Taking the time to focus on positive thinking can change your outlook on life. If you or your child are feeling anxious, making time to speak positive affirmations can be a helpful way to promote positive thinking.
What is an affirmation?
"Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. When you repeat them often, and believe in them, you can start to make positive changes." MindTools
Here is a list of 35 powerful positive thought affirmations that you can you and your whole family can practice.
Affirmations for Resilience:
I am courageous and I stand up for myself.
I can change. Each day is an opportunity for growth.
My thoughts are filled with positivity.
I can handle whatever comes my way.
This is hard, but I am stronger.
Though these times are difficult, I have the strength to navigate them.
Affirmations for Courage:
I wake up today with strength in my heart and clarity in my mind.
I am capable of doing whatever I set my mind to.
My will to succeed is greater than my fear of failure.
I trust my instincts; they are putting me on the right path.
I recognize my strengths and lean into them.
I can become whoever I want to be.
Affirmations for Self-Love:
I am worthy of taking up space.
I am worthy of expressing my feelings.
I am loving and accepting of myself and others.
I will proudly let my light shine.
I am worthy of taking up space.
Famous Affirmations:
"I am in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing," Louise Hay
"Conscious breathing is my anchor" Thích Nhất Hạnh
"You are loved just for being who you are, just for existing" Ram Dass
"The chance to love and be loved exists no matter where you are," Oprah
"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves been seen." Bréne Brown
"Am I good enough? Yes, I am." Michelle Obama
"Your perspective is unique. It’s important and it counts." Glenn Close
"Nothing can dim the light that shines from within." Maya Angelou
Gentle Affirmations:
You might be thinking, there's no way I am going to trick myself into believing this affirmation is true. If these affirmations feel too strong, try one of these. They can help us as we work our positive thinking muscle. It takes time and it's okay if you want an affirmation that rings truer to you.
I am working on being a strong person.
I am nervous but I am still going to try.
Each day I grow a little stronger.
I am going to try to do my best.
I can be afraid and still be proud of my accomplishments.
Affirmations For Kids:
I am kind.
I am smart.
I am brave.
I am strong.
I am loved.
If you want to bring positive thinking into your household check out these free positive affirmation worksheets. Spend an afternoon with your child(ren) and develop your own "I am" statements. Help your child pin it up in a place where they see it daily. Like beside their bed. Have them practice saying the "I am" statements each day. I like to keep sticky notes of my positive affirmations in my vanity so I can read them when I get ready each day. I have always loved the one from the "A Course in Miracles", "Where would You have me go? What would You have me do? What would you have me say, and to whom?".
Ways to Practice Positive Affirmations:
- Write them out (in a journal or on a notebook)
- Say them to yourself (if you can do it in a mirror this can be very powerful)
- Put them up in post-it notes in places you will see them each day (on your mirror, in your wardrobe)
- Record yourself saying them and listen to it (before bed or when you wake up)
Note that if you are experiencing frequent negative thinking, that speaking to a medical professional can be a great step to improving your mental health. Working with a professional to navigate your anxiety or negative thinking can provide you with tools and guidance you need to manage your mental health. There is no one size fits all solution for shifting our thinking and incorporating professional help along with tools like positive affirmations can be beneficial.
