128+ Everything Is Temporary Quotes: Inspiring Words About Life’s Impermanence and Change

October 28, 2025 deskablog 37 min read

Life keeps changing. One moment you feel on top of the world, the next moment everything falls apart. Everything is temporary quotes remind us that nothing stays the same—not our pain, not our happiness, not even our relationships. These words bring comfort when times get tough and keep us grounded when things go well.

Every culture and religion talks about impermanence. Buddhists call it anicca. Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius wrote about accepting change. Even your grandmother probably told you “this too shall pass” when you were upset. Just as we learn from quotes about strength in hard times, understanding that nothing lasts forever helps us handle whatever life throws at us.

We have collected 128+ quotes about temporary things for you. Each section covers different parts of life—grief, happiness, relationships, success, and more. You will find wisdom from old philosophers, spiritual teachers, poets, and modern thinkers.

Table of Contents

What Does “Everything Is Temporary” Really Mean?

“Everything is temporary” means that all your feelings, situations, and experiences will eventually change or end. Nothing stays frozen in time. Your body replaces millions of cells every day. Stars are born and die across the universe. Change happens everywhere, all the time.

Think about your own life. Your emotions shift constantly. Joy turns to sadness. Anger fades into calm. Your body ages every year. Your job might change. Your relationships evolve. Even your thoughts come and go like clouds in the sky.

This idea does not mean you should feel sad or hopeless. When you accept that everything is fleeting, you start appreciating what you have right now. That Persian saying “this too shall pass” works for both good times and bad times. Similar to inspiring don’t force things quotes, accepting impermanence helps you stop fighting reality.

Why Do People Search for Everything Is Temporary Quotes?

People look for everything is temporary quotes mainly when they need comfort during hard times. Maybe you just went through a breakup. Maybe you lost your job. Maybe someone you love passed away. In those moments, you need someone to tell you that this pain will not last forever.

What Psychological Needs Do These Quotes Fulfill?

These quotes give us four things we desperately need: validation, hope, perspective, and connection. When you are hurting, you need to know that what you feel is normal. You need hope that tomorrow might be better.

Validation tells us our struggles are real. Hope reminds us that dark nights do end. Perspective shows us that life moves in cycles. Connection makes us realize we are part of something bigger than our individual pain.

How Do Temporary Quotes Help During Grief and Loss?

Temporary quotes help during grief by telling you the truth—this unbearable pain will not feel this heavy forever. When you lose someone you love, every minute feels like an eternity. You cannot imagine ever feeling okay again.

These quotes understand that grief comes in waves. Some days you feel fine, other days you cannot get out of bed. But slowly, the sharp pain softens. You still miss them. You always will. But the crushing weight gets lighter. For those dealing with loss, happy birthday in heaven mom messages offer comfort during tough anniversaries.

How Can Understanding Impermanence Improve Your Life?

Understanding impermanence changes everything. It reduces your anxiety, increases your gratitude, and helps you let go of toxic situations. When you really get that everything changes, you stop trying to control every outcome.

Does Accepting Change Reduce Stress and Anxiety?

Yes, accepting change cuts down stress because fighting reality is what makes us miserable. Think about the last time you resisted change. The resistance probably hurt more than the actual change.

When you accept impermanence, uncertainty becomes less scary. You stop asking “what if” about everything. Similar to lessons in quotes about change in relationships, accepting change helps relationships and life flow smoother.

Can Impermanence Quotes Help With Relationship Problems?

Absolutely. When you argue with your partner, remembering “this too shall pass” can stop you from saying something you will regret. That anger you feel right now is temporary. In an hour or a day, you will see things differently.

These quotes also help you appreciate your loved ones more. Your time together is limited. Knowing this makes you cherish the moments you have right now. Check out trust in relationships to understand how trust and accepting change work together.

On the flip side, impermanence quotes give you permission to leave toxic relationships. That friend who constantly puts you down? You do not have to keep them forever. Quotes about trust and broken promises can help you recognize when it is time to walk away.

How Does Impermanence Relate to Gratitude?

Impermanence and gratitude are best friends. When you know something will not last, you appreciate it more. That morning coffee tastes better when you sip it slowly. That hug from your mom means more when you remember she will not always be here.

We often take things for granted until they are gone. Your health. Your job. Your free time. Your loved ones. Impermanence wakes you up to what you have right now.

What Are The Best This Too Shall Pass Quotes?

“This too shall pass” might be the most powerful four words in any language. This ancient Persian phrase applies to every situation you will ever face.

Classic This Too Shall Pass Quotes

“This too shall pass. It might pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.”
“When you are going through hell, keep going because this too shall pass.”
“Nothing is permanent. Do not stress yourself too much because no matter how bad the situation is, it will change.”
“This too shall pass. Your problems are not permanent. Your pain is not permanent. Everything changes.”
“Bad times have a scientific value. These are occasions a good learner would not miss because this too shall pass.”
“Remember, this too shall pass. The storm is temporary. The lesson is permanent.”
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity because this too shall pass.”
“Every phase is temporary. Your struggles are temporary. Your happiness is temporary. This too shall pass.”

These quotes work for any situation. Lost your job? This too shall pass. Going through a breakup? This too shall pass. For more wisdom on handling tough times, visit one day everything will be fine quotes.

Why Is “This Too Shall Pass” So Powerful?

“This too shall pass” works because it is true for literally everything. Your worst day will end. Your best day will end. Your pain will fade. Your joy will shift. This phrase gives you hope in darkness and humility in success.

Kings used to wear rings with this phrase engraved inside. When they felt too proud, the ring reminded them that their power was temporary. When they felt defeated, the ring reminded them that their troubles were temporary.

The phrase also stops you from making permanent decisions based on temporary feelings. You feel heartbroken today, but that does not mean you should give up on love forever.

Most Inspiring Nothing Lasts Forever Quotes

Nothing lasts forever quotes remind us that everything has an expiration date. Your pain. Your circumstances. Even you.

Deep Nothing Lasts Forever Quotes

“Nothing lasts forever. Not even your troubles.”
“Everything is temporary. Emotions, thoughts, people, and scenery. Do not become attached. Just flow with it.”
“Nothing is permanent in this wicked world, not even our troubles.” – Charlie Chaplin
“The only thing that lasts forever is the fact that nothing lasts forever.”
“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the now the primary focus of your life because nothing lasts forever.”
“Nothing lasts forever, so live it up, drink it down, laugh it off, avoid the drama, take chances, and never have regrets.”
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise because nothing lasts forever.” – Victor Hugo
“Nothing lasts forever. Neither good nor bad. So you might as well smile while you are here.”

These quotes teach you to hold everything lightly. Your current job is not forever. Your current home is not forever. Since nothing lasts forever, you can change anything you do not like. Similar to everything will be fine quotes, these remind us that better days are ahead.

How Do Nothing Lasts Forever Quotes Apply to Happiness?

Nothing lasts forever applies to happiness too. When you know happiness is temporary, you stop chasing it like it is a permanent destination. You start appreciating it when it shows up.

Many people make themselves miserable trying to be happy all the time. But emotions are meant to change. Happy today, sad tomorrow, content next week. That is just being human.

Understanding that happiness is temporary also makes you grab it when you can. When you laugh with friends, you really laugh. You stop postponing joy until everything is perfect. For thoughts on balancing happiness and material things, explore wealth and happiness quotes.

Why Should You Remember Nothing Lasts Forever During Hard Times?

During hard times, “nothing lasts forever” becomes your lifeline. When you are in pain, your brain tricks you into thinking this is your new permanent reality. Depression lies and tells you that you will feel this way forever.

These quotes interrupt those lies. They remind you that what you are experiencing right now is a phase, not a life sentence. You have been through hard times before, and they ended. This will end too.

Quotes About Letting Go and Impermanence

Letting go is one of the hardest skills to learn. We grab onto people, feelings, and situations even when they hurt us. These quotes teach you how to open your hands and release what is not meant to stay.

Powerful Letting Go Quotes

“Let it go. Let it leave. Let it happen. Nothing in this world was promised or belonged to you anyway.”
“Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.” – Ann Landers
“Letting go does not mean you do not care about someone anymore. It is just realizing that the only person you really have control over is yourself.”
“The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.”
“You will find that it is necessary to let things go simply for the reason that they are heavy.”
“Let go of what was. Accept what is. Have faith in what will be.”
“Letting go means to come to the realization that some people are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny.” – Steve Maraboli
“Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.” – Eckhart Tolle

Letting go sounds simple but feels impossible. Your mind keeps replaying what happened. Your heart keeps hoping things will change. These quotes remind you that holding on often hurts more than letting go.

How Do You Actually Let Go of the Past?

Letting go of the past starts with accepting what happened. You cannot change it. Replaying it in your mind does not fix it. What happened, happened.

Next, feel your feelings without drowning in them. You are allowed to be sad, angry, or hurt. But you do not have to live in those emotions forever. Feel them, acknowledge them, and then let them pass.

Finally, make a conscious choice each day to focus on now instead of then. When your mind drifts to the past, gently bring it back to the present. What can you do today? Who can you be right now?

What Does Buddhism Teach About Letting Go?

Buddhism teaches that attachment is the root of suffering. When we cling to things that are meant to change, we create our own pain. The concept of anicca (impermanence) sits at the heart of Buddhist philosophy.

Buddha taught that everything arises and passes away. Trying to hold onto anything permanently goes against the nature of reality. Like trying to hold water in your fist—the tighter you squeeze, the faster it slips away.

Buddhist practice involves observing your attachments without judgment. Notice when you are clinging. Notice when you are resisting. Then practice releasing your grip bit by bit. This does not mean you stop caring. It means you love without suffocating.

Inspiring Quotes About Change and Transformation

Change terrifies most people. We like predictability and comfort. But life does not care what we like. It changes anyway. These quotes help you embrace transformation instead of fighting it.

Quotes About Accepting Change

“Change is the only constant in life.” – Heraclitus
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Do not resist them. That only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” – Lao Tzu
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” – Alan Watts
“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw
“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” – Andy Warhol
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we have been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” – Rumi
“If you do not like something, change it. If you cannot change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou

Change happens whether we like it or not. The question is whether we will resist it or ride it. For more thoughts on navigating transitions, explore quotes about change in relationships.

How Can You Embrace Change Instead of Fearing It?

Embracing change starts with recognizing that your fear is normal. Everyone feels scared when things shift. The difference between people who thrive and people who suffer is not the absence of fear. It is what they do with that fear.

Start small. Notice one thing in your life that is changing right now. Maybe the seasons. Maybe your kids are growing up. Maybe your body aging. Instead of mourning what was, get curious about what is coming.

Ask yourself: What opportunity might this change bring? What could I learn? Who might I become? Fear focuses on loss. Curiosity focuses on possibility.

What Do Stoic Philosophers Say About Change?

Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus built entire philosophies around accepting change. They taught that we cannot control external events. We can only control our responses.

Marcus Aurelius wrote, “The universe is change. Our life is what our thoughts make it.” He understood that resisting reality creates suffering. Accepting reality creates peace.

Stoics practiced negative visualization—imagining losing what they valued most. This sounds depressing, but it actually helped them appreciate what they had. They knew everything was borrowed, not owned. Even their own lives.

The Stoic approach does not mean you become cold or detached. It means you love fully while accepting that all things end. You enjoy the sunshine without demanding it never rain.

Sometimes you need a quick reminder that fits in an Instagram caption or a tweet. These short temporary quotes pack wisdom into a few words.

Brief Impermanence Quotes

“Everything is temporary.”
“This too shall pass.”
“Nothing lasts.”
“Change is constant.”
“Temporary pain, permanent lessons.”
“Let it go.”
“Flow with life.”
“Hold loosely.”
“Embrace impermanence.”
“All things pass.”
“Seasons change. So do you.”
“Temporary setback, not permanent failure.”
“Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.”
“This is temporary. You are strong.”
“Everything changes. You will too.”

These short quotes work perfectly for Instagram bios, Twitter posts, or daily reminders on your phone. They cut straight to the truth without extra words.

How Can You Use These Quotes Daily?

You can use these quotes as daily mantras. Pick one each morning and repeat it throughout your day. When stress hits, your chosen quote becomes an anchor.

Write your favorite quote on a sticky note and put it where you will see it. Your bathroom mirror. Your car dashboard. Your computer monitor. Let it catch your eye when you need it most.

Share these quotes on social media when you need support. Someone else scrolling through their feed might need to hear it too. Your vulnerability helps others feel less alone. For more inspiring content to share, check out inspirational quotes for depression.

What Makes A Good Temporary Quote for Instagram?

A good temporary quote for Instagram is short, relatable, and emotionally honest. It should make people stop scrolling. It should make them feel seen.

The best Instagram quotes do not preach. They share. They say “I feel this too” instead of “you should feel this way.” Authenticity wins over perfection every time.

Pair your quote with a simple image. Sunset photos work great with impermanence quotes. Nature shots remind us that everything has seasons. Or just use a plain background with nice typography.

Quotes About Temporary Happiness and Joy

Happiness feels amazing. We wish it would last forever. But trying to make happiness permanent actually ruins it. These quotes help you enjoy joy while you have it.

Quotes About Fleeting Happiness

“Happiness is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it eludes you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it comes and sits softly on your shoulder.”
“Joy is not a constant. It comes and goes like tides. Ride it when it arrives.”
“The secret to happiness is accepting that happiness is temporary.”
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”
“Happiness comes in moments. Be awake to them.”
“The art of living is enjoying the journey, knowing that nothing lasts forever.”
“Temporary happiness is still happiness. Stop chasing permanent joy and start appreciating fleeting moments.”
“Real happiness is not about feeling good all the time. It is about knowing that all feelings pass.”

When you understand that happiness is temporary, you stop putting so much pressure on yourself to feel good constantly. You accept the full range of human emotions. For more on finding balance, visit wealth and happiness quotes.

Why Does Chasing Permanent Happiness Make Us Miserable?

Chasing permanent happiness makes us miserable because we are chasing something that does not exist. Emotions are meant to fluctuate. That is how humans work.

When you believe you should be happy all the time, every moment of sadness feels like failure. Every anxiety attack feels like something is broken. But nothing is broken. You are just experiencing the normal human range of feelings.

The happiness industry sells us the lie that we can achieve constant joy through the right products, habits, or mindset. But that is not how life works. Life includes pain, boredom, frustration, and loss. Fighting that reality creates more suffering than the original feelings.

How Can You Appreciate Happiness More Knowing It Is Temporary?

You appreciate happiness more when you know it will not last forever. It makes you present. Instead of thinking about what else you need to be happy, you sink into the happiness you have right now.

When you laugh with friends, you really hear their laughter. When you feel peaceful, you notice the peace. When someone you love hugs you, you feel the hug instead of thinking about your to-do list.

Knowing happiness is temporary also makes you less afraid of losing it. You expect it to come and go. You do not panic when it fades because you know it will return in a different form.

Powerful Quotes About Temporary Pain and Suffering

Pain visits everyone. The question is whether that visit becomes a short stay or permanent residence. These quotes remind you that suffering has an expiration date.

Quotes About Pain Passing

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place.” – Lance Armstrong
“The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow.”
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” – Bob Marley
“Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step.”
“The wound is the place where the light enters you.” – Rumi
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” – Helen Keller
“Sometimes you have to go through the worst to get to the best.”
“Your current situation is not your final destination.”

These quotes do not minimize your pain. They acknowledge it while reminding you that it will not last forever. For more support during difficult times, read quotes about strength in hard times.

How Long Does Emotional Pain Actually Last?

Emotional pain lasts as long as you need it to. That sounds like a non-answer, but it is true. There is no set timeline for grief, heartbreak, or trauma. Your healing process is your own.

That said, pain does typically follow a pattern. It starts intense and overwhelming. Everything reminds you of what you lost. You cannot imagine feeling any other way.

Gradually, the sharp edges dull. You have moments where you forget to be sad. Those moments get longer. The pain becomes background noise instead of your whole soundtrack. Eventually, it becomes a scar instead of an open wound.

This process cannot be rushed. But it also should not be prolonged unnecessarily by refusing to feel your feelings or clinging to victim stories. Feel it, process it, and let it transform you.

What Helps People Get Through Temporary Pain?

What helps people get through temporary pain is connection, time, and perspective. You need people who let you feel what you feel without trying to fix you. You need enough time for healing to happen naturally. You need reminders that this pain is not permanent.

Practical things help too. Moving your body. Getting outside. Eating decent food. Sleeping. These basics sound too simple to matter, but they create the foundation for emotional healing.

Also helpful: not making big decisions while you are in acute pain. Your judgment is clouded. Your energy is depleted. Wait until the storm passes before you decide to move across the country or quit your job, or cut everyone out of your life.

Quotes About Temporary Relationships and Friendships

Some people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Understanding which is which saves you a lot of heartache. These quotes help you accept that not every relationship is meant to last forever.

Quotes About People Leaving

“Some people come into your life for a season, and that is okay.”
“Not everyone you lose is a loss.”
“Sometimes people leave because their purpose in your life is complete.”
“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” – Maya Angelou
“You cannot force someone to stay. If they want to leave, let them go.”
“Closure happens when you realize you do not need it.”
“People change. Feelings fade. It is part of life.”
“Thank people for what they taught you, even if they hurt you, and let them go.”

Relationships ending does not mean they were failures. They served their purpose and now they are done. For thoughts on navigating difficult relationship dynamics, see hurt quotes on money and relationship.

How Do You Know When A Relationship Is Temporary?

You know a relationship is temporary when it stops growing. When you keep having the same fights. When you feel more drained than energized. When you are holding on out of habit instead of love.

You also know when someone shows you through their actions that you are not a priority. Words mean nothing if behavior does not match. People make time for what matters to them. If someone consistently does not make time for you, believe that message.

Sometimes relationships end not because anyone did anything wrong, but because you grew in different directions. The person you were when you met is not who you are now. That is normal. Outgrowing relationships is part of personal growth.

Why Is It Healthy to Accept That Some Friendships Are Temporary?

Accepting that some friendships are temporary is healthy because it frees you from guilt and obligation. You stop forcing connections that no longer fit. You stop feeling bad about natural endings.

Some friends are perfect for a specific chapter of your life. Your college friends. Your new parent friends. Your coworkers. When that chapter ends, sometimes the friendship does too. That does not make it any less valuable.

Accepting temporary friendships also helps you appreciate the friendships you do have. Instead of mourning every person who drifted away, you focus on the people who are present now. Quality matters more than quantity. For more on navigating friendships, read heartfelt friendship breakup quotes.

What About Toxic Relationships?

Toxic relationships absolutely can be temporary, and they should be. If someone consistently disrespects you, manipulates you, or drains your energy, that relationship does not have to be permanent.

You do not owe anyone your presence, not even family. Just because someone is related to you does not mean you must tolerate toxic behavior. Protect your peace. Set boundaries. Walk away if necessary.

Leaving toxic relationships often feels impossible because toxic people make you believe you need them. They make you feel guilty for considering leaving. But you do not need anyone who treats you poorly. For support in toxic family situations, explore toxic family quotes.

Quotes About Life Being Temporary and Mortality

Death might be the ultimate reminder that everything is temporary. These quotes help you face mortality without fear and live more fully because of it.

Quotes About Life’s Brevity

“Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.”
“In the end, it is not the years in your life that count. It is the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln
“We are here for a good time, not a long time.”
“Life is like a camera. Focus on what is important and capture the good times.”
“Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.” – Norman Cousins
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” – Mark Twain
“Everyone dies. Not everyone really lives.”

These quotes sound heavy but they actually make you lighter. When you remember your time is limited, you stop wasting it on things that do not matter.

How Does Remembering Mortality Help You Live Better?

Remembering mortality helps you live better by clarifying your priorities. When you know your time is limited, you stop postponing joy. You stop holding grudges. You stop caring what strangers think about you.

The Stoics practiced memento mori—remember you will die. This was not depressing to them. It was liberating. It reminded them to make the most of each day because none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.

Facing mortality also helps you appreciate ordinary moments. That cup of coffee. That conversation with a friend. That sunset. These simple things become precious when you realize you will not experience them forever.

What Is Carpe Diem and How Does It Relate to Impermanence?

Carpe diem means “seize the day.” The phrase comes from a longer Latin poem that basically says time is fleeting, so make the most of now. It directly relates to impermanence.

When you understand that this moment will not come again, you pay attention to it. You show up fully. You do not just go through the motions while thinking about tomorrow or yesterday.

Carpe diem does not mean being reckless or ignoring responsibilities. It means being present and intentional. It means choosing what matters and doing it now instead of someday.

What Are Buddhist and Stoic Quotes About Impermanence?

Buddhism and Stoicism both center on accepting impermanence. These ancient philosophies offer practical wisdom for modern life.

Buddhist Quotes on Anicca (Impermanence)

“All conditioned things are impermanent. Work out your own salvation with diligence.” – Buddha
“Nothing is permanent. Everything is subject to change. Being is always becoming.”
“The root of suffering is attachment.” – Buddha
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha
“You only lose what you cling to.” – Buddha
“Let go of what has passed. Let go of what may come. Let go of what is happening now. Do not try to figure anything out. Do not try to make anything happen. Relax, right now, and rest.” – Tilopa
“Impermanence is a principle of harmony. When we do not struggle against it, we are in harmony with reality.”
“Understanding impermanence leads to compassion because we see that all beings struggle with the same temporary nature.”

Buddhist teachings offer deep insights into accepting change and reducing suffering. The concept of anicca sits at the core of Buddhist understanding.

Stoic Quotes About Accepting Change

“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius
“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” – Marcus Aurelius
“We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.” – Epictetus
“He who fears death will never do anything worth of a man who is alive.” – Seneca
“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.” – Seneca
“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.” – Heraclitus
“The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.” – Marcus Aurelius
“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.” – Marcus Aurelius

Stoic wisdom teaches us to focus on what we can control and accept what we cannot. This mindset reduces anxiety and increases peace.

How Can You Practice Buddhist or Stoic Philosophy Daily?

You can practice Buddhist or Stoic philosophy daily through simple habits. Start your morning by reminding yourself that today is not guaranteed. This makes you more present and grateful.

Throughout your day, notice when you are clinging or resisting. When you catch yourself trying to control things outside your power, take a breath and let go. Focus instead on your response, which you can control.

End your day with reflection. What went well? What challenged you? How did you respond? This practice builds self-awareness and helps you learn from each day.

Both philosophies emphasize meditation or contemplation. Even five minutes of sitting quietly and observing your thoughts can shift your relationship with impermanence.

Quotes About Temporary Success and Failure

Success and failure are both temporary states. Understanding this keeps you humble in victory and hopeful in defeat.

Quotes About Success Being Temporary

“Success is not permanent and failure is not fatal.” – Mike Ditka
“At the peak of success, remember it is temporary. At the bottom of failure, remember it is temporary too.”
“Today’s success can be tomorrow’s humiliation if we become arrogant.”
“The higher you climb, the further you can fall. Stay grounded.”
“Success is rented, not owned. The rent is due every day.”
“What got you here will not get you there. Keep evolving.”
“Enjoy your success but do not believe your own hype.”
“Celebrate wins, but do not live in past glory.”

These quotes keep you from getting too comfortable when things go well. Success requires maintenance. Nothing stays at the top forever without effort. For career motivation, check out inspirational career quotes fuel your professional journey.

Quotes About Failure Being Temporary

“Failure is not the opposite of success. It is part of success.”
“Every master was once a disaster.”
“You have not failed until you stop trying.”
“Temporary defeat is not permanent failure.”
“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb
“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” – Henry Ford
“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all.” – J.K. Rowling
“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford

Failure stings. But it does not define you unless you let it. Every successful person has a string of failures behind them. The difference is they kept going. For handling disappointment, visit healing from disappointment quotes.

How Does Understanding Temporary Success Keep You Humble?

Understanding temporary success keeps you humble because you know today’s wins can be tomorrow’s losses. The market crashes. Technology changes. Your skills become outdated. Your body ages. Nothing stays at peak performance forever.

This awareness does not make you paranoid. It makes you grateful and motivated. You appreciate what you have while working to maintain and improve it. You treat people well on the way up because you might see them on the way down.

Humble successful people understand they got lucky in many ways. Right place, right time, right opportunities. They do not take full credit for their wins because they know circumstances played a role.

How Does Knowing Failure Is Temporary Give You Courage?

Knowing failure is temporary gives you courage to try things that might not work. If you believe one failure will ruin you forever, you play it safe. You never take risks. You never grow.

But when you understand that failure is just feedback, you experiment more. You try new approaches. You learn faster because you are not afraid of getting things wrong.

Temporary failure is actually useful. It shows you what does not work so you can adjust. Every failed attempt brings you closer to what will work. Thomas Edison famously said he did not fail—he just found 10,000 ways that did not work before finding the one that did.

How Can You Use Everything Is Temporary Quotes for Personal Growth?

Everything is temporary quotes are not just pretty words. They are tools for transformation. Here is how to actually use them in your life.

Create A Daily Reminder Practice

Pick one quote that resonates with you right now. Write it on a note card. Put it somewhere you will see it multiple times a day. Your bathroom mirror works great. Your phone wallpaper. Your car dashboard.

Every time you see it, pause for five seconds. Take a breath. Let the words sink in. This simple practice interrupts negative thought patterns and refocuses your mind.

Journal About Impermanence

Set a timer for ten minutes. Write about what is temporary in your life right now. What are you clinging to? What are you resisting? What are you taking for granted because you assume it will always be there?

This practice increases self-awareness. You start noticing your attachments and resistances. Awareness is the first step to change.

When you are going through something hard, post a temporary quote on social media. It helps you feel less alone. It also helps others who are struggling silently. Your vulnerability gives other people permission to be vulnerable too.

You might be surprised by who reaches out. People you thought had it all together might message you saying they needed to hear that quote too.

Use Quotes As Mantras During Difficult Moments

When anxiety hits, repeat a temporary quote like a mantra. “This too shall pass. This too shall pass.” The repetition calms your nervous system. It gives your mind something to focus on besides panic.

The words themselves matter less than the practice of redirecting your thoughts. You are training your brain to remember that intense feelings are temporary.

Quotes About Living in the Present Moment

Since everything is temporary, the only time that really exists is now. These quotes remind you to stay present.

Quotes About Being Present

“The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion.” – Thích Nhất Hạnh
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”
“Life is available only in the present moment.” – Thích Nhất Hạnh
“Be happy in the moment, that is enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” – Mother Teresa
“The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.”
“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves.” – Thích Nhất Hạnh
“Do not let the past steal your present.” – Cherralea Morgen
“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.” – Buddha

Living in the present does not mean ignoring the future or forgetting the past. It means not letting those things rob you of now.

How Does Impermanence Connect to Mindfulness?

Impermanence is the foundation of mindfulness. When you know each moment will not come again, you pay attention to it. Mindfulness is just the practice of being fully present to what is happening right now.

You eat your food and actually taste it instead of scrolling through your phone. You talk to your friend and actually listen instead of planning what you will say next. You feel your feelings instead of numbing them.

Mindfulness and impermanence together create a powerful way of living. You engage fully with life while holding everything lightly. You care deeply while also accepting that all things pass.

What Simple Practices Help You Stay Present?

Simple practices to stay present include breathing exercises, body scans, and single-tasking. When your mind races, stop and take three deep breaths. Count them. This brings you back to your body and out of your head.

Body scans involve paying attention to physical sensations. Start at your toes. Notice how they feel. Move up through your body. This grounds you in the present moment.

Single-tasking means doing one thing at a time. When you eat, just eat. When you walk, just walk. Stop trying to multitask everything. It fragments your attention and keeps you from being present.

Frequently Asked Questions About Everything Is Temporary

Does “everything is temporary” mean nothing matters?

No, “everything is temporary” does not mean nothing matters. Actually, it means everything matters more. When you know your time with someone is limited, you appreciate them more. When you know a moment will not repeat, you pay attention to it. Temporary things have value precisely because they do not last forever.

Is it healthy to constantly remind yourself that everything is temporary?

Yes, it is healthy to remind yourself that everything is temporary because it reduces anxiety and increases gratitude. However, balance matters. If thinking about impermanence makes you depressed rather than present, you might be using it as a way to emotionally disconnect. The goal is presence and acceptance, not detachment or nihilism.

How can I accept that my loved ones are temporary without becoming sad?

You can accept that your loved ones are temporary by focusing on appreciation rather than loss. Yes, they will not be here forever. That truth can either paralyze you with fear or inspire you to love them fully while you can. Choose the second option. Let impermanence remind you to have that conversation, give that hug, say those words today instead of someday.

Do all spiritual traditions teach that everything is temporary?

Yes, most spiritual traditions teach impermanence in some form. Buddhism explicitly teaches anicca. Stoicism teaches accepting change. Christianity talks about the temporary nature of earthly life. Hinduism discusses the cycles of creation and destruction. Indigenous traditions observe the seasons and natural cycles. The words differ but the wisdom is similar—nothing in this world stays the same.

Can understanding impermanence help with anxiety and depression?

Yes, understanding impermanence can help with anxiety and depression, but it is not a cure-all. Anxiety often comes from trying to control things outside your power. Accepting impermanence reduces that futile effort. Depression sometimes comes from feeling trapped in current circumstances. Knowing everything changes offers hope. However, serious mental health issues require professional help, not just philosophy.

What is the difference between “this too shall pass” and toxic positivity?

“This too shall pass” acknowledges your current pain while offering hope it will not last forever. Toxic positivity dismisses your pain and demands you “just be positive.” The difference is validation. “This too shall pass” says “your pain is real AND it is temporary.” Toxic positivity says “stop being sad and look on the bright side.” One respects your feelings. The other denies them.

How do I teach my children about impermanence without scaring them?

You teach children about impermanence through age-appropriate examples. Show them how seasons change. Plant seeds and watch them grow. Get a pet and care for it. Read books about life cycles. When a pet dies or a grandparent passes, answer their questions honestly but gently. Kids can handle truth when presented with love. What scares them more than death or change is sensing their parents are lying or hiding something.

Are there any dangers in believing everything is temporary?

Yes, one danger is using impermanence as an excuse for irresponsibility. “Nothing matters anyway” is not the lesson. Another danger is emotional avoidance. Some people use “everything is temporary” to avoid feeling their feelings or committing to relationships. The wisdom is to engage fully while holding lightly, not to detach completely. Balance is key.

Conclusion

Everything is temporary. Your pain, your joy, your relationships, your circumstances, even your life itself. This truth might sound sad, but it is actually freeing. When you stop trying to make temporary things permanent, you stop suffering so much.

These 128+ everything is temporary quotes remind us to appreciate what we have now. They teach us to let go of what is hurting us. They show us that change is not our enemy—resistance to change is. Whether you connect with Buddhist philosophy, Stoic wisdom, or just common sense, the message stays the same: flow with life instead of fighting it.

Use these quotes when you need comfort during hard times. Share them when you need connection. Write them where you will see them when you forget. Most importantly, let them change how you live. Stop postponing joy until everything is perfect. Stop holding grudges that weigh you down. Stop taking people and moments for granted.

Life keeps moving. Nothing stays frozen. You can either resist that truth and suffer, or accept it and find peace. The choice is yours. What will you do today, knowing that today is temporary too? For more inspiration on embracing life’s journey, explore our collection of quote of the day daily inspiration for your journey.

Start living like everything matters because it does. And start living like nothing lasts forever, because it does not. Find the balance between those two truths, and you will find peace.