20 Positive Quotes That Help Me Stay Centered
Finding Balance in Everyday Chaos
Life has this funny way of pulling us in a million different directions—work deadlines, family obligations, that never-ending list of things we “should” be doing. There are days where it feels like I’m juggling too many plates, just waiting for one to crash to the ground. And honestly? For a long time, I thought that was just how life was supposed to feel.
But then I started leaning on something simple, almost too simple: words. A few lines written by someone else, often decades—or even centuries—ago, somehow had the power to pull me back to myself when everything felt scattered. These 20 positive quotes aren’t just nice phrases you’d find on Pinterest (though they’d look beautiful there too). For me, they’ve become little anchors, reminders to breathe, reset, and re-center.
Why Quotes Actually Work
Here’s the thing about positive words: they sneak past the noise in your head. When I’m caught up in overthinking or doubting myself, the right quote feels like a wise friend taking me by the shoulders and saying, “Hey, stop. Look at it this way.”
Unlike motivational clichés that sometimes wear off quickly, these quotes carry a depth that keeps unfolding each time I revisit them. Some comfort me. Others gently challenge me to grow. But all of them redirect me when my mind starts spiraling.
And science backs this up. Reading affirming words can actually lower stress and improve mood because they shift your perspective in the moment. They don’t magically erase problems, but they do change how you see them—and that, I’ve found, changes everything.
How I Use Them Day to Day
I like to keep things simple. In the mornings, instead of immediately scrolling through emails or social media, I pick one quote. Sometimes I write it on a sticky note for my mirror, other times I save it as my phone background for the day.
Then I pause for a moment—literally just three deep breaths—and let the words sink in. That tiny ritual plants a seed of calm and intention. Later, when stress starts to creep in, I can recall that quote like a mantra.
At night, I’ll often journal about one of them. I write down what it meant to me that day, or how I applied it. That’s when I notice the real magic: the words start shaping not just my thoughts, but my actions.
The 20 Positive Quotes That Keep Me Centered
Here’s my go-to list. Each one has carried me through difficult or overwhelming moments and reminded me of what really matters.
For Stressful Days
- “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.” — Anne Lamott
- “You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” — Dan Millman
- “Slow down. You’re doing fine.” — Billy Joel
For Self-Compassion
- “Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” — Brené Brown
- “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” — Buddha
- “Progress, not perfection.” — Unknown
For Courage
- “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” — Susan Jeffers
- “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” — Mary Anne Radmacher
- “Do one thing every day that scares you.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
For Gratitude
- “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” — Aesop
- “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” — Robert Brault
- “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.” — Melody Beattie
For Staying Grounded
- “Wherever you are, be all there.” — Jim Elliot
- “Peace is not the absence of chaos, but the presence of calm within it.” — Unknown
- “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
For Hope and Growth
- “And still, I rise.” — Maya Angelou
- “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” — Albert Einstein
- “This too shall pass.” — Persian proverb
- “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” — Arthur Ashe
- “Bloom where you are planted.” — Unknown
Making Them Work For You
The power isn’t in reading 20 quotes once and forgetting them. It’s in revisiting them, living them, and letting them speak to you in different ways at different times.
Here are a few tips that have worked for me:
- Pick one per week. Write it down, say it out loud, carry it with you. Let it become your focus for those seven days.
- Use reminders. Sticky notes on the fridge, alarms on your phone, a background on your laptop—little cues help keep the words close.
- Share them. Text a quote to a friend who’s having a rough day. Sometimes passing wisdom along makes it resonate even deeper for you too.
- Pair with breath. Every time you read your quote, take three deep breaths. It creates a physical shift that reinforces the mental one.
Why These Quotes Truly Center Me
When life feels overwhelming, my default used to be pushing harder—working longer hours, filling every minute, and trying to control what I couldn’t. All that ever got me was exhaustion.
Now, these quotes help me pause. They remind me that peace isn’t found in controlling everything, but in shifting how I respond. They remind me that I don’t have to have all the answers, that it’s okay to rest, and that there’s strength in softness too.
Most of all, they remind me that I’m not alone. These words have been written, spoken, and lived by people before me—people who struggled and found their way back to balance, just like I try to do every day.
Closing Thoughts
So here they are: my 20 positive quotes that help me stay centered. They aren’t magic spells, but they’ve become daily companions I lean on. When the world feels heavy, they remind me to slow down, breathe, and see the bigger picture.
If any of them resonate with you, hold on to them. Write them down, live them, and let them steady you when life gets loud. Because sometimes, a few simple words are all it takes to bring you back home to yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Positive Centering Quotes
How do I choose which positive quotes will help me stay centered?
Look for quotes that both comfort and challenge you. The most effective centering quotes resonate on an emotional level and continue to reveal new insights with repeated reading.
Can I create my own centering quotes?
Absolutely! Some of the most powerful centering quotes in my collection are phrases I’ve crafted myself based on personal insights and experiences.
How many quotes should I focus on at once?
While having a collection of 20 positive quotes that help me stay centered provides variety, focusing deeply on 1-3 quotes per week allows for better integration and understanding.
What’s the best time of day to read centering quotes?
Morning sets a positive tone for the day, but having quotes accessible throughout the day provides support during challenging moments whenever they arise.
Should I memorize my centering quotes?
Memorizing a few key quotes ensures they’re available when you need them most, especially in situations where you can’t reference your collection.
How can I use centering quotes during anxiety attacks?
Pair simple, grounding quotes with deep breathing. Having pre-selected quotes for anxiety means you won’t need to search for wisdom in the midst of panic.
Do centering quotes work for everyone?
While the specific quotes that resonate vary by individual, most people benefit from having wisdom they can turn to for perspective during difficult times.
How often should I update my collection of quotes?
As you grow and face new challenges, regularly refresh your collection with quotes that address your current life stage and circumstances.
Can I share my centering quotes with others?
Sharing the 20 positive quotes that help me stay centered has created meaningful connections and sparked transformative conversations with friends and family.
What makes a quote “centering” rather than just positive?
Centering quotes specifically help you return to your core values and calm mental chaos, whereas general positive quotes might simply boost mood temporarily.
How do I know if a quote is actually helping me stay centered?
Notice how you feel after reflecting on it. Effective centering quotes create a sense of expanded perspective, reduced reactivity, and reconnection with your authentic self.
Can quotes from any tradition or philosophy be centering?
Yes! Wisdom transcends cultural and religious boundaries. The 20 positive quotes that help me stay centered come from diverse sources including Buddhism, Stoicism, modern psychology, and indigenous teachings.
