Creating Change With Positive Affirmations

Positive affirmations are short statements that aim to challenge negative thoughts and promote feelings of confidence, self-worth, and optimism. By repeating them regularly, the aim is to gradually shift your inner narrative and cultivate a more positive mindset.

Positive affirmations can be a helpful tool to manage anxiety. They work by reframing negative thoughts and promoting feelings of calm and self-belief. Here are some examples you can use:

General Anxiety

- "I am safe and in control."
- "This feeling is temporary. I will be okay."
- "I am not my anxiety. My thoughts don't control me. I control my thoughts."
- "I inhale peace and exhale worry."
- "I trust myself to handle difficult situations."

Focus on Strength

- "I am strong and capable."
- "I have overcome challenges before, and I can do it again."
- "I believe in myself."
- "I am worthy of love and happiness."

Letting Go

- "I can choose to let go of negative thoughts and emotions."
- "I release what happened in the past and focus on the present."
- "I don't have to be perfect. My best is enough."

Finding Calm

- "I am here, now, and I am well."
- "I can relax my muscles and calm my mind."
- "I take things one day at a time."
- "I am grateful for the good things in my life."
- "I am not alone. There are people who care about me and want to help." 

Positive affirmations can also be implemented to aid with low self-esteem. Below are some tips on how to use them:

Finding Your Affirmations:

• Identify your self-esteem struggles: What negative thoughts do you find yourself dwelling on? Are they about your abilities, appearance, or relationships? Here are some examples: "I'm not good enough," "I'm unattractive," or "I'll never be successful."

• Flip the script: Once you identify these negative thoughts, turn them into positive affirmations. Instead of "I'm not good enough," try "I am worthy and capable."

• Keep it personal and believable: Choose affirmations that resonate with you. Don't pick something generic if it feels inauthentic.

• Focus on present and positive: Use strong, present-tense language. Statements like "I am confident" are more effective than "I will be confident someday."

Self-Compassion

- "I forgive myself for my mistakes."
- "Everyone makes mistakes, that's okay."
- "I am kind and compassionate towards myself."
- "I am learning and growing every day."
- "I focus on progress, not perfection."

General Confidence

- "I believe in myself and my abilities."
- "I am capable of achieving my goals."
- "I am worthy of love and respect."
- "I am strong and resilient."
- "I am enough, just as I am."

 Additional Tips:

• Be patient: Building self-esteem takes time and consistent effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results overnight.

• Combine with other techniques: Affirmations work well alongside other strategies like gratitude journaling, self-compassion exercises, or celebrating your achievements.

• Seek professional help: If your low self-esteem is severe or interfering with your daily life, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide additional support and guidance.