110 Words of Encouragement for Strength and Support

How to offer words of encouragement when someone needs them

When somebody in your life goes through a rough time, you want to let them know they are not alone and can count on you.

Don’t stress too much about conveying a perfect or overly complicated message. The most important aspect is that the words come from a place of consideration, respect, and understanding.

Here are the key tips to help you offer positive reinforcements to someone in need.

• Be sincere: Say something from the heart rather than platitudes or generic phrases. Infuse your words with honesty, empathy, and encourage them to overcome their hardships.
• Make it unique: Shape your encouragement to fit the person's specific needs. They are facing a difficult time, and your tailored support can give them the impulse to move forward.
• Speak less, listen more: A few sincere words can bring comfort and uplift the spirits of someone who is down. But they also want to be heard. Practice active listening and create a safe space for them to talk about their insecurities and fears.
• Provide a positive reminder: When someone in your life is low, let them process their bad emotions and offer your support when they are ready to receive it. Remind them of their previous tribulations and their innate strength to overcome whatever obstacle on their path.
• Don’t be a stranger: Your words are powerful and can change someone's negative perspective. A meaningful encouragement means you want to keep in touch, stay connected and attentive, and continue to offer support.

It is humane to cheer somebody up, especially if they are going through a difficult time. You want to show them you care without feeling dishonest, awkward, too distant, or invasive.

Here is our collection of inspirational words of encouragement, from kindhearted messages and comforting phrases to impactful reminders of resilience and inner strength.

Words of encouragement to show your compassion

Nobody wants to go through difficulties alone. A kind and compassionate phrase of encouragement shows you are there and you care.

• I am here for you.
• You don’t have to go through this by yourself.
• If you need a shoulder to cry on, I have two.
• Take a break; you don’t always have to stay strong.
• Believe in yourself like I believe in you.
• I look at you and see a strong, resilient, and beautiful person.
• I know it’s hard, but I trust you and your strength.
• You are braver than you think.
• Be kind to yourself, you are worthy.
• Whatever you are feeling today, it’s ok.

Words of encouragement for a friend

Often, we know more about a friend's struggles than those of a family member. When going through tough times, our friends rely on us to help them regain their balance; just a few words can do the trick. And they will be there for us when we need them most.

• Stay strong, my friend, the storm will be over soon.
• Don’t worry, I got you!
• Hold tight! You won’t always feel like this.
• You are at the top of my priorities as long as you need it.
• I know it's hard. I hope you know I am here for you.
• You are not alone, my friend. I am always on your corner.
• The hardships of today will make you stronger tomorrow.
• Be gentle and kind to yourself. You are great!
• Find in you the strength to move forward.
• I have always had the light on for you! Keep fighting.

Words of encouragement for men

For centuries, men have been culturally seen as super-humans, taught to hide their vulnerability, emotions, or weaknesses. Ultimately, they also need words of encouragement and reassurance from others whenever the journey gets tough.

• You have the inner strength to overcome this challenge.
• Don’t let your doubts and fears define you; you are so much more!
• A real man is not the one who hides his emotions, but the one who dares to feel them.
• Maybe you don’t see it right now, but your strength inspires us all.
• Be gentle with yourself. I’ll be strong for both of us.
• Don’t block your feelings. You can always show your true colors with me.
• I am on your side every step of the way.
• These challenges will only make you stronger than you already are.
• It’s ok to feel low.
• Troubles come and go, but you’ll remain the strongest man I know.

Words of encouragement for women

Women are expected to be strong and uplifting for everyone else. Yet, occasionally, they need words of encouragement to help them overcome obstacles, regain their balance, and validate their emotions.

• Don’t carry this weight by yourself; I am here to ease it for you.
• Today is about you, and nothing else matters.
• You’ve always inspired me to be better and push my boundaries.
• I know you are strong, but you don’t have to go through this alone.
• Being a woman doesn’t mean you must do and be everything for everyone.
• To me, you are the strongest woman.
• They say women have superpowers, and it is true. But, once in a while, it’s ok to have a break and recharge.
• I know you have the ability to channel your inner strength and become a tougher woman.
• Women demonstrate their strengths during difficult times. It is your moment to shine!
• Your imperfections make you unique and worthy of my appreciation.

Words of encouragement for children

While we may remember our childhood as a carefree and happy time, the truth is that, as children, we felt the opposite. Situations that may seem silly now, back then were challenges, and we needed support to get through. Children learn consistently, and a few words of encouragement help them understand and control their emotions and build self-confidence.

• Trust yourself - you can do this.
• It will get easier, trust me.
• You are much braver than you think.
• Mistakes are part of the process: they help you learn and grow.
• I believe in you.
• I am next to you every step of the way.
• You can always count on me.
• Your smile lights up every room.
• You don’t have to be perfect; be kind and happy.
• Do your best!

Words of encouragement for a coworker

We spend so much time at work accomplishing tasks and achieving goals that we inevitably build strong connections with our teammates, and sometimes, they become our friends. During this time, we share information about personal and professional struggles, ask questions, and offer support and motivation whenever things go rough.

• You are the driving force moving our team forward.
• You always have the most creative and unique ideas, making us the best team.
• If anyone can achieve this, it is you.
• You’ve had challenges before and always found the path through.
• You are an inspiration and a role model for each one of us.
• You are not alone. We are your team and your friends, and we’ve got you.
• I know the going is tough, but you are tougher.
• Take a step back. Take care of yourself. We’ll do the rest.
• You’ve always encouraged and motivated us. Now, it is our turn.
• Rest. Recharge. Move forward.

Words of encouragement for your significant other

Your significant other is that special person who equally stands by your side in good and bad times. While you both go through the same situations, sometimes one needs words of encouragement more than the other. A great couple is a balanced couple.

• If you want to cry, I have two shoulders for you. If you want to scream, I am your microphone. Whatever you feel, I feel with you.
• We are in this together; you are not alone.
• I know it’s hard, but we are heading toward better days.
• I believe in you. I am very proud of you.
• Together we are stronger, and we can overcome this.
• You were my anchor for so long; now, it is my turn.
• I am by your side no matter what.
• Take one step after another, and we’ll get there.
• We share the kind of love it takes to sort out all of our problems.
• Nothing shakes us. Nothing breaks us. Together, we are invincible.

Encouraging quotes

Don't beat yourself if you can't find your words of encouragement for someone who needs them. You can uplift their spirit with quotes of encouragement from a constellation of writers, philosophers, or thinkers.

• "Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day." - Dalai Lama
• "It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light." - Aristotle
• "Nothing is impossible. The word itself says 'I'm possible!'" - Audrey Hepburn
• "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance." - Oscar Wilde
• “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” - Arthur Ashe
• “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” - C.S. Lewis
• “Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried, but actually you’ve been planted.” - Christine Caine
• “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.” - Truman Capote
• “Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald
• "It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection." - Elizabeth Gilbert

Short encouraging phrases

Sometimes, all it takes is a few genuine words of encouragement to do the magic trick and shift someone's bad mood. These quick words are easy to offer and have a quick impact.

• You can do this.
• I have faith in you.
• Be the best of you.
• Keep going.
• Stay strong.
• Look forward.
• You are brave.
• Don’t give up.
• You are capable.
• Love yourself.

Religious words of encouragement

Religious words of encouragement often speak of the divine power and presence, hope, and peace of mind.

• "Be strong and courageous, and do the work" (1 Chronicles 28:20)
• "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you". (Isaiah 41:10)
• "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord" (Psalm 31:24)
• "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1)
• "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5)
• "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12)
• "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:30)
• "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13)
• "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you" (John 14:27)
• "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

Bonus: Words of encouragement for yourself

Sometimes, the loudest critical voice is our own. We tend to forget that we ourselves are the first person to rely on when things are tough. Positive self-talk helps us strengthen our confidence and move forward.

• I am more capable than I feel now.
• I believe in myself.
• I can do this.
• I don’t have to do it all by myself.
• I am strong and worthy.
• I deserve to rest.
• I am complete.
• A small win is still a win.
• I am deserving of good things.
• I am getting closer one day at a time.

Wrap up

By all means, words of encouragement and affirmation have the power to shift perspectives, instill hope, and build resilience - yours and others.

Don’t hesitate to offer them, regardless of what a person goes through. You never know when your caring words are precisely what a person needs to hear to get up and continue through the day.

Your voice can be a lighthouse for someone lost in a sea of darkness, guiding them safely to shore.