When it comes to affirmations, it’s easy to be skeptical. “Stare at myself in the mirror and repeat something over and over to myself? Yeah, okay.” But research has shown time and time again that affirmations increase an individual’s sense of self-worth and positive emotions. When we verbally affirm our dreams and ambitions, we are instantly empowered with a deep sense of reassurance that our wishful words will become reality.
How does this work? Affirmations have actually been proven to rewire our brains. Much like exercise, they raise the level of feel-good hormones and push our brains to form new clusters of “positive thought.” With this in mind, it’s easy to understand why the word affirmation comes from the Latin affirmare, originally meaning “to make steady, strengthen.”
You can either find an affirmation that already exists and relates to your current experience, or you can create your own. Below, we’ve laid out 10 of our favorite affirmations you can choose from, as well as the best method for creating your own.
Our 10 Favorite Affirmations
- Everything that is happening is happening for my ultimate good.
- I wake up today with strength in my heart and clarity in my mind.
- I am conquering my illness; I am defeating it steadily each day.
- My efforts are being supported by the universe; my dreams manifest into reality before my eyes.
- I acknowledge my own self-worth; my confidence is soaring.
- Though these times are difficult, they are only a short phase of life.
- My thoughts are filled with positivity and my life is plentiful with prosperity.
- A river of compassion washes away my anger and replaces it with love.
- I am at peace with all that has happened, is happening, and will happen.
- I forgive those who have harmed me in my past and peacefully detach from them.
Do these not quite fit what you’re needing or trying to accomplish on the daily? Well, we’re excited to share that you get to be as creative as you want! Here are 5 tips to get you started:
Tips for Creating Your Own Affirmations
- Make sure you keep your affirmations somewhat short so that they are easier for you to remember. Even statements that are four or five words can be tremendously powerful.
- Start your affirmation with “I” or “My.” For example, “I choose to think positive thoughts” is better than “Positive thoughts are coming to my mind.”
- Don’t begin your affirmations with “I want” or “ I need.” Affirmations focus on what you already have or are rather than what you’re wanting and needing.
- Make sure your affirmation is a positive statement. This includes eliminating negative words, such as “don’t,” “won’t,” “am not,” “can’t,” “not,” “doesn’t,” or “am stopping.” For example, instead of saying “I’m eliminating my miserable thoughts,” create an affirmation such as, “I am overflowing with positive thoughts.”
- You can also add an emotion to your affirmation
If you can’t choose, here’s even more good news: You can select multiple that resonate with your current experience to incorporate into your routine. Let us know which affirmation is your favorite in the comments below and, if you challenged yourself to write your own, share it with us! We’d love to see what you came up with.