Everyone can use a little boost now and then. Sadly, both inner struggles and external setbacks are an unavoidable part of being human.
But the good news is we don’t have to leave someone we care about to muddle through alone. We can be the ones to write the words or send the laugh in an encouragement card that helps someone through a rough day or a whole tough season of life.
Here, you’ll find ideas for short, positive messages you can share with your friends. We’ve organized them by different situations or needs, and included writing tips and examples to help you craft the perfect message.
Uplifting Messages for Friends
What can you say to lift your friend’s spirits or let them know that you value their friendship? Compliments can go a long way to letting someone know that you care, but there are even more powerful benefits to saying nice things to someone.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
“You got this.”
“Good luck today! I know you’ll do great.”
“Sending major good vibes your way.”
“I know this won’t be easy, but I also know you’ve got what it takes to get through it.”
“Hope you’re doing awesome!”
“Time to go kick cancer’s ass!”
“Keep on keeping on!”
“Sending you good thoughts—and hoping you believe in yourself just as much as I believe in you.”
Motivating Quotes for Hard Times
Need some inspiration to share with your friends? These quotes can help motivate and encourage them:
“There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions–in a way that serves the world and you.” – Sir Richard Branson
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James
“You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” – Oprah Winfrey
Affirmations for Self-Belief
Remind your friends of their worth and abilities. These affirmations can boost their confidence:
“You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” – Brené Brown
“Just believe in yourself. Even if you don’t, pretend that you do and, at some point, you will.” – Venus Williams
“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” – Marcus Aurelius
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Encouraging Words for Tough Situations
When a friend is going through a hard time, let them know you care. Offer support and understanding:
“Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” – Bryan Stevenson
“You make a life out of what you have, not what you’re missing.” – Kate Morton
“You are enough just as you are.” – Meghan Markle
Validating Feelings
Sometimes the best thing you can do is validate your friend’s feelings. Let them know it’s okay to feel what they’re feeling.
“Let it out. Let it all out.”
“Even in the moments that you don’t believe in yourself, remember that I always do.”
“Is there anything we can take away and learn from at this moment?”
“You are worthy and deserving of everything good the world has to offer.”
“Take one day at a time—sometimes an hour at a time.”
“Rest and recharge; what feels impossibly hard tonight might feel a little easier by the morning.”
“Remember the respect you deserve; don’t settle for anything less.”
“Asking for help is a sign of self-respect, and I’m here. I always will be.”
“Do not let this experience shrink you down. You deserve to take up space.”
“Your feelings deserve to be felt, acknowledged, and seen.”
Shifting Perspective
Sometimes a shift in perspective can make a big difference. Encourage your friends to look at things from a new angle.
“Instead of wondering what could go wrong, ask yourself: What if everything worked out? What if everything went right?”
“Disappointment from others happens—how can we show up for you now instead?”
“Can you name three or five traits you admire about yourself? Take a moment to enjoy and embrace each one. (Or, if not, I’ll share some first.)”
“Pain requires vulnerability, and even though it hurts right now, I’m so proud you allowed yourself to be seen in that way.”
“What would a 15-year-old-you say if they saw how far you’ve come?”
“I see you, I celebrate you, and I hold space for you.”
Providing Support
Let your friends know you’re there for them in whatever way they need. Offer to listen, to help, or to simply be present.
“Tell me all the heavy things you’re feeling—and then let’s talk through them one by one. We’ll work through this.”
“It’s time. Time to let go of your suffering, or guilt, or worry.”
“What do you need right now? Right at this moment? How can I provide that for you?”
“What would ‘future you’ say right now?”
“Please don’t forget to take care of yourself: Nourish your body, allow yourself to rest, spend time with those who uplift you.”
“What are some recent wins—both large and little—that we can take a moment to celebrate?”
“Let’s get out of your head and go for a walk. Do an activity together. Volunteer in service of others. You might feel differently afterward.”
“The old adage is true: Comparison is the thief of joy.”
“You are never ‘less than.’ You are more than. More than the wildest dreams I ever had for a good friend, a partner, a parent.”
“We’re all humans trying our best each and every day.”
“What is your gut telling you?”
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Calming and Grounding
Sometimes your friend just needs to feel calm and centered. Offer these grounding techniques:
“Unclench your jaw. Loosen your shoulders. Close your eyes. Inhale, exhale.”
“The world is hard, but don’t let it affect the softest, most vulnerable parts of you.”
“You are worthy of asking for and receiving help—this is not your burden to bear alone.”
“Would you like advice or just an ear to listen to?”
Showing You Care
Let your friends know you’re thinking of them and that you care. These messages convey your support:
“I’m sending you something to help lift your spirits; I hope it brings a smile to your face.”
“Are there any thoughts or recurring themes that have come up that you’d like to share?”
“There’s nothing I can say, but there’s maybe something I can do—what would be most meaningful?”
“I wish you saw yourself the way I see you; you’re incredible.”
“Talk to yourself like you would your best friend—would you allow yourself to say these things to me?”
“Your resilience is admirable—but you don’t have to weather every storm on your own. I’m here to work through this together.”
“Your ability to feel so much—when it’s easier to be numb—is a gift.”
“I am so very sorry that’s happening; I am sending you all the love and strength I possibly can.”
“May I give you a hug?”
Celebrating Friendship
Remind your friends how much they mean to you. Share these heartfelt messages:
“Can I tell you the three traits I love most about you?”
“This is a safe space, and I will always respect the words shared and the trust between us.”
“No need to respond; just a quick message to say I love you and I care about you.”
Perspective and Patience
When your friend is going through a difficult time, offer these reminders of perspective and patience:
“This too shall pass.”
“There is no right or wrong way to grieve. There is no timeline, either.”
“There is often no benefit to placing blame—what can we all do now to move forward?”
“Just because something didn’t work out right now doesn’t mean it never will—keep the faith, if you can. I’ll do the same.”
“Healing is a long game. It’s a long process, and it’s okay to take your time.”
“There are so many parts of you to celebrate, even if you can’t see it right now. (Note: Here are 99 compliments you can choose from!)”
Acknowledging Difficulty
Sometimes the most comforting thing is to simply validate how hard the situation is. These messages do that:
“Yep, this sucks. No sugarcoating it.”
“This ending is a whole new beginning for the rest of your life—what are some of the exciting opportunities to come?”
“If something hurts when it ends, it was probably pretty great when it was happening. Can we relish that memory for a minute?”
“I wish for things to be easier for you. And soon.”
“I can imagine that was very difficult.”
“You don’t have to explain yourself to me. I believe you.”
“You don’t have to talk until you’re ready. (Or ever.) I’ll be here as a support either way.”
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Affirming Resilience
Remind your friends of how strong and capable they are. These messages affirm their resilience:
“You’ve survived 100% of your worst days so far. You’re a champion.”
“I don’t think what you’re saying about yourself is true, and here’s why.”
“Try not to worry too much about things that haven’t yet happened—what can we focus on today?”
“You don’t have to have all the answers or figure it out right away. This may take time.”
More Uplifting Messages
Here are even more positive phrases to encourage your friends:
“Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there.”
“The world is better because you are in it.”
“Better times are ahead; I can’t wait to experience them alongside you.”
“You may not want to talk much right now, and that’s okay.”
“I know you’re hurting—and that’s valid. I’m here to listen or help in any way I can.”
“Even the worst days are just 24 hours; there is hope for tomorrow.”
“If all you did today was wake up, that’s enough, and I’m proud of you.”
“Failure is usually because you decided to take a chance—that is incredibly commendable.”
“Think about how far you’ve come. Take a minute to celebrate that.”
“Would you like me to check in on you tomorrow (and again the following day)?”
“Remember: This is what you are going through, not who you are.”
“Counseling (or therapy or mental health resources) has helped me through tough times like this—can I help you find the same? I’ll even go with you, if that’d help.”
“What’s meant to be will always find a way—in love, in career, in friendship.”
“When things don’t work out, it’s often a sign from the universe that we’re being redirected to something better.”
“Just because you’re going through this doesn’t mean you have to experience it alone—and you won’t.”
These messages cover a wide range of situations and needs. Use them to let your friends know you care and are there for them. A little encouragement can make a big difference.
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Closing Thoughts
These messages cover a wide range of situations and needs your friends may be facing. From celebrating their strengths to validating their feelings, there are so many ways you can use your words to lift them up.
Remember, a little encouragement can make a big difference. Your messages don’t have to be lengthy or elaborate. Sometimes, the simplest phrases can have the greatest impact.
With a little creativity and heartfelt intention, your words can provide the encouragement, motivation, and comfort they need to get through tough times. So don’t hold back – pour out that positivity and watch it make a difference.
