MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES FOR TEENS
SUBMITTED BY TEENS
"If you are not making the progress you would like to make, and are capable of making, it is only because your goals are not clearly defined."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Divya M., Age 14 --- India
I think that each and every man has the capability to prove himself. If people are not able to prove themselves, it's only because of this reason.
"It's sad when you see someone being picked on because they are who they are and they don't fit in. But what's really sad is not knowing where you stand and allowing yourself to be a part of the superficial lifestyle."
Written in 2007 by Bailey H., Age 14 --- South Dakota
I wrote this because when people act different to impress the "cool" kid, it's really sad. They can't be themselves and you need to be yourself, no matter who likes you or not.
Who do you think you are
Walking around as if nothing bothers you
Driving around in your fancy car
As if you're not going through anything
You walk around with a smile
Laughing and joking with your friends
They think you're okay, that everything's fine
But when you get home it all comes to an end
A reflection you see when you walk by
A mirror that you're so afraid to look at
A reflection of you that shines in the light
A mirror that begins to talk back
Hello, Hello, why do you cry
Why walk around with your head low
Why not walk around with your head held high
Instead of it almost touching the snow
Nobody loves me, she replies
No one at all
Every time they go to sleep
I began to cry
While leaning on my wall...
Copyright © 2007 Tamika Lynn Johnson
I selected this one particular poem because a lot of people you know walk around either sad or depressed. Sometimes you can't even tell because they put on a mask, a mask that shows that everything's okay, but deep down inside it's not. Somebody in your family can wear that same mask and you wouldn't know that they were going through. So the reason why I wrote this poem is to let everyone out there in the world know that you need to take the mask off and let go of the hurt and anger that you keep holding onto. For one thing, it's not good..."
"Good friends are there when we are experiencing the worst or best times of our lives. When we experience the worst, we sometimes push them away. Despite how hard we push, they always come back. Sometimes, no matter how much you want to be alone, the friends who are trying to get closer to you are what you really need."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Courtnie Y., Age 16 --- Hawaii
"Being born was the first miracle of your life, but reaching the age that you are now is more than a miracle. Take care of yourself."
Written in 2006 by Lesley Ramela --- South Africa
For the youth to take of themselves, for the future is in their hands.
"Never walk in anyone's shadows, be yourself and never be afraid to shine. Keep smiling, it's free."
Kgomotso --- Submitted by Tushi L., Age 19 --- South Africa
A lot of teenagers spent so much time envying other people for their looks but it's really not worth it. Never belittle yourself. You're beautiful.
"The best lessons are sometimes those that are hard learned."
John Scarangello --- Submitted by N.C., Age 17 --- New York
"YOU are the most beautiful person you will ever be. There is a star inside everyone - they just come out at different times."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by A.R., Age 13 --- Scotland
I kept comparing myself to everyone at one point and felt really down but this made me realise everyone is beautiful.
"If today is tomorrow's yesterday, then learn from the mistakes you know you will make before you have the chance to make them."
Written in 2007 by Matt Wright --- Canada
"Don't underestimate yourself... there will be plenty of people in your lifetime who will do that for you."
Written in 2007 by Bobby MacKinnon --- Canada
"As we live, we notice that people sometimes hate us, disagree with us, and sometimes hurt us. And we fail to notice that it isn't flaws in our character but in theirs, wanting to have part of ours."
Written in 2007 by Raquel W., Age 14 --- Connecticut
This is how I feel sometimes and one day I just wrote this down and it really inspired me.
"If you try your best, there is nobody who can stop you. Push for the best in everything you do. Be what you want to be, not what others tell you to be."
Written in 2007 by R.P., Age 14 --- England
This came from within and is the way I would like to live. I am using this in my pursuit of a career in the acting business.
"Life is like a roller coaster. You never know when it will drop, shoot up, do a few corkscrews, or maybe even come to a stop. But the most important thing is that when you get off, you can decide whether you want to do it again."
Written in 2007 by Vicky C., Age 14 --- Alaska
I wrote this for all those teens out there that are having a rough life. I know what it's like to juggle school and extra curricular activities and having parents nag on you. It's really hard but only you can decide what ride you want to take in life.
"Passion comes from within. Trust your conscience because that is the best guide you will ever have. Never let a person put you down and always remember that you are the best!"
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Sumaya H., Age 19 --- South Africa
This is something that I always remind myself of when I am in the worst or saddest situations. Being a teenager is not easy and dealing with peer pressure from friends and partners is something that requires a lot of energy. Please never let any one get the better of you.
"Loving someone doesn't mean that you will get the same love in return. But sometimes it means you let go of the one you love to do what he or she likes to do."
Written in 2007 by Zaimah M. --- Malaysia
"No matter what happens, keep your head up high and live for the moments. You don't want to be regretting what you missed out on."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by JiYoung L., Age 13 --- Maryland
I chose this one because life is hard but you just have to keep moving on.
"Know yourself better than you know others."
Carmen Carlotta --- Submitted by Q.D., Age 16 --- Texas
I use to spend so much time pleasing others that I lost sight of myself.
"People are always trying to find something to criticize you about; don't let it hurt you."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Nataly H., Age 14 --- California
"Don't worry about the future, because today is yesterday's tomorrow. Just live for today!"
Written in 2007 by Matthew B., Age 15 --- South Carolina
I came up w/ this personal quote because I was going through a rough time and I had a lot on my plate. I kept worrying about all the bad things to come and I couldn't handle what I had. So I just thought, one day, why am I worried about the future when I'm already living in yesterday's tomorrow?
"Every cloud has a silver lining. The only problem is when the silver tarnishes and you don't have a ladder tall enough to polish it. But that's what friends are for. They're always there, ready to catch you when you fall."
Written in 2007 by H.G., Age 15 --- Minnesota
Because my best friend is always there for me, helping me find my way and all of the smiles that shine light on those clouds.
"I am not scared of tomorrow for I have lived yesterday and seen today!"
Coweta Class of 98? --- Submitted by Amy P., Age 14 --- Oklahoma
I was at Coweta High School for a speech contest for 4h and they had banners on the walls of quotes from the graduating classes.
"Never underestimate love, for it is pure and special. Never deny yourself. Always become stronger as a person. Let your feelings flow, leave the sorrow behind and always work things out for you know things will always be so much better in the long run."
Written in 2007 by Sara H., Age 14 --- Ohio
This is a personal quote I developed, going through a hard time. Doubting myself, and being upset with the world is something that shouldn't be used in everyday life. Sure it happens, but it should be prevented.
"Looks should purely be the basis of recognition... not the foundation on which you're judged."
Written in 2006 by Emma W., Age 17 --- NSW, Australia
I made this up ages ago.... I'm just trying to say that people's looks should simply be the way you recognise it's them... but it shouldn't affect how they're treated or thought of.
"Prepare for the worst and always go for the best."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Pooja S., Age 17 --- India
This thought greatly inspires me in my life. These lines encourage me to always work very hard because I'm sure that if I work hard, then I'll get the best result.
"Stick to your morals; don't let anyone change them. Stay positive and strong and don't let people walk all over you."
Written in 2007 by Amber D., Age 14 --- New York
I wrote this because I felt that teens should not change what you believe in for other people. Just stay strong and you will get by.
"Why do we sometimes trust our best friend over God? Let me know the next time your friend says let there be light and there is light."
Written in 2007 by Nina T., Age 18 --- Louisiana
When God created the world he said "let there be light" and there was light. I was implying that sometimes we don't even trust the maker of the universe.
"Never tell me I am the future. Look at me; I'm right now. I'm living, breathing, speaking, right now, making my DAILY choices."
Written in 2007 by Shana S., Age 16 --- Washington
I wrote it after teachers and speakers kept telling me, "You are the future. You're the next generation. The future is in your hands. Sure, it sounds great, but I'm making choices right now.
"Work spares us from the three evils: boredom, vice, and need."
Voltaire --- Submitted by Shakeria F., Age 15 --- Delaware
I chose this quote because it's so TRUE. Think about people who have jobs they want to do. They don't go out trying to look for money elsewhere. So many of us teens are sitting at home bored because we either choose to or we are too lazy to go out and do something we like to do. We are just too lazy to try something new. And then there are people who aren't willingly to work for what they want so they go out and try to find easy way out which leads to vice. Then they get involved in something so addictive it messes up their priorities from want to need. So what I am saying is go out and do something that you have to WORK hard at to get, whatever outcome it is that you want out of it! Get out there! If you want something so badly, you have to work for it.
"Never let a cruel word get the best of you because no matter what anyone says or thinks, you always know the truth. That's all that matters."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Miranda T., Age 16 --- Arkansas
A friend of mine said it to me when I let someone's words and thoughts get the best of me. And this quote was right. I know the truth, and that's all that truly matters.
"Don't be afraid to be what you are because what you are is beautiful."
Written in 2007 by Nicole B., Age 14 --- North Carolina
I have a lot of friends that think they're not pretty but I believe everyone that has a heart and smiles is beautiful. Don't let anyone tell you different because being who and what you are is a beautiful thing, not trying to be something you're not. This helped me out and some of my friends out.
"Nothing is easier than self-defeat; for what any man believes inspires his heart and if negative, defeat is easily accepted."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Latasha M., Age 18 --- Mississippi
This quote was written by my friend and it helped me get up off my back and forced me to move. After my parents died, I had accepted total defeat. I had no need to get out of bed or let alone to try and create a life for myself but because of her writings, I'm up and the situation doesn't feel so defeating anymore. It shined brand new light on, into, and through my life. I thank her for it with all my heart.
"Be true to your friends, be true to your family, be true to those you meet and then you can truly be true to yourself and ultimately Be Yourself."
Written in 2007 by Jai O., Age 17 --- Scotland
One of the most important things in life is to be truly happy and confident in yourself. To do this, you have to have the strength to be who you really want to be. Don't be afraid of what others think. This is your life, your time. This is YOU!
"Mistakes are allowed... not learning from them is not."
Written in 2007 by Kimmer H., Age 13 --- Sask., Canada
I made this because my one friend was really upset about one mistake she made. I told her this and she really liked it. I felt proud and I wanted to share it.