Mantras can be useful when a person is in a difficult place or when they are really struggling to get through the day. Mantras are simple phrases used to lift people up. Here are a few mantras that I have stumbled across and found to be really helpful. From retreats to music, these mantras have been collected from a number of different places. I find these mantras particularly helpful when dealing with issues of self esteem and self worth.

1. May I be happy, may I be free from suffering

This is a mantra that my high school religion teacher taught me. I think this is an essential mantra to keep in mind as it reminds us that we are constantly on the journey to happiness and healthiness.

2. This is tough — Everyone struggles sometimes — May I be strong

This is a self-compassion mantra. Creating self-compassion mantras are important to hear during difficult moments. These mantras consist of 3 parts as defined by Dr. Kristin Neff which include mindfulness, recognition that suffering is a universal experience, and self-kindness.

3. This too shall pass

This is an uplifting mantra, as it encourages people to keep going, despite any hardships they may be facing. Regardless of the situation, it’s always important to remember that as time passes, old wounds will be healed.

4. You are enough

This is a positive reminder, especially for anyone who struggles with self esteem and body image. I often remind myself of this mantra multiple times a day, so that it is hopefully becomes engrained in my system.

5. Giving your best effort is all you can do

This is important to remember because often people thing that their best effort is not enough. However, a person’s best effort is enough particularly because no one can ask for more than more than a person’s best effort. That is simply impossible.

6. You is kind — You is smart — You is important (The Help)

This is a movie quote that I have always cherished.This mantra takes mantra #4 to a whole new level by saying not only are you enough, but you are important, you are loved.

7. Life goes on

This mantra is key because similar to mantra #3, it teaches that time heals all wounds. No matter how horrible the wound is, time heals everything.

8. Let go and let God

This is a major mantra because sometimes, it is best to leave things to God. Sometimes it is easier to admit when you have no control over a situation. Instead of feeling bad about it, it is much easier to turn things over to God.

9. Tha-tha-tha-that don't kill me can only make me stronger — Kanye West

This is a cherished Kanye West mantra. Similar to mantra #10, this mantra teaches that things can only get better in time and that anything that hurts you but doesn't kill you, simply makes you a stronger person.

10. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger — Kelly Clarkson

This mantra is very similar to mantra #9. This mantra reminds people that every loss presents the opportunity to become a stronger person.