59 Complicated Life Quotes that Provoke Thought (and What To Do)

Life can be like a rollercoaster, full of twists, turns, and unexpected loops.

It’s a wild journey filled with joy, challenges, and everything in between.

Sometimes, it feels like we’re juggling a million things at once – work, relationships, family, and self-care. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, unsure which direction to go.

Inspired by the song “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne –

We’ve put together this guide that covers thought-provoking Complicated Life quotes, and 12 useful tips on what to do to keep moving forward when life is hard and complicated.

Amidst the chaos, there’s beauty in the messiness. Every setback teaches us resilience, every triumph fuels our confidence.

Buckle up, embrace the chaos, and enjoy the ride!


Inspiring Quotes When Life Gets Complicated

Life is like a puzzle, full of pieces that don’t always fit together smoothly.

As we navigate the twists and turns, let’s take a moment to soak in some wisdom from those who’ve been there.

Complicated Life Quotes when Life is Hard
'Life is like an onion: you peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.' - Carl Sandburg Share on X


  1. “Life is like an onion: you peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.” – Carl Sandburg

  2. “Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot.” – Charlie Chaplin

  3. “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” – Confucius

  4. “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” – Lao Tzu

  5. “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” – Soren Kierkegaard

  6. “The hardest thing in life to learn is which bridge to cross and which to burn.” – David Russell

  7. “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela

  8. “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” – Robert Frost

  9. “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll

  10. “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein


  1. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” – Maya Angelou

  2. Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.” – Grandma Moses

  3. Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” – Soren Kierkegaard

  4. Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” – John Lennon

  5. Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.” – Oliver Goldsmith

  6. Life is a long lesson in humility.” – James M. Barrie

  7. Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” – Helen Keller


  1. “Life is a journey with twisted paths and unexpected detours.”
  2. “In the complexity of life, find simplicity in the smallest moments.”
  3. “Life’s beauty lies in its intricate contradictions.”
  4. “Life is a puzzle with pieces that refuse to fit neatly together.”
  5. “The intricacies of life often baffle even the wisest minds.”
  6. “Life’s challenges are the shadows that give depth to its canvas.”
  7. “Life is a paradox: the more you seek clarity, the more elusive it becomes.”
  8. “Within the chaos of life, discover the harmony within yourself.”
  9. “Life’s complexities are the threads that weave the fabric of our existence.”
  10. “In the labyrinth of life, find solace in the beauty of the journey.”

  1. “Life’s journey is a tapestry woven with threads of joy and sorrow.”
  2. “Amidst life’s complexities, find simplicity in the pursuit of happiness.”
  3. “Life’s contradictions are the melodies that make its symphony complete.”
  4. “Life is a riddle waiting to be solved, yet the answers remain elusive.”
  5. “In the tapestry of life, every thread has its own story to tell.”
  6. “Life’s uncertainties are the fuel for our quest for meaning.”
  7. “Within the labyrinth of existence, find the courage to navigate the unknown.”
  8. “Life’s enigmas are the whispers of eternity in our mortal ears.”
  9. “Life is a complex equation with infinite variables, yet simplicity is often the solution.”
  10. “In the complexity of life, find peace in the simplicity of your own being.”
Quotes about Life is Complicated
  1. “Life’s contradictions are the echoes of our inner conflicts.”
  2. “Life is a mosaic of contradictions, each one adding depth to the whole.”
  3. “Within life’s intricate tapestry, find the thread of your own purpose.”
  4. “Life’s complications are the stepping stones to our personal evolution.”
  5. “In the labyrinth of life, find clarity in the depths of your soul.”
  6. “Life’s complexities are the brushstrokes that paint its masterpiece.”
  7. “Life is a dance of contradictions, where chaos meets harmony.”
  8. “Within the complexity of life, find simplicity in the present moment.”
  9. “Life’s contradictions are the mirrors reflecting our inner struggles.”
  10. “Life is a paradox: the more we know, the less we understand.”
  11. “Life is complicated, and sometimes messy, but that’s what makes it interesting.”

  1. “Life is complicated, but every twist and turn adds to the adventure.”
  2. “Life is complicated, but we navigate its complexities one day at a time.”
  3. “Life is complicated, yet beautiful in its complexity.”
  4. “Life is complicated, filled with layers that unravel over time.”
  5. “Life is complicated, but it’s the challenges that make us stronger.”
  6. “Life is complicated, and sometimes we get lost in its complexities.”
  7. “Life is complicated, but that’s what makes it worth living.”
  8. “Life is complicated, yet we find moments of simplicity within.”
  9. “Life is complicated, but it’s our experiences that shape us.”
  10. “Life is complicated, and sometimes we must embrace the uncertainty.”
  11. “Life is complicated, but it’s the complexities that make it rich.”


What To Do When Life Gets Hard: 12 Tips to Keep Moving Forward

Life is a crazy journey full of twists and turns.

One minute you’re cruising along, everything’s peachy, and the next, bam! You hit a bump, and suddenly things get messy.

It’s like trying to juggle a dozen balls at once – work, relationships, health, you name it.

When life throws you a curveball, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, lost, or just downright exhausted.

But fear not! We’ve all been there, and there are ways to navigate through the chaos.

  1. Take a Breather

First things first, take a deep breath. Seriously, inhale, exhale – it helps.

When life gets complicated, our stress levels skyrocket, and our minds start racing a mile a minute.

So, let’s slow things down for a second. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and try to clear your mind.

Trust me; it works wonders.


2. Acknowledge and Accept Your Feelings

Denying or suppressing emotions can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Instead, take a moment to tune in to how you’re feeling.

Whether it’s anger, sadness, frustration, or fear, allow yourself to experience these emotions without judgment.

Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means acknowledging reality and choosing to move forward with resilience.

By acknowledging and accepting your feelings, you’re validating your experiences and giving yourself permission to process them.

This self-awareness lays the foundation for healthy coping mechanisms and paves the way for building resilience in the face of adversity.

Remember, it’s okay not to be okay.


3. Stop Asking Why

Resist the urge to constantly ask “why”.

While seeking understanding is natural, fixating on the reasons behind your difficulties can lead to frustration and prolong your suffering.

Instead, focus on acceptance and problem-solving.

By letting go of the need for explanations and embracing a forward-thinking mindset, you empower yourself to overcome challenges and thrive despite adversity.

Redirect your energy towards finding solutions and taking proactive steps forward.

4. Step Back, Take Things One Step At a Time

Now that you’re feeling a tad calmer.

Assess the situation and tackle those complicated issues one at a time.

Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks.

Break them down into bite-sized chunks, like tackling your to-do list one task at a time.

By taking things one step at a time, you prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed and reduce the risk of burnout.

It’s less overwhelming that way, and you’ll feel like you’re making progress – because you are!

As you start accomplishing each task, you’ll gain momentum and confidence, making it easier to tackle the next challenge that comes your way.


5. Focus on What You Can Control

Instead of dwelling on things beyond your influence, shift your attention to the aspects of your life that you have power over.

Take inspiration from Stephen Covey’s concept of distinguishing between the Circle of Concern (external factors beyond control) and the Circle of Influence (internal actions that can be controlled). Focusing on the latter fosters proactive behavior and resilience, while obsessing over the former leads to frustration and disempowerment.

Prioritize what needs to be done first and focus your energy on that.

Whether it’s your attitude, actions, or choices, concentrating on what you can control empowers you to make a positive impact.

By channeling your energy into areas where you have agency, you cultivate a sense of purpose and resilience.

While you can’t control external circumstances, you can control how you respond to them.


6. Take Proactive Steps to Problem-Solve

Don’t just sit back and wait for things to magically improve.

Take proactive steps to problem-solve, by identifying the root cause of the issue, brainstorm potential solutions, and create an action plan.

By taking initiative and actively working towards a solution, you regain a sense of control and empowerment, making it easier to overcome obstacles and navigate difficult times.

What To Do When Complicated Life is Hard


7. Adapt to Change

Embrace flexibility and open-mindedness to navigate uncertain terrain.

Instead of resisting change, accept it as a natural part of life.

Assess the situation, identify necessary adjustments, and be willing to pivot your plans accordingly.

Cultivate resilience by viewing change as an opportunity for growth and learning.

The ability to adapt is not only essential for survival but also a catalyst for personal development and success in the face of adversity.


8. Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Seriously, you’re not in this alone.

Whether it’s leaning on a friend for emotional support, reaching out to a family member for advice, or seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor, there’s no shame in asking for a helping hand.

We all need a little support now and then, and it’s okay to admit when things get tough.


9. Cultivate Strong Social Connections

When life throws challenges your way, it’s tempting to retreat into solitude, shutting out the world.

However, isolating yourself can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and amplify your struggles.

Instead, cultivate meaningful relationships with friends, family, and supportive communities.

Share your feelings, seek comfort, lean on them for emotional support, encouragement, and practical help.

Connecting with loved ones reminds you that you’re not alone and provides a sense of belonging and understanding.

Reach out and let others walk beside you on your journey. Nurture these bonds through a heartfelt conversation, regular communication, a reassuring hug, or a virtual chat.

Surrounding yourself with a reliable support network provides comfort, reduces stress, and fosters resilience in navigating life’s challenges.

You’re not alone, and reaching out to others strengthens your ability to weather storms and find solace in shared experiences.

10. Self-Care

Practice self-care through exercise and proven relaxation methods.

Make time for yourself. Whether it’s indulging in a bubble bath, going for a walk in nature, or simply curling up with a good book, do whatever makes your soul happy.

Don’t forget to find joy through little things. Amidst the chaos, there are moments of pure, unadulterated joy – if you’re willing to look for them.

Take a moment to stop and smell the roses, laugh at a silly joke, or dance like nobody’s watching.

Because sometimes, it’s the little things that make life worth living.


11. Maintain a Positive Outlook, Set Achievable Goals

When life gets crazy, it’s easy to get tunnel vision and focus solely on the negatives.

But take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

Sure, things might be tough right now, but hey, this too shall pass.

And who knows? Maybe somewhere down the line, you’ll look back on this moment and realize it was a blessing in disguise.


12. Resist Temptation to Compare Yourself to Others

Each person’s journey is unique, and comparing yourself to someone else only breeds feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Stay true to yourself, embrace your individuality, and trust in your ability to overcome obstacles in your own time and way.

Focus instead on your own progress and achievements, however small they may seem.

Celebrate your strengths and acknowledge your efforts, recognizing that everyone faces their own challenges and setbacks.


Lyrics of “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne

Let’s wrap this up with the lyrics of “Complicated” by Avril – simply love this song!

Uh Huh, life’s like this
Uh Huh, uh Huh
That’s the way it is.

Cuz life’s like this
Uh huh, uh huh
That’s the way it is

Chill out
Whatcha yelling for?
Lay back
it’s all been done before
And if you could only let it be you would see

I like you the way you are
When we’re driving in your car
And you’re talking to me one-on-one
But you’ve become

Somebody else, round everyone else
You’re watching your back, like you can’t relax
You’re trying to be cool, you look like a fool to me
Tell me

Why’d you have to go and make things so complicated?
I see the way you’re
Acting like somebody else, gets me frustrated
Life’s like this and you’ll,
fall and you crawl and you break and you take what you get
And turn it into
Honesty promised me
I’m never gonna find you fake it.
No no no.

[Verse 2]
You come over unannounced
Dressed up like you’re somethin’ else
Where you are and where it’s at
You see, you’re makin’ me
Laugh out when you strike your pose
Take off all your preppy clothes
You know, you’re not foolin’
Anyone when you become

[Pre-Chorus]
Somebody else ’round everyone else
You’re watchin’ your back like you can’t relax
You’re tryna be cool, you look like a fool to me, tell me

[Chorus]
Why’d you have to go and make things so complicated?
I see the way you’re
Actin’ like you’re somebody else, gets me frustrated
Life’s like this, you
And you fall, and you crawl, and you break
And you take what you get and you turn it into
Honesty and promise me, I’m never gonna find you fake it
No, no, no (No)
No (No), no, (No)
No (No), no, (No)
No (No), no (No), no, no (No)


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So, there you have it – a few nuggets of wisdom for navigating life’s complicated moments.

Remember, you’re stronger than you think, and you’ve got a whole army of supporters cheering you on.

Take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and tackle those challenges head-on.