Ntozake Shange Quotes

I have no control over what people think, and if I were to spend energy on that, I would be a lifeless, deadened human being.

When you feel good is when you're not afraid to feel the worst.

Self-care is the number one solution to helping somebody else. If you are being good to yourself and your body and your psyche, that that serves other people better because you will grow strong enough to life someone else up.

I found that if I don't paint for around a week, I get practically suicidal. It took a long time to figure out why I had these mood swings, and I finally figured out it's because I haven't painted.

My whole goal is to keep my spirit intact. If that doesn't happen, none of this is worth it.

When I feel confused or depressed, I remember back to junior high and I silently repeat, 'This, too, shall pass.'

Art is for healing ourselves, and everybody needs their own personal art to heal up their problems.

The idea is, if I can't heal from my art, then how can you heal?

I think of myself as a healing artist.

Music gives me a focused purpose. It saves my life every day.

I stay positive, keep positive energy to myself.

Being a person is really hard, obviously depending on your background for some people it can be much harder, but mental health and how we feel about ourselves is so key to changing the world in a positive way.

Emotionally damaged men all too often rip apart their own lives, and those of their partners and children. I see both physical fitness and emotional strength as virtues, but they are acquired by entirely different means.

I started making art with art therapy. It's what I know how to do. I got a lot of criticism for that when I was in school. But I think it works for me.

Stop giving your precious energy to things that make you feel bad.

Build up your health. Do not dwell in silence upon your sorrows.

Depression seems to be related to fear, anger and frustration. When you're in a bad mood, even if you meet with your friends, you don't take pleasure in their company. But when you're in a good mood, even if things go wrong, you can cope with them without difficulty. This is why putting yourself in a good mood, making a point of developing a sense of loving kindness gives you greater inner strength.

I said that love heals from inside.

I am weary of personal worrying, in love with the art of madness.

The hardest thing you can do is smile when you are ill, in pain, or depressed. But this no-cost remedy is a necessary first half-step if you are to start on the road to recovery.

Trust Me. Life is not worth living feeling sad and down and lonely. Always be true to who you are.

Guard your good mood.

Although anxiety is part of life, never let it control you.

Put on light-coloured clothes and some perfume, take care of your body and do everything you can to fight against the forces of darkness. It is not an easy struggle, but it is worthwhile.

If one is physically disabled, one cannot afford to be psychologically disabled as well.