By Ann Landers
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Life often surprises us with challenges when we least expect them. It is so easy to get swept up in the belief that any difficulty means something has gone terribly wrong. Famous advice columnist Ann Landers once offered a simple yet powerful perspective on how to hold steady when life becomes turbulent. Her wisdom stands out for its practicality and its invitation to patience. In a world that values quick fixes and constant positivity, her message about accepting hardship feels both grounding and deeply reassuring. It points to a healthier way to face those tough moments we all encounter.
What Does This Quote Mean?
This quote calls us to acknowledge, right from the outset, that trouble is not just possible in life—it is certain. Rather than seeing hardship as an unexpected detour, Ann Landers urges us to treat it as a regular part of life’s journey. The idea is to remove the shock and personal sting from setbacks, so when difficulties appear, they don’t feel like a special punishment or a sign that things are hopeless.
On a straightforward level, Landers is saying that obstacles are normal and should be expected. Life holds periods of disappointment, loss, or struggle for everyone, no matter how fortunate they might otherwise seem. The real heart of her message, though, lies in the way she recommends coping: by holding onto the phrase “this, too, shall pass.” These words are an anchor, a comfort repeated in moments of hardship to remind us that no situation, good or bad, lasts forever.
There is a deeper meaning at work, too. By accepting struggle as a given, we become more resilient and less likely to feel isolated or overwhelmed when something goes wrong. It is a gentle encouragement to face difficulties with both realism and hope. Landers suggests that pain and stress are temporary states. They are a part of the human experience, but they do not define its whole. Each disappointment or challenge will fade, to be replaced by something else. Remembering this helps put problems in perspective and provides the calm that can get us through.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Accept rough patches as part of your story
Life is not a straight line, and everyone experiences setbacks. When trouble appears, remind yourself that it is not unusual or a sign you are failing. Instead, it is simply a normal moment on life’s path. This acceptance helps reduce self-blame and shame, making it easier to move forward.
2. Repeat a calming phrase in stressful moments
Stressful news, conflict, or sudden changes can feel overwhelming. In those moments, pausing to silently repeat Landers’s advice—reminding yourself that this situation will eventually pass—can lower anxiety. It is a small practice with a big effect, helping you stay centered rather than caught in panic or anger.
3. Avoid drastic decisions in times of trouble
When things go wrong, it is tempting to react quickly or dramatically. But recognizing that hardship is temporary can help you pause and avoid making big decisions while emotions are raw. Sometimes just waiting, and letting the initial intensity fade, makes it possible to see new paths or solutions.
4. Support others with quiet reassurance
When a friend or loved one is struggling, sometimes the best thing you can offer is your steady presence. Instead of trying to fix everything, gently echoing the sentiment that hard times will pass can be more comforting than any solution. It validates their pain, but also gives hope.
5. Reflect on past challenges for perspective
Think back to earlier times when you faced difficulty and, in the moment, it seemed endless. Most likely, those troubles have faded into the background or even helped you grow. Remembering this pattern can bring a sense of balance and proportion when you hit a new rough patch. It proves that most stressors really are temporary.
✨ The Motivation Message
Every single person faces hard days—nobody’s life is free from trouble! But what counts is how you choose to respond. When you feel knocked down, remind yourself: nothing lasts forever, not even your worst moments. That little phrase, “this, too, shall pass,” is a quiet superpower—use it! Even the toughest feelings and the most difficult situations will eventually fade, making way for happier times.
Take a breath and trust your own endurance. You have already overcome so much—that alone proves you can get through what is in front of you now. Celebrate the small victories, ask for help if you need it, and don’t let temporary pain convince you to give up. It is absolutely possible to ride out hard times with patience and hope. Today, make the choice to greet challenges with calm determination. You might just surprise yourself with how strong you really are! 🌟 Next time you face a storm, remember: stay grounded, repeat Landers’s words, and keep going.
About Ann Landers
Ann Landers, who was born in 1918 and died in 2002, was one of America’s most beloved advice columnists. Born Esther Pauline Friedman, she adopted the pen name Ann Landers and wrote her nationally syndicated column for nearly 50 years. Her practical wisdom, direct style, and empathy made her a trusted voice for millions of readers. Landers addressed all sorts of questions—from personal struggles to family disputes—always aiming to make common sense and kindness the foundations of her advice.
She believed that honesty, patience, and perspective were the best tools for handling life’s ups and downs. The quote about trouble and endurance fits squarely within her broader message: you cannot control everything that happens, but you can decide how to deal with it. She urged people to accept difficulties as natural and not a cause for hopelessness or panic. Through her work, Landers encouraged resilience and compassionate realism, helping readers to see that life’s challenges are both universal and surmountable. Her words continue to comfort and guide people looking for solid ground during unsteady times.
