We are constantly bombarded with negative thoughts. Whether they come from the news, job losses, or financial troubles, these thoughts can have a significant impact on our mental health. If you find that your self-talk is overwhelmingly negative, then it’s time to take action.
The first step in changing this is to identify and acknowledge those thoughts as soon as they enter your head. When a negative thought comes into your mind, start to acknowledge that this voice is a pattern you’ve created and that you don’t need to let it control your feelings.
Step two is to eliminate the thought right then and there. These negative thoughts are often formed over time, meaning they also take some effort to remove from your mind. Once you realize what’s happening, acknowledge it with compassion for yourself, saying something like, “I’m sorry you had to go through that,” and then let the thought go.
Affirmations are powerful tools for self-reflection, so they can be an effective way to release negative thoughts from your mind. Write down your most common negative thoughts on a piece of paper or in a journal app, then write positive affirmations to address those negative thoughts. For example, if you have a habit of saying that you’re not good enough, then write an affirmation like “I am worthy” or “I’m doing the best I can.”
Affirmations are a great way to learn how your mind works and heal from previous trauma, so be patient with yourself as you try them out. If you feel yourself getting defensive or frustrated, acknowledge that and let those feelings go as well.
Here are 30 powerful affirmations that can help you to rewire your negative thoughts into positive thoughts.
1.
Negative thought: I’m not good enough, so why try?
Positive affirmation: I am worthy of love and happiness. Today I choose love for myself.
2.
Negative thought: I wish my life could be different.
Positive affirmation: I choose how to live my life.
3.
Negative thought: I can’t do it.
Positive affirmation: I am brave enough to try new things.
4.
Negative thought: I’m not sure if this is the right decision.
Positive affirmation: I trust myself to make the best choice for my happiness today.
5.
Negative thought: Nobody cares about me.
Positive affirmation: I know I am cared for by many people in my life.
6.
Negative thought: I’m not strong enough to do this on my own.
Positive affirmation: Today, I am brave and strong because I believe in myself.
7.
Negative thought: They don’t like me the way that they used to.
Positive affirmation: People come and go in life, and that is okay.
8.
Negative thought: I’m not going to get anywhere with this problem.
Positive affirmation: This obstacle will make me stronger if I let it.
9.
Negative thought: Life isn’t fair.
Positive affirmation: I can change my perspective to be grateful for what I have.
10.
Negative thought: This is too much work for me to handle.
Positive affirmation: I am strong enough to do this, one step at a time.
11.
Negative thought: I can’t live with all of this pain.
Positive affirmation: I will get through this.
12.
Negative thought: People are judging me right now for what I’m doing or saying.
Positive affirmation: I am valid and my self-expression matters.
13.
Negative thought: I am burned out.
Positive affirmation: I deserve rest because I am doing my best.
14.
Negative thought: I am anxious and worried about the future.
Positive affirmation: I am safe right now.
15.
Negative thought: I can’t handle this right now, maybe later.
Positive affirmation: Today is the day to start fresh for what matters most in my life.
16.
Negative thought: I feel like an imposter.
Positive affirmation: I am absolutely, perfectly, and effortlessly me.
17.
Negative thought: Everyone else is doing better than I am in my career or in life.
Positive affirmation: My unique journey was made just for me.
18.
Negative thought: I don’t feel heard in life.
Positive affirmation: I deeply listen to and honor my personal needs.
19.
Negative thought: Nothing ever works out for me.
Positive affirmation: I can find beauty in the struggles of life.
20.
Negative thought: I wish things were easier for me than they are right now.
Positive affirmation: I am exactly where I need to be in order to grow.
21.
Negative thought: I’m tired all of the time.
Positive affirmation: I am open to receiving rest and rejuvenation.
22.
Negative thought: Everybody is happier than me right now.
Positive affirmation: I accept happiness in my own time, not based on the circumstances of others around me. .
23.
Negative thought: I’ll never achieve my goals.
Positive affirmation: I keep moving towards my goals, one step at a time.
24.
Negative thought: I don’t have enough money or resources.
Positive affirmation: I know how to take care of myself.
25.
Negative thought: I am really upset at someone for what they did to me.
Positive affirmation: I release and forgive those who have hurt me.
26.
Negative thought: I can’t find a partner in life right now.
Positive affirmation: I’m attracting my perfect match.
27.
Negative thought: I don’t like the way I look.
Positive affirmation: I am beautiful.
28.
Negative thought: I’m not smart enough.
Positive affirmation: I know I’m smart enough.
29.
Negative thought: I don’t have time to do anything for myself right now.
Positive affirmation: I make time for what matters the most.
30.
Negative thought: People don’t respect my opinions or ideas in life.
Positive affirmation: My voice is valuable.
Final Thoughts
Affirmations are a powerful way to heal ourselves with practice. When we use an affirmation to replace a negative thought, we are “weeding the garden” of our mind and making sure that there is room for healthy positive ideas to grow.
When you start practicing them, affirmations can help build your confidence and self-esteem by telling yourself the things that should be true about yourself. If you’re struggling with negativity or anxiety, set aside 5 minutes each morning before work or school for an affirmation exercise. You’ll soon notice deep changes in how you feel about and see yourself.