If you’re new to the blog, you may not know of my educational background as a professional counselor. It’s one of the reasons I feel compelled to encourage exploration of interiors: within the shelter of our homes and also our hearts. We all have wounded places in need of healing light. Traumatic life events continue to wound. Suffering alone is so difficult. To feel joined can help. Here’s a collection to inspire deeper reflection on the journey together. Let’s be extra gentle with ourselves.
![Inspirational quote relevant to our current pandemic crisis of COVID 19 by Etty Hillesum on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirationalquotes #struggle #unity](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/slate-blue-inspirational-faith-quote-hello-lovely-studio-etty-hillesum-suffering-unity.jpg)
Struggle Quotes for Difficult Times
I’m moving through grief just now, and I find that in this cracked open posture, all sorts of wounded, unhealed parts of me are bubbling up. So I’m doing the work, and it’s…well, you know. It helps me to turn to God, to art, to music, to nature, and to safe companions, but there is still a deep loneliness and a real sense that this journey is my own.
![Inside a conservatory, a vibrant tropical flower blooms in winter - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_7367c.jpg)
Wherever you are on your own healing path, I hope you know how honorable the work of recovery from trauma truly is.
![Inspiring quote about despair and depression on Hello Lovely Studio. #depressionquote #despairquote #emotionalwellness](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/depression-emotional-wellness-personal-growth-struggle-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-never-less-than-whole-JEFF-FOSTER.jpg)
![Inside a conservatory, a vibrant tropical flower blooms in winter - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_7362.jpg)
While it may not seem at all natural to regard your brokenheartedness as evidence of courage, it is. To love, to truly love and give your heart away is to place yourself in harm’s way.
![Brene Brown inspirational quote about courage, wholeheartedness, and integrity on Hello Lovely Studio. #brenebrown #personalqrowth #quotes #couragequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Brene-Brown-inspiratonal-quote-hello-lovely-studio-courage-brokenhearted-.jpg)
I find that inspirational words of wisdom and encouragement can soothe in that they supply language to navigate waves of sadness that may arrive. Our emotional vocabulary always seems too limited when we feel the weight of a mystery that is truly beyond words.
![Inspiring quote about despair and depression on Hello Lovely Studio. #depressionquote #despairquote #emotionalwellness](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/depression-emotional-wellness-personal-growth-struggle-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-natural-energies-JEFF-FOSTER.jpg)
![Inside a conservatory, a vibrant tropical flower blooms in winter - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_7365.jpg)
You’re also seeing photos I snapped of tropical beauty and orchids blooming in a conservatory near my home during an especially brutal winter experienced five years ago.
![Thomas Moore quote about struggle. Come find 25 Poignant Despair Quotes for Courage, Personal Growth & Emotional Wellness. #inspirationalquotes #despairquotes #depressionquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/depression-emotional-wellness-personal-growth-struggle-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-THOMAS-MOORE.jpg)
I wonder if this book of essays will speak to you should you experience low mood (not clinical depression or major depressive disorder) and long for vulnerable anecdotal reflections.
This book of essays may also help should you be supporting someone moving through depression.
![Darkness Before Dawn (Tami Simon) book cover - come explore 25 Poignant Despair Quotes for Courage, Personal Growth & Emotional Wellness.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41APOjbP2cL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
![Encouragement and personal growth quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #controlquotes #empowermentquotes #strugglequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/encouragement-quote-hello-lovely-studio-things-you-can-control.jpg)
I find reading about the struggles of others and descriptions of despair helpful because of the common ground that surfaces. Moments where truth spoken by another begins to resonate.
![Sandra Ingerman inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. Come explore 25 Poignant Despair Quotes for Courage, Personal Growth & Emotional Wellness. #strugglequotes #inspirationalquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/depression-emotional-wellness-personal-growth-struggle-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-SANDRA-INGERMAN.jpg)
For example, the words above are a reminder to me that as much as I love ideas of restoration, renovation, and repurpose, it is often the case that wholemaking is about NEW CREATION.
![Inside a conservatory, a vibrant tropical flower blooms in winter - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_7353.jpg)
What is it about the fresh, the all new, and the slate wiped clean that evokes resistance in me? I suppose to embrace the new is to accept that so much must die in winter before spring blooms to life. That I must empty my hands of all I somehow thought could be preserved.
![Inspirational quote from Karla McLaren. Come explore 25 Poignant Despair Quotes for Courage, Personal Growth & Emotional Wellness. #inspirationalquotes #strugglequote #personalgrowth](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/depression-emotional-wellness-personal-growth-struggle-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-karla-mclaren.jpg)
I long for relief from pain, recovery from illness, and restoration after destruction, yet I am hesitant to release all of my attachments. Maybe my strong will insists on imperfectly imagining wholeness as a mosaic of healed wounds or reconstructive surgery rather than trusting the Mystery of new creation beyond my limits of understanding.
![Inside a conservatory, a vibrant tropical flower blooms in winter - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_7371.jpg)
To trust that we will be shaped into something new (often after a hollowing out) in the dark, without knowing the outcome? That involves faith. Mine is often shaky.
![James Gordon quote about struggle and despair on Hello Lovely Studio. #strugglequotes #emotionalwellness #depressionquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/depression-emotional-wellness-personal-growth-struggle-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-james-gordon.jpg)
I also tend to compare my trauma and grief to that of others and feel shame. Messages of the sort “count your blessings” from the past and present reverberate and increase the shame.
![Inside a conservatory, a vibrant tropical flower blooms in winter - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_7383.jpg)
But trauma isn’t what happened; it’s our response, and we’re all wired differently with various sensitivities and capacities.
![Inspirational quote from James Finley about compassion, faith, spirituality on Hello Lovely Studio. #compassion #inspirationalquote #spirituality #religiousquotes #christianity #quotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/001-contemplative-inspirational-quote-faith-prayer-green-hello-lovely-studio-compassion-james-finley.jpg)
That’s why I’m always encouraging us to be more gentle with ourselves. Pointing fingers, comparison, judging ourselves harshly, unkindness directed inward…they pollute the air where we’re struggling to breathe.
![Inspiring quote about despair and depression on Hello Lovely Studio. #depressionquote #despairquote #emotionalwellness](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/depression-emotional-wellness-personal-growth-struggle-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-healing-JEFF-FOSTER.jpg)
![Inside a conservatory, a vibrant tropical flower blooms in winter - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_7355.jpg)
![Mary Pipher quote about struggle, personal growth, and despair on Hello Lovely Studio. #personalgrowth #inspirationalquote #strugglequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/depression-emotional-wellness-personal-growth-struggle-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-despair-trust-MARY-PIPHER.jpg)
WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT’S COMING. This is the terrifying, brutal, beauty of life for each and every one of us every single day on this giant blueberry.
![Christina Baldwin quote about the uncertainty of life. #inspirationalquotes #lifequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/depression-emotional-wellness-personal-growth-struggle-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-CHRISTINA-BALDWIN.jpg)
And we vary in terms of how we shield ourselves from this terrifying truth. Many folks are deeply convinced they are somehow protected from what may come.
![Inside a conservatory, a vibrant tropical flower blooms in winter - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_7363.jpg)
James Finley, a poet/mystic/teacher I respect says:
“If we are absolutely grounded in the absolute love of God that protects us from nothing even as it sustains us in all things, then we can face all things with courage and tenderness and touch the hurting places in others and in ourselves with love.”
![Mary Pipher quote about struggle, personal growth, and despair on Hello Lovely Studio. #personalgrowth #inspirationalquote #strugglequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/depression-emotional-wellness-personal-growth-struggle-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-despair-MARY-PIPHER.jpg)
And to that I say: good gracious, I don’t know much of anything at all, and yet I believe you. I’m not sure I understand what such grounded-ness looks or feels like any more than when I first heard this poetic description. A lack of protection that sustains me through and through? A vulnerable permeability of solid ground?
![Thomas Moore quote about struggle. #inspirationalquotes #despairquotes #depressionquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/depression-emotional-wellness-personal-growth-struggle-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-aging-THOMAS-MOORE.jpg)
I do know a thing or two about paradox. About how holding it demands a spiritual maturity and a willingness to let go.
![Inspiring quote about despair and depression on Hello Lovely Studio. #depressionquote #despairquote #emotionalwellness](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/depression-emotional-wellness-personal-growth-struggle-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-deep-rest-JEFF-FOSTER.jpg)
And I know that invitations to deep rest are quite easy to shoo away in American culture where we’re so conditioned to push through, hustle, and fake it til we make it.
![You Were Never Broken (Jeff Foster) book cover. Come explore 25 Poignant Despair Quotes for Courage, Personal Growth & Emotional Wellness.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41n8Lf3-yXL._SX342_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
A lot of these quotes and thoughts seem to welcome feelings of depression, and I know that may be something counterintuitive to hear.
![Mary Pipher quote about struggle, personal growth, and despair on Hello Lovely Studio. #personalgrowth #inspirationalquote #strugglequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/depression-emotional-wellness-personal-growth-struggle-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-despair-cherish-ourselves-MARY-PIPHER.jpg)
But I find that welcoming anxiety and despair has been quite helpful in that shining a light on them requires a sort of cooperation.
![Mary Pipher's book cover Women Rowing North. Come explore 25 Poignant Despair Quotes for Courage, Personal Growth & Emotional Wellness.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41gQmi3nlYL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
When we welcome our wounded parts, acknowledge and feel them all the way through, we are doing the work of reconciliation and participating in our healing as a healer.
![Parker Palmer's book cover for A HIDDEN WHOLENESS. Come explore 25 Poignant Despair Quotes for Courage, Personal Growth & Emotional Wellness.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51zfx+4kC3L._SX320_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
I am often encouraged and blessed by Parker Palmer’s work since he has suffered through seasons of darkness…what a gift to feel joined.
Words of Understanding to Support Your Journey
![Mary Oliver quote and poetry on Hello Lovely Studio. #maryoliver #encouragementquote #inspirationalquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/MARY-OLIVER-inspiratonal-quote-hello-lovely-studio-broken-world-fresh-morning.jpg)
![Mary Oliver's book cover for DEVOTIONS. Come explore 25 Poignant Despair Quotes for Courage, Personal Growth & Emotional Wellness.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41FpEyVKpEL._SX324_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Overcoming Overwhelm helped me as a resource to clarify my values and become more aware of the patterns that can lead to overwhelm.
![Dr. Samantha Brody's book cover for DISMANTLE YOUR STRESS FROM THE INSIDE OUT OVERCOMING OVERWHELM. Come explore 25 Poignant Despair Quotes for Courage, Personal Growth & Emotional Wellness.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41E58ZkJMLL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
![Inside a conservatory, a vibrant tropical flower blooms in winter - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_7366.jpg)
I do like the sound of “growth project.”
![Mary Pipher quote about struggle, personal growth, and despair on Hello Lovely Studio. #personalgrowth #inspirationalquote #strugglequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/depression-emotional-wellness-personal-growth-struggle-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-despair-growth-projet-MARY-PIPHER.jpg)
There’s a good reason why messages of braving the wilderness are in demand. Modern life has changed dramatically in recent decades. Surely I’m not the only one feeling mixed up and in need of more courage.
![Brene Brown book cover BRAVING THE WILDERNESS. Come explore 25 Poignant Despair Quotes for Courage, Personal Growth & Emotional Wellness.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51mcfr1dFuL._SX322_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Bravely living your one and only life will look different for each of us, and I continue to learn in fresh ways how it almost always involves disappointing other people.
And nobody enjoys doing that!
![Brene Brown inspirational quote about courage, wholeheartedness, and integrity on Hello Lovely Studio. #brenebrown #personalqrowth #quotes #couragequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Brene-Brown-inspiratonal-quote-hello-lovely-studio-wild-heart.jpg)
There are always going to be these seasons where we must set a new boundary or blow up an old one. The rearranging seems to be a natural part of moving forward on the journey.
![Elizabeth Lesser book cover: BROKEN OPEN: HOW DIFFICULT TIMES CAN HELP US GROW. Come explore 25 Poignant Despair Quotes for Courage, Personal Growth & Emotional Wellness.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41UjmDS7Z-L._SX330_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
![Marc Brackett inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquotes #feelingsquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/marc-brackett-inspiratonal-quote-hello-lovely-studio-hurt-feelings.jpg)
![Live in Grace, Walk in Love: A 365-Day Journey by [Bob Goff] book cover. Come explore 25 Poignant Despair Quotes for Courage, Personal Growth & Emotional Wellness.](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/418DFhTStmL._SY346_.jpg)
![Elizabeth Lesser quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquotes #personalgrowth #spiritualjourney](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Elizabeth-Lesser-inspiratonal-quote-hello-lovely-studio-evils-change-inside-job.jpg)
![Elizabeth Gilbert inspirational quote about surrender and control. #inspirationalquotes #personalgrowth #selfcare #selfkindness #lettinggo](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Elizabeth-Gilbert-inspiratonal-quote-hello-lovely-studio-surrender-control.jpg)
If your low mood turns to depression or begins to concern you, do get in touch with your doctor right away, just as if it were a physical illness.
![Inside a conservatory, a vibrant tropical flower blooms in winter - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_7376.jpg)
![Brené Brown inspirational quote about kindness, imperfection, vulnerability, authenticity, and self-care. #personalgrowth #brenebrownquotes #vulnerability #selfcarequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/brene-brown-inspirational-quote-what-we-dont-need-struggle-shame-human-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
My heart is with you, especially those struggling to get well; those with shaky faith in the messy middle longing for solid ground and signs of hope.
![Inside a conservatory, a vibrant tropical flower blooms in winter - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_7379.jpg)
Hang in there. You’re so brave. And you’re so tender. Everything, including this, is passing.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Dear, beloved of God, Michelle,
I went through deep depression several times in my life. One day, in church no less, I was so despondent that I sat in my seat with my face in my hands and wept. Not a good, cleansing weeping, but total despair. I could not respond to what was going on around me (praise!)—I couldn’t even react. I couldn’t hear the beautiful sounds of God’s people worshiping Him. But in the midst of it all, a single phrase broke through to me from Bethel’s Build My Life: Open up my eyes in wonder. God delivered me instantly from my depression and light showed through. God was good to me then, and He is good to you now. Praying for you.
Author
Thank you for your prayers. As I grieve from loss, I do feel joined with so many others who know this grief. What a profound journey for you into the depths of God’s goodness.
Thank you for every single meaningful word in your post today. Kindred spirits understand.
Author
I’m so grateful to truly be joined in mysterious ways to souls I may never meet. What a blessing to have sisters everywhere.
Thank you for all the beautiful words you’ve put together. They have touched my heart . Wishing you healing that I feel you give to people with your thoughts and your writings. God Bless and Hugs
Author
Thanks for being here and for the wishes – so grateful to be in the company of kind friends.
Life is so much holding on to opposite things simultaneously…fear & hope, joy & sadness, discouragement & faith. It IS such a journey! May I suggest/add to your list another very encouraging book my husband & I are both reading right now and he says is changing his life …”Divine Providence” by Stephen Charnock. Love, peace, & prayers to you my friend! Thanks for all your encouragement to those in the throes of life!! Which is all of us!
Author
Yes – and thanks so much for the recommendation and kindness. The thought that we’re all walking this road together is definitely a comfort. 🙂