21 Mantras to Live by That can Bring Positivity into Your Life

There will be times when it feels like your life is falling apart, and all you can do is watch. Life isn't always sunshine and rainbows. No matter how hard you try to control everything, you'll encounter moments of despair, uncertainty, and pain.

This is when having mantras to live by can be incredibly helpful. They can lift your spirits and give you hope. While they won't change the situation, they can change your mindset and perspective.

Like positive affirmations, mantras can shift your outlook on handling difficult situations. Whether you've been fired, are unsure about ending a relationship, or are unhappy with your current job, mantras can help you cope and face problems more effectively.

They're not a magic fix, but having the right mantras can make you feel better and more optimistic. This is especially important for those who tend to overthink and imagine worst-case scenarios.

An uplifting mantra can keep you grounded in logic, preventing you from dwelling on negativity and pessimism.

# This too shall pass

You might think that the difficulties you're facing will last forever, but they won't. This is one of the most common mantras you'll hear—on social media, blogs, and even videos. It reminds you that no matter how unbearable your pain feels, it's temporary.

It might seem like the end of the world now, but remember, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel.

When you feel like giving up, this mantra is extremely useful. You'll get through this, and you'll be okay eventually.

# Trust your gut

People may deceive, manipulate, betray, and take advantage of you if you let them. In these situations, it's important to trust your instincts. If something feels off and your gut tells you to walk away, listen to it.

You'll avoid a lot of painful and hurtful situations by trusting your gut instead of ignoring it. Your initial feeling about someone is often accurate, so stick with it.

# I am enough

As you grow older, the world will try to convince you to be someone other than who you are. This can even make you hesitate to date someone you think is out of your league. People will try to make you believe you're not enough, which is where this mantra comes in.

You are not defined by those who are threatened by you or those who can't love you properly. The only validation you need is from yourself. You are, and will always be, enough, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

# Live in the moment

These days, we're so connected to our phones that we lose touch with what's happening around us. We focus on everything but the present moment. This mantra is great, especially if you tend to obsess over the past and the future.

Unfortunately, you miss many precious moments by not living in the present. While this mantra isn't a magic pill, it helps you become more aware of being present.

# Take a chance

Nothing will haunt you more than your what-ifs. You can't reclaim moments you regret because you didn't take a chance. If not now, when?

Courage and bravery are essential, so take a chance on something that scares you. You might face rejection or failure, but at least you'll know you tried. This mantra encourages you to take more risks in your life.

# If not now, when?

The more you delay things, the less likely you are to do them. Procrastination isn't an option if you want to live your best life. This mantra reminds you that time is the most precious thing in the world. Don't waste a moment delaying what you need to do.

# Let it go

This mantra is challenging for many. We often struggle to let things go, no matter how petty. However, holding on to negative feelings can lead to resentment and anger.

While you may not control what happens to you, you always control how you respond.

# I’m grateful for everything I have

Gratitude is a powerful emotion, stronger than any difficult emotion. It's easy to focus on what you lack rather than what you have. Notice how it's simpler to complain than to appreciate.

Even if you've had a bad day, you're alive, healthy, and loved. What more could you ask for? This mantra can shift your mindset from negative to positive.

# I will positively affect someone’s day today

If you can make someone's day, why not do it? The world is filled with darkness, and even a simple act of kindness can make it brighter. Pay for someone's coffee or compliment them.

You'll be surprised how even small gestures can put a smile on someone's face. This mantra helps you incorporate more kindness and generosity into your life.

# Go slowly

In today's fast-paced world, we rush through life without pausing to breathe. The world won't end if you stop to appreciate your surroundings.

Even with several deadlines, it only takes a few seconds to pause. Remind yourself that you don't need to rush through life. Sometimes it's okay to slow down and enjoy the moment.

# Do what makes you happy

The things and people you love fuel your soul with spark and passion. This mantra is especially useful when you feel exhausted and burned out. If you don’t pursue what makes you happy, you'll regret it.

There are limitations—you can't just quit your job and travel the world—but you can enjoy simple pleasures like listening to music or dancing.

# I accept whatever will happen today

We all need this reminder, especially when we want our lives to go a certain way. Not everything is under your control, and that's okay. Life can present you with unexpected miracles or challenges—that's the beauty of it.

This mantra serves as a reminder on days when you feel frustrated with a particular outcome.

# I love myself

We often claim to love ourselves, but we still believe self-sabotaging thoughts. Self-love is a common phrase, but we forget to truly love ourselves when it matters most.

When someone breaks up with you or you don’t get a job, choose to love yourself despite the temptation not to. Saying this mantra helps you remember your worth.

# Yes, I can

Doubts, fears, and insecurities will always be there to pull you down. What separates those who achieve their goals from those who don't is their belief in themselves. If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything.

Say yes to opportunities like job interviews, dates, or trips. As long as it doesn’t harm you, don’t hesitate to say yes.

# My past doesn’t define me

No matter what your past entails, it doesn't define you. Even if you've done unimaginable things or have a dark past, you're worth more than that. It's your ability to rise that defines who you are.

Your past is not your final destination, even if it haunts you. This mantra is helpful when you feel stuck in your past and unable to move forward.

# I can accomplish anything I put my mind to

This is an empowering mantra, especially when it's easy to compare yourself to others or feel defeated by insecurities.

Staying grounded in this mantra reminds you that you're capable of success and accomplishment. Push through with your goals, and you can achieve anything.

# I choose faith over fear

Fear can control you and stop you from taking chances and opportunities. Choosing faith over fear is crucial to remind yourself to be stronger than your fear.

Most fears, while valid, come from insecurities and past mistakes. Remember everything you've overcome, and have faith in yourself.

# I’m worthy of love and affection

Many people believe that because of past traumas or insecurities, others will love them less. It's often hard to see the beauty within yourself that others see.

You deserve love and affection, even if you struggle to believe it. This mantra can help change your mind.

# Perseverance, not perfection, is the key to success

Perfectionism is a double-edged sword you'll never achieve, no matter how hard you try. As long as you persevere towards your goal, that should be enough. This mantra is ideal for perfectionists who tend to obsess over small details.

# The glass is half-full

Being an optimist offers more benefits than being a pessimist. Seeing beauty even in the worst storms helps you survive anything.

Even when dealt the worst cards, optimism gives you resilience in dealing with painful situations.

# If you want different, do something different

It's easy to complain rather than take responsibility for changing your life. If you're unhappy, you can always do something to change that.

Shift career paths, create long-term goals, start your own business. This mantra can change your life if you let it.