The Give Yourself Kindness Affirmation Cards
Affirmation cards that help you quiet your inner critic and talk to yourself with the same kindness you'd give a friend
Description
Affirmation Cards That Don't Feel Fake
Tired of affirmation cards that make you feel worse when you're struggling? These are different.
Instead of demanding you "be positive" when life is hard, these affirmation cards acknowledge that struggle is part of being human—and you deserve kindness through it.
Imagine starting your morning with words that feel true. Cards that say "I can't be perfect and I don't need to be" instead of "I am perfect." Words that give you permission to be human, not pressure to pretend everything's fine.
That's what self-compassion affirmation cards do—they meet you where you are and help you respond to yourself with the same kindness you'd give a friend.
Collette Jones, LCSW
Licensed Therapist & Practice Owner
"These cards are a beautiful tool that offer gentle reminders to soothe the mind, ease tension, and cultivate a sense of peace. Unlike other affirmations that can veer into forced positivity, these cards focus on affirming self-acceptance and self-compassion."
Why These Affirmation Cards Actually Work
Most affirmation cards use generic positive thinking that backfires. Clinical psychologists explain that for people struggling with low self-esteem or harsh self-talk, traditional positive affirmations ("I'm amazing!" "I'm confident!") can actually make you feel worse—they create a gap between what you're supposed to believe and what you actually feel.
Read what 5 psychologists say about why affirmations work (or don't) →
The Self-Compassion Difference
Self-compassion affirmations work differently: They acknowledge difficulty and remind you that imperfection is human. Licensed therapists use these cards with clients specifically because they're grounded in self-compassion principles, not empty positivity.
What Makes These Affirmation Cards Different
- Therapist-backed and used in clinical practice — Mental health professionals use these cards with clients working on anxiety, self-criticism, and building self-worth
- Self-compassion principles (not toxic positivity) — Every affirmation is designed using Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) principles
- 60 unique affirmations across 3 sets — Never repetitive. Each card offers genuine support with words you'll actually believe
- Acknowledge struggle instead of ignoring it — These aren't "good vibes only" cards. They validate your real experience while helping you respond with kindness
Margaret Davis, MS, LPC
Licensed Therapist
"These affirmations are truly so beautiful and powerful! When I read them, I instantly feel a sense of groundedness and calm. I also love that they are centered around having more compassion and kindness for ourselves. I will definitely be utilizing these with my clients, as well as practicing them myself."
What Daily Life Looks Like With These Cards
Morning scenario: You wake up and draw a card from your bedside table. It says "Just because I have a thought doesn't mean it's true." You prop it on your bathroom mirror and notice it while getting ready—a gentle reminder when your inner critic starts listing everything you should be worried about today.
Work scenario: It's 2pm and you've made a mistake. Your desk card catches your eye: "I can't be perfect and I don't need to be." Instead of spiraling into harsh self-criticism, you take a breath. The kind voice is there when you need it.
That's how these affirmation cards work: Not by forcing you to believe something you don't, but by making compassion as familiar as criticism. Over 3-4 weeks of seeing these words daily, the kind inner voice becomes stronger and more accessible.
How to Use Your Affirmation Cards
- Morning ritual: Draw a card each day for gentle encouragement as you start your morning
- Desk companion: Keep one visible at your workspace where you'll see it during stressful moments
- Visible reminders: Prop on your bathroom mirror, bedside table, or anywhere you need kindness (brass stand or glass frame available)
- Difficult moments: Keep the deck accessible to draw from when your inner voice is being harsh
- Therapy support: Use between sessions to reinforce self-compassion work
Read the complete guide: How to Use Affirmation Cards →
These Affirmation Cards Are Perfect If You:
- Struggle with negative self-talk or harsh inner criticism
- Find traditional "positive thinking" affirmations feel fake or make you feel worse
- Want to be kinder to yourself but don't know where to start
- Are working through anxiety, stress, perfectionism, or low self-worth
- Want something evidence-based, not just Instagram quotes
- Are a therapist seeking research-backed tools for clients
- Are looking for a meaningful gift for someone who's hard on themselves
A Thoughtful Gift That Shows Someone They Deserve Kindness
These affirmation cards make a meaningful gift for anyone who needs more gentleness with themselves. Perfect for friends going through difficult times, family members struggling with anxiety or self-doubt, or colleagues experiencing burnout.
Add a personalized gift message at checkout and we'll handwrite it and include it with your order—making your gift even more personal.
What's Included With Your Affirmation Cards
- 20 affirmation cards per set (choose from 3 different sets or bundle for 40 or 60 cards)
- Premium quality: Printed in the UK on luxury 270gsm card stock from FSC-certified forests
- Eco-friendly: Completely plastic-free packaging
- Suitable for adults and teens
- Optional display options: Add a minimalist brass stand or luxury copper and glass frame to keep your cards visible
- Free handwritten gift note: Just add your message at checkout
What These Cards Help You Do
- Ease harsh self-talk and self-criticism
- Build self-worth that isn't dependent on achievement or perfection
- Respond to yourself with the same kindness you'd give a friend
- Navigate difficult emotions without forcing positivity
- Create a kinder, more supportive inner voice over time
Want to Learn More?
Why These Affirmation Cards Are Different
Tired of affirmation cards that feel fake or make you feel worse when you're struggling?
These cards were created specifically to solve these problems:
✓ Rooted in Self-Compassion (Not Toxic Positivity)
Every affirmation validates your real experience. No "just be positive" or "good vibes only." These cards help you respond to yourself with kindness—especially when things are hard.
"Unlike other affirmations that can veer into forced positivity, these cards focus on affirming self-acceptance and self-compassion."
✓ Research-Backed & Therapist Recommended
Carefully designed using self-compassion principles recommended by clinical psychologists. Used by therapists with clients worldwide.
✓ 60 Unique Affirmations
Three different sets with 20 cards each. Never repetitive. Each affirmation offers genuine support that feels real.
"I love that these affirmations don't make me feel pressured to feel a certain way, but I've really noticed that looking at them regularly has made a real impact on the way I speak to myself."
✓ Premium Quality
Printed in the UK on luxury 270gsm FSC-certified card. Plastic-free packaging. Made to last.
Who These Are For
These cards are perfect if you:
- Are tired of "good vibes only" affirmations that ignore your real struggles
- Want to change your negative self-talk but don't know where to start
- Need daily reminders to be kinder to yourself
- Are working through anxiety, stress, or difficult emotions
- Want something backed by research, not just Instagram quotes
- Are looking for a meaningful gift for someone who's hard on themselves
- Are a therapist seeking evidence-based tools for clients
- Have tried affirmations before but found them too "fake" or forced
These cards are also wonderful for:
- Supporting someone through a difficult time
- Mental health awareness initiatives in workplaces
- Adding to your therapy or counseling practice
- Self-care routines and mindfulness practices
- Anyone on a self-compassion or personal growth journey
Peek Inside:
"My setbacks are setups for stronger comebacks."
"I can try, even when I don't feel 100% ready."
"Just because I have a thought, doesn't mean it's true."
"I can't be perfect and I don't need to be."
"Whenever I notice I am saying 'I should', I stop and find another word."
"I can use my breath as a tool to find calm, taking deep, slow breaths."
Each set contains 20 unique affirmations like these
Recommended by Mental Health Professionals
Collette Jones, LCSW
Practice Owner & Licensed Therapist
"These cards are a beautiful tool that offer gentle reminders to soothe the mind, ease tension, and cultivate a sense of peace. Unlike other affirmations that can veer into forced positivity, these cards focus on affirming self-acceptance and self-compassion."
Margaret Davis, MS, LPC
Licensed Therapist
"I instantly feel a sense of groundedness and calm. They are wonderful reminders for when I need to slow down and reconnect with myself. I also love that they are centered around having more compassion and kindness for ourselves. I will definitely be utilizing these with my clients."
Kerry Munro, BSc HCPC
Mindfulness Teacher & Occupational Therapist
"I've used the self kindness affirmation cards with the patients I work with on a mental health ward at work. The feedback was great! So many people struggle and forget to offer themselves kindness and self-compassion, especially during hard times, when we need it most! These cards help remind us that we deserve to!"
Why Choose These Affirmation Cards?
| Other Affirmation Cards | Give Yourself Kindness |
|---|---|
| Push toxic positivity | Rooted in self-compassion research |
| Make you feel worse when struggling | Validate your real experience |
| Generic, repetitive messages | 60 unique affirmations across 3 sets |
| No professional input | Recommended by therapists & psychologists |
| Ignore difficult emotions | Help you work through challenges with kindness |
“I instantly feel a sense of groundedness and calm”
Affirmations can be so helpful along our healing journey. And these affirmations are truly so beautiful and powerful! When I read them, I instantly feel a sense of groundedness and calm. They are wonderful reminders for when I need to slow down and reconnect with myself. I also love that they are centered around having more compassion and kindness for ourselves. I will definitely be utilizing these with my clients, as well as practicing them myself. Thank you so much Rachel!
FAQs
How are these different from other affirmation cards?
Most affirmation cards can push toxic positivity—"just be grateful" or "choose happiness"—which can make you feel worse when you're genuinely struggling. These cards take a completely different approach, rooted in self-compassion research:
Instead of dismissing your difficulties, they validate your real experience. They don't tell you how to feel—they help you respond to yourself with kindness, especially when things are hard.
Every affirmation is carefully designed to support you without pressure, using principles recommended by therapists.
The difference you'll feel? Supported, not judged. Encouraged, not pressured.
How do I use affirmation cards?
There's no "right" way—use them however feels natural to you. Many people draw a card each morning for daily encouragement, or keep one visible on their desk, mirror, or bedside table as a gentle reminder throughout the day. Some people reach for them during difficult moments when their inner voice is being harsh. Therapists often use them with clients between sessions. The brass stand or glass frame (optional) makes it easy to display your chosen card where you'll see it when you need it most.
Want more ideas? Read our complete guide: How to Use Affirmation Cards
Which set should I choose?
All three sets use the same self-compassion approach with different affirmations—there's no "wrong" choice.
If this is your first set, choose any of them. If you've already got one set and want more variety, add another. Or bundle all three sets to get the full collection of 60 unique affirmations at a special discounted price.
I've never used affirmations before. Will these work for me?
Yes—these are actually perfect for beginners because they don't feel fake or forced. Many people who've been skeptical about affirmations find these genuinely helpful because they're rooted in self-compassion principles rather than unrealistic positive thinking.
They don't ask you to pretend everything is fine—they simply help you speak to yourself more kindly. If you've ever felt cringy reading affirmation cards before, these are different. They meet you where you are.
Can I give these as a gift?
Absolutely. These make a thoughtful, meaningful gift for anyone who could use more self-kindness—whether they're going through a difficult time, working on their mental health, or hard on themselves.
You can even add your personalised message at checkout and we'll handwrite it for you.
Customer Reviews
A beautiful gift for my friend. Good quality cards and beautifully presented. Thank you
I'm a therapist and I purchased these cards after a client expressed a desire to work with affirmations in therapy. After a quick look around all I could see were these sickly, toxic positivity affirmation cards on Etsy that pedal a Pollyanna approach to life, one where we must be grateful for every hardship and adversity. As a therapist, this just didn't sit right with me.
Then I found GiveYourselfKindness range and was so happy I did! The little phrases don’t preach, they just gently suggest a kinder and more compassionate way to see a situation, and that it’s OK to feel like things are really hard. I have had great feedback from clients who say the cards feel real, and most importantly, therapeutic. I can't wait to purchase other items from the range!
Looked a long time for cards that have a simple message. These are perfect. Fast shipping and quality cards.
Everything about this brand radiates positivity and kindness. I've had such a lovely experience working with Rachel and ADORE the cards. The cards are featured in my Grounding Wellness Bundle and they've been so well received. I was slightly sceptical about Affirmation Cards, but these are very different. I use them myself everyday now and prop one up on my desk before I start working.
They are the perfect thing to bring positivity and warmth into your 2025 and would make the best gift to yourself or a friend. Thank you for creating these card Rachel x
I work in a masculine, blue collar industry where we don't talk about feelings, etc. For Mental Health Awareness month I wanted to remind everyone that it is okay to be kind to themselves in a world that they are constantly working for others. It was so nice to see genuine smiles from some of the team when they read the affirmation cards they were given.
Thank you, Rachel, for helping me make this possible!
“You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
― Jon Kabat-Zinn
