“I am so tired”, “I am so late”, “I am so busy”, “I am so stressed.” Sound familiar? How often do you find yourself expressing thoughts like these? When was the last time you proudly stated, “I am so in love with my life,” or “I’m having a great day today”? It’s time to shift that narrative.
Affirmations are concise yet powerful statements that help you assert truths to your subconscious mind—essentially turning your unconscious thoughts into conscious ones. Many of the most impactful affirmations begin with “I am.” Research has shown that affirmations can actually alter brain function down to a cellular level; our thoughts are directly connected to our level of health. Affirmations can empower you by raising your awareness of your thoughts and motivating you to surround yourself with positivity.
When life feels overwhelming, one of my favorite ways to cope is through meditation and affirmations. Write them down in a journal, on sticky notes, or in your planner, and read or recite them daily. The more frequently you use these affirmations, the more believable they will become.
I AM MEANT TO HAVE AN AMAZING LIFE
This is one of my favorite affirmations, which I use every day. It’s easy to feel envious when comparing your life to others, whether it’s their career, family, or lifestyle. You might think, “It’s easy for them; they don’t struggle like I do.” Every time you have such a thought, you’re making excuses. You’re telling yourself that you don’t deserve good things or that you don’t believe you can have a fulfilling life. No matter how monotonous your life feels, remember that you are destined for greatness. Once you embrace this idea, you’ll begin to notice the beautiful aspects of your life and seek out even more joy and fulfillment.
I AM DOING THE BEST I CAN
How often do you give yourself credit for your accomplishments? We frequently go after greater goals and can be harsh judges of our own efforts. When you feel overwhelmed, it might seem like things are crumbling around you. Remind yourself that you’re doing your best and allow yourself to take breaks when needed; it’s okay not to do it all at once.
I LOVE MYSELF UNCONDITIONALLY, RIGHT NOW
I once kept a note on my mirror that read, “I accept myself unconditionally, right now.” Eventually, I changed “accept” to “love” because love carries a much deeper meaning. Acceptance is about tolerating or acknowledging; love is about nurturing and caring. How would your life change if you loved every part of yourself? This isn’t about vanity—it’s about self-acceptance and confidence. If you’re struggling with self-worth, I recommend reading Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It by Kamal Ravikant. This book had a profound impact on my life, especially during my struggles with depression.
I FORGIVE MYSELF AND SET MYSELF FREE
Do you find yourself upset or blaming yourself for mistakes and setbacks? Forgiving yourself is essential for emotional freedom. Holding onto blame only increases anxiety. Life won’t always go as planned, so when things go awry, take a moment to breathe and say, “I forgive myself; I set myself free.”
I AM IN CONTROL OF MY LIFE
While certain events are beyond your control, you can decide how to respond. Don’t allow negativity from others to affect you. Remind yourself that you are the one in control. Life has its ups and downs, but the key is to accept circumstances as they come, rather than letting them dictate your emotions. You can choose how you react—either allowing events to overwhelm you or accepting them and moving forward.
I MAKE PEACE WITH THE PRESENT MOMENT
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate on the present moment” – Buddha
This affirmation is particularly useful for those prone to overthinking. It’s crucial to stay present and appreciate each moment. While this can be challenging, especially when you tend to ruminate on the past or fret about the future, there is something wonderful about living in the now. When you make peace with the present, free your mind from judgment, and experience each moment fully, life transforms dramatically.
Recognizing when to pause and focus on your wellbeing is crucial, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Many of us are juggling multiple responsibilities and concerns simultaneously. Remember, it’s possible to live with both purpose and passion.
