Anime is full of powerful characterS with even more powerful things to say. Here are some anime quotes that have stuck with me over the years. Each of these have either motivated me to be better, or are reminders when I need them most.

"Let it out boy"

When Shikaku said, “Let it out boy,” I sobbed, as hard as Shikamaru. Shikamaru was dealing with a significant loss, and with the pressure of being a shinobi had no freedom to mourn. Shikaku’s words allowed him to let out everything he was holding in. I don’t think anyone truly realized how much grief he was holding. When I cried, I let out so many feelings that I didn’t know I had in me. Shikaku said those words to me, and whenever I feel I need permission to cry, I replay this scene.

"I always thought that life was about standing your ground, no matter how strong the current was. But going with the flow isn't so bad after all. As long as it takes you forward."

As a chronic worrier, this quote from the anime Nana shook me. Despite her demeanor, Nana Osaki isn’t the go-with-the-flow girl she appears to be. She is stubborn and will say how she feels. Which is why this quote is so freeing to me. Sometimes, it is okay to let go and go with the flow. But as Osaki says, it's important that the flow moves you forward. This quote reminds me to let my guard down and not push back as much when change is presented.

"I’m Hinata from the concrete!"

Feeling weak can turn into feeling underestimated. Hinata was being taunted and told he was weak and would never grow to be better. He is from the concrete, making it impossible to grow and be fertile. Hinata warns not to underestimate him, proclaiming that despite the odds, he is growing from the concrete. This anime quote is for the underdogs, who think they can't rise from their position.

"Being weak is nothing to be ashamed of. Staying weak is!"

Fuegoleon's whole thing is fire, but he did not have to cook this hard. Just like Noelle, this lit a fire under my butt. When I started Black Clover, I didn't feel confident in my ability to do anything. I was doing okay at cosplay, and doing decent work at school, but it felt like I was falling behind. I became complacent and decided not to care, but this anime quote changed my perspective! I’m not where I want to be, but it’s worse to settle when I know I can do better! And complaining about where I am does nothing but set me back.

"We have to live a life with no regrets."

Portgas D. Ace is a pirate constantly risking his life at sea. Ever since he was young, he would tell his brothers to live a life with no regrets. While he didn't meet that goal entirely, his life and these words inspired many, including myself. It’s better to take action than to regret not taking it. And I'm sure no one at the Summit War of Marineford regrets showing up.

"It’s dangerous here.If you stare at the stars long enough, you start thinking you could grab one, and you get this feeling like all your dreams will come true."

This quote from Shin (Nana) is a cautionary one. As great as it is to be hopeful, it can also be dangerous. Not to be a downer, but all your dreams can’t come true. You have to be cautious of yourself and well being. In Shin’s case being a star is a big deal. Yet one that comes with a long line of consequences, especially with him being as young as he is. As shiny as things can get, we have to be wary of the brightest stars. But that doesn't mean not to shoot for them.

"Stronger than yesterday!"

When it comes to being underestimated and weak, all eyes go to Rock Lee from Naruto! He gave us this anime quote for a reason. It doesn’t matter if you’re weak today tomorrow you’ll be stronger. I love this saying so much it’s the name of my gym playlist. Progress isn’t immediate, but if you train a little bit each day, you’ll gradually grow. Taking things one day at a time is the way to go, and this quote is a perfect reminder. 

What anime quotes have stuck with you in your anime journey? Share them with us below! If you're looking some motivation give our Self Care Date article a read for ways to take care of yourself.