Some wishes try to give someone the world; this one asks for balance. When people say i wish u enough, they’re offering a blessing of contentment, gratitude, and steadying hope for real life—not perfection. The phrase is widely linked to author Bob Perks and a short airport-scene story that spread online and in print, including a gift book. mentalhealthmatch.com+2kindspring.org+2
Over time, the wording appeared in many versions, but the heart stayed the same: may you have just enough good to carry you through the hard. Laurie Grad
Quick Answer
“I wish you enough” means a blessing for balance—just enough good to sustain you through life’s ups and downs, not endless more. mentalhealthmatch.com
Table of Contents
• What “I Wish You Enough” Really Means
• Who Wrote “I Wish You Enough”?
• The Airport Story: How The Phrase Went Viral
• Short Alternatives To The Original Lines
• Farewell Messages Using “I Wish You Enough”
• Comfort & Condolence: “I Wish You Enough” For Funerals
• Birthday Wishes With “I Wish You Enough”
• For Friends: Gentle, Everyday Blessings
• For Daughter: Warm Lines She’ll Keep
• For Son: Quiet Strength In One-Liners
• For Couples & Partners
• For Coworkers & Farewells At Work
• One-Line Captions For Instagram & Cards
• Thoughtful, Slightly Funny Variants
• How To Respond When Someone Says “I Wish You Enough”
• Book Notes: Themes From “I Wish You Enough”
TL;DR
• It’s a blessing for balance and resilience.
• Linked to Bob Perks; many variants circulate.
• Safe to use at farewells and condolences.
• Use short, modern alternatives to avoid long quotes.
• Reply with thanks and a gentle reciprocal wish.
What “I Wish You Enough” Really Means
The phrase blesses someone with balance: enough joy to sustain, enough challenge to deepen gratitude. Sources describe it as a wish for contentment that carries you through real life. contentment gratitude
• Enough courage to try, even when unsure.
• Enough calm to breathe when plans change.
• Enough light to find the next step.
• Enough rest so tomorrow feels possible.
• Enough wonder to notice small joys.
• Enough grit to grow after setbacks.
• Enough laughter to soften long days.
• Enough kindness to give and receive.
• Enough patience to let timing ripen.
• Enough wisdom to choose what matters.
• Enough humility to keep learning.
• Enough hope to start again. mentalhealthmatch.com
Who Wrote “I Wish You Enough”?
Most attributions point to Bob Perks, who published a gift book with this title; many online reprints tie the text to his story. Bob Perks gift book
• Common attribution goes to writer/speaker Bob Perks. Goodreads
• A gift book of the same name is commercially available. Amazon
• Online quote hubs echo that authorship. Goodreads
• The phrase predates social feeds; email forwards spread it. kindspring.org
• You’ll see small wording shifts across reposts. Laurie Grad
• When in doubt, credit Bob Perks in cards. Goodreads
• Avoid pasting long blocks from random blogs. California State University, Northridge
• Keep your message short and personal.
• Paraphrase rather than copy full “lines.”
• Share why the wish fits this moment.
• Add one memory if appropriate.
• Close with your name and date for keepsake.
The Airport Story: How The Phrase Went Viral
Many sites retell a short scene: a parent and adult child saying goodbye at a gate; a bystander asks about the phrase; a list of “enough” lines follows. Chicken Soup circulation
• Versions appear on community sites and blogs. kindspring.org+1
• Retellings note the wish passed down in families. kindspring.org
• Blogs acknowledge multiple circulating versions. Laurie Grad
• The scene format aided viral email sharing. kindspring.org
• Some prints list mother/daughter; others father/daughter. California State University, Northridge
• Core meaning stays consistent across tellings. kindspring.org
• Use the story as context, not a script.
• Keep any excerpts brief and attributed.
• Focus your note on the recipient.
• Choose present-tense warmth over drama.
• Two sentences often say enough.
• Pair with a simple memory, not a lecture.
• Close with a specific, gentle hope.
Short Alternatives To The Original Lines
Here are modern, paraphrased one-liners inspired by the theme—safe for cards, captions, and speeches. simple wishes balance
• May you have enough light to see the path.
• Enough rain to love the sun again.
• Enough quiet for your thoughts to settle.
• Enough laughter to carry through the week.
• Enough challenge to keep you brave.
• Enough pauses to notice the view.
• Enough gratitude to soften the hard parts.
• Enough kindness meeting you at the door.
• Enough patience for the slow miracles.
• Enough wonder to keep curiosity alive.
• Enough rest to greet the morning well.
• Enough love to feel at home anywhere.
• Enough wisdom to choose the smaller, better thing.
• Enough courage to start before you’re ready.
Farewell Messages Using “I Wish You Enough”
For goodbyes, keep it short and human. send-off hope
• I wish you enough courage for your next chapter.
• Enough new friends, and time to keep the old.
• Enough detours that lead to better vistas.
• Enough luck to meet your hard work halfway.
• Enough quiet nights to hear your heart.
• Enough good coffee for early starts.
• Enough clear skies when it matters most.
• Enough open doors—and wisdom to choose.
• Enough peace to travel light.
• Enough grace when plans change.
• Enough lessons without losing joy.
• Enough boldness to ask for help.
• Enough laughter in every city.
• Enough kindness to feel at home.
Comfort & Condolence: “I Wish You Enough” For Funerals
Many faith and reflection sites use the phrase to express balanced comfort: not denial, but sustaining hope. sympathy peace
• I wish you enough light for today’s step. Hope 103.2
• Enough quiet to hear the memories.
• Enough tears to honor the love.
• Enough rest while the tasks pile up.
• Enough help from hands around you.
• Enough stories to feel them near.
• Enough warmth when the house feels large.
• Enough patience with your own heart.
• Enough strength to accept care.
• Enough grace to cancel small things.
• Enough calm when waves return.
• Enough peace to sleep tonight.
• Enough moments that make you smile.
• Enough hope for tomorrow’s morning.
Birthday Wishes With “I Wish You Enough”
Keep birthdays grounded and bright. joy blessings
• I wish you enough wonder to stay curious.
• Enough health to chase the fun.
• Enough friends to fill a long table.
• Enough wins to keep momentum.
• Enough surprises to remember this year.
• Enough courage to try the hard thing.
• Enough rest between celebrations.
• Enough wisdom to choose the joyful no.
• Enough kindness returning to you.
• Enough art, music, and messy laughter.
• Enough adventures with safe returns.
• Enough light on every candle wish.
• Enough gratitude to savor this age.
• Enough love that you feel it daily.
For Friends: Gentle, Everyday Blessings
Friends carry us through ordinary time. friendship support
• I wish you enough calm to answer softly.
• Enough silliness to break the tension.
• Enough long walks and honest talks.
• Enough shared meals and inside jokes.
• Enough playlists for road trips.
• Enough porch sunsets and easy silence.
• Enough courage to say what’s true.
• Enough forgiveness for small misses.
• Enough growth that we cheer aloud.
• Enough photos we’ll laugh about later.
• Enough help you don’t have to ask for.
• Enough reasons to stay in touch.
• Enough hopes we keep together.
• Enough joy for an ordinary Tuesday.
For Daughter: Warm Lines She’ll Keep
Speak to her steady center. proud courage
• I wish you enough quiet to hear your wisdom.
• Enough sparkle that’s still your own.
• Enough no’s that guard your yes.
• Enough friends who clap for real.
• Enough mentors who open doors.
• Enough resilience to outlast doubt.
• Enough curiosity to redraw maps.
• Enough rest from being everything.
• Enough grace when you’re learning.
• Enough wins to trust your path.
• Enough wonder to keep art alive.
• Enough roots to feel at home.
• Enough skies to dream bigger.
• Enough love that you never question it.
For Son: Quiet Strength In One-Liners
Aim for courage with kindness. character resilience
• I wish you enough strength to stay gentle.
• Enough patience to lead without noise.
• Enough mentors who model integrity.
• Enough detours that teach wisdom.
• Enough work that builds skill.
• Enough rest to think clearly.
• Enough teammates who make you better.
• Enough humor to defuse the heat.
• Enough grit to finish the long mile.
• Enough curiosity to ask better questions.
• Enough humility after the win.
• Enough courage to stand with others.
• Enough clarity to choose your values.
• Enough joy that you remember to play.
For Couples & Partners
Keep love practical and bright. love patience
• I wish us enough adventure to keep wonder.
• Enough rituals that feel like home.
• Enough honest talks before sleep.
• Enough grace for the unglamorous parts.
• Enough laughter while folding laundry.
• Enough dates on the calendar.
• Enough shared goals and solo dreams.
• Enough forgiveness for the small stuff.
• Enough courage to ask for help.
• Enough boundaries that protect us.
• Enough kindness in our tone.
• Enough celebration of ordinary days.
• Enough patience when we’re tired.
• Enough hope to plan far ahead.
For Coworkers & Farewells At Work
Professional, warm, brief. teamwork appreciation
• I wish you enough clarity for big calls.
• Enough good peers in the new place.
• Enough wins you can measure.
• Enough autonomy to do your best work.
• Enough feedback that helps, not hurts.
• Enough balance to log off on time.
• Enough learning that stays fun.
• Enough recognition for quiet impact.
• Enough coffee and fewer fires.
• Enough calm when priorities shift.
• Enough morale to lift the room.
• Enough mentors still cheering you on.
• Enough bridges you never burn.
• Enough pride when you look back.
One-Line Captions For Instagram & Cards
Short, skimmable, heartfelt. short lines aesthetic
• Enough light for the next step.
• Enough rain to love the sun.
• Enough calm to hear yourself.
• Enough grit to finish well.
• Enough wonder to stay young.
• Enough patience for good timing.
• Enough quiet to notice joy.
• Enough kindness in both directions.
• Enough courage to go again.
• Enough rest to feel human.
• Enough hope to try tomorrow.
• Enough love to feel at home.
• Enough truth to walk steady.
• Enough joy in small things.
Thoughtful, Slightly Funny Variants
Keep it kind; smile, don’t snark. lighthearted gentle humor
• I wish you enough Wi-Fi for the group chat.
• Enough socks that actually match.
• Enough coffee, not a caffeine plot twist.
• Enough naps to trust Mondays again.
• Enough playlists for good traffic.
• Enough PTO you’ll actually use.
• Enough green lights on errand day.
• Enough leftovers that taste better.
• Enough pens that don’t vanish.
• Enough chairs that aren’t wobbly.
• Enough apps that don’t update mid-task.
• Enough sunshine on laundry day.
• Enough memes to text your mom.
• Enough batteries in the remote.
How To Respond When Someone Says “I Wish You Enough”
Reply with thanks and mirror the intent; simple is best. thank you reciprocate
• “Thank you—that means a lot. I wish you enough, too.”
• “I’ll carry that with me. Wishing you enough as well.”
• “Thanks. May you have enough light for your week.”
• “I appreciate that. Enough peace for you today.”
• “That’s beautiful—enough joy to find you daily.”
• “Grateful for you. Enough strength for what’s next.”
• “I’ll remember this. Enough calm for your long day.”
• “I receive it. Enough hope to meet you tomorrow.”
• “Thanks for this blessing. Enough kindness both ways.”
• “Thank you. Enough rest and a great morning.”
• “Deep thanks—enough courage for your big leap.”
• “With love—enough laughter to carry you.” Hope 103.2
Book Notes: Themes From “I Wish You Enough”
The gift book frames eight values as “enough” wishes—contentment through balance, not excess. gratitude balance
• A published gift book collects these sentiments. Amazon
• Values emphasize ordinary grace and perspective. Amazon
• It’s often used for farewells and encouragement. Goodreads
• Keep references brief when quoting.
• Prefer your own, short paraphrases.
• Use one value to theme a card.
• Tie a wish to one lived memory.
• Consider a handwritten note inside.
• Add a small date for keepsake.
• Close with a two-line blessing.
FAQs
What does “I wish you enough” mean in plain words?
It’s a blessing for balance—enough good to sustain you through life’s ups and downs—often used at farewells and in notes of encouragement. mentalhealthmatch.com
Who wrote “I Wish You Enough”?
The phrase and popular airport-scene story are widely attributed to writer Bob Perks, including on book and quote pages carrying his name. Goodreads+1
Is it a poem, a story, or a quote?
It circulates as a short story that includes a series of “I wish you enough…” lines; many sites post it as a poem or prose-poem. Multiple versions exist online. kindspring.org+1
Why are there different versions?
Viral email and blog reprints introduced small wording shifts (e.g., who says goodbye to whom). The core meaning remains consistent. California State University, Northridge+1
Is it appropriate for funerals or sympathy cards?
Yes—many reflections use the phrase in grief contexts because it offers gentle, balanced comfort rather than clichés. Keep your message short and personal. Hope 103.2
Conclusion
“I wish you enough” isn’t about settling; it’s about sufficiency with heart. Use it to bless someone with balance—then add one true sentence that only you could write for them.
Emma Blake is an American writer who specializes in everyday messages and captions for real conversations. At Wishhmii, she contributes to many types of content, including wishes for family, friends, partners, colleagues, and online communities. Emma’s writing blends natural language with thoughtful structure so readers can quickly find a line that fits their tone—whether it’s for a chat, a card, or a social media post.