I spent most of my early years living a life half-lived, trying to please everyone and do everything. The result? A life that looked good on paper but felt empty inside.
Fortunately, a decade or so ago, I decided to try something different. I got curious about my dreams and values, which meant asking what I even wanted from life? It was the small step in a new direction that eventually changed everything.
All this to say—if you’re feeling stuck, I’ve been there too, which is why I put together this list of quotes about living life to the fullest. Hopefully, it inspires you to take a leap, make a change, and live the life you know is possible.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I recommend products and make a small commission on purchases at no additional cost to you. Click here for the full disclosure statement.
18 Quotes About Living Life To The Fullest
“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“Life needs to be experienced fully, not only in its sweetest, easiest moments. This is what mindfulness is all about—being here and now, with pure awareness of our experiences.” – Jennifer Burger
For me, learning how to live in the present moment has been pivotal. After all, you can’t experience life to the fullest if you’re always thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Finding that sweet spot between growth and surrender is a challenge, but one worth pursuing.
“Be a curator of your life. Slowly cut things out until you’re left only with what you love, with what’s necessary, with what makes you happy.” – Leo Babauta
This quote always reminds me that living an intentional life is an ongoing process. You can’t change everything overnight, but you can take small actions every day—and the sum of those actions can add up to something beautiful.
And if you need help letting go? Be sure to download my free decluttering guide.
“The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which bridge to burn.” – David Russell
We spend so much time thinking about what we need to be happy—but often, it’s what we need to release that holds us back from a rich and fulfilling life. (Need some ideas? Here are seven things to let go of for a happier life.)
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou
Of course, there are a lot of things in this world that need to be changed. But when my feet hit the floor in the morning, and I’m thinking about the day ahead of me, the thing I can most control is my attitude.
This isn’t about toxic positivity or minimising negative emotions. It’s OK to feel—but then decide. If you want to feel different, how can you reframe the situation and your mood? (Want some help with this? These morning journal prompts can help.)
“Stop waiting for Friday, for Summer, for someone to fall in love with you, for life. Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for it and make the most of the moment you are in now.” – Unknown
“Life itself is a privilege, but to live life to the fullest-well, that is a choice.” – Andy Andrews
My younger brother died when he was 21, and since then, I’ve felt that living my life to the fullest it’s my responsibility because he cannot. I’ve made many mistakes and done many silly things over the years, but the one thing I refuse to do is settle. Life is a gift, and I will never forget this.
“A ‘No’ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.” – Mahatma Gandhi
If there’s one thing that these quotes have in common, it’s that they remind us of the immense scarcity of our time and our energy. Throughout our lives, we only have so much to give—so choose wisely.
Related Post: How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty In 5 Simple Steps
“Sing the song that only you can sing, write the book that only you can write, build the product that only you can build…live the life that only you can live.” – Naval Ravikant
“It is necessary, and even vital, to set standards for your life and the people you allow in it.” – Mandy Hale
It’s not always easy, but setting strong boundaries and protecting your space is one of the most important things you can do. It’s hard to live to the fullest if you’re letting other people drain your time and energy (especially the people who have earned a right to be there).
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” – Annie Dillard
“The reason why we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind the scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.” – Steven Furtick
Let go of what everyone else is doing, stop comparing yourself to others, and start living by your standards. You’ve got this.
“When you complain, you make yourself a victim. Leave the situation, change the situation, or accept it. All else is madness.” – Eckhart Tolle
It’s OK to talk things out and get something off your chest. Just … be mindful of your intentions and your habits. Is your complaining helping or hurting you? What else could you be doing to protect your energy?
Related Post: How to Stop Letting The Little Things Bother You (Tips That Really Work)
“Mistakes are water. Grow your lessons from them.” – Alexandra Elle
No one likes to make mistakes, but as the saying goes—mistakes are proof that you’re trying. If you never make mistakes, then odds are you’re not learning, not doing new things, and not growing. It’s safe … but unfulfilling.
So be brave, have courage, and take the leap that’s calling to you.
After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love by Alexandra Elle is a beautiful collection of essays that demonstrate just how powerful it is to learn from our mistakes. This is a personal favourite that I read whenever I need courage or compassion.
“Have the courage to build your life around what is really most important to you.” – Joshua Becker
The choices that we make every day are a reflection of what is most important to us. Taking control over our time and life can be challenging, but it’s a vital part of living your own life and being true to yourself.
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie
“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” – Brené Brown
“You are both good and bad and messy and complex and still worthy of compassion, love, and acceptance.” – SaraJane Case
Finally, a reminder to be kind to yourself. Sometimes the biggest thing standing in the way of living a rich, fulfilling life is your inner critic. When we accept that we are all flawed but still worthy, life gets so much better.
What are your favourite quotes for living life to the fullest? Let us know in the comments!
One of my favorite quotes is “If you don’t like where you are, move. You are not a tree.” So often we stay in miserable circumstances, be it a job, a relationship, or a mindset, just because we are there. If you know something makes you unhappy, think of ways you can improve it. Maybe you can change career, go to couples therapy, start journaling, find a new fulfilling hobby. Whether it be a small step or a bold, scary move changing everything, do SOMETHING that gets you closer to where you’d like to be!