie Pay Hinckley was a delightful woman and I love her “trick” of living in the here and now. 

Have I done any good in the world today?

This is a stirring question that comes from the hymn titled, “Have I Done Any Good” written by Will L. Thompson. It can be intimidating because at first, you think the action has to be BIG–like Bill Gates big. But have you noticed that when we receive small acts of service, like a text of encouragement, a neighbor bringing in the garbage can, or a friendly chat at the check-out counter, they are so good and brighten our day? Yet, when we do these small acts, we discount them as insignificant. This song encourages me to do something good, as often as possible, and sometimes that means just rubbing my dog’s belly.