written by Rachel Smith the founder of Give Yourself Kindness, who has worked with clinical psychologists, therapists and leading self-compassion experts from around the world to bring you the best tools to support self-compassion - helping you feel and sleep better.
Change is challenging but so is staying the same
Change is a natural part of life, but that doesn't make it any less challenging.
Whether you're switching careers, building better habits, or navigating relationship change, these affirmations will support you to embrace change with confidence.
When you're scared of making the change
That knot in your stomach is there because change feels scary. Take a deep breath and say:
- My courage is stronger than my fear
- I can embrace uncertainty. It's okay not to know
- I can welcome change whilst reassuring myself that change is challenging
- I remind myself that feelings come, and feelings go
- I can try something new, make mistakes and grow
When you're being too hard on yourself about the process
Your inner critic is getting loud, questioning every move. Take a deep breath and say:
- I can't be perfect and I don't need to be
- I release the pressure to make the perfect decision - a perfect decision doesn't exist
- I forgive myself for what I did when I was learning
- I choose to give myself the same kindness I would give to a friend
- Just because I have a thought, doesn't mean it's true
When everything feels overwhelming
Change is pushing you out of your comfort zone, and it all feels like too much. Take a deep breath and say:
- I can do anything, but not everything
- I can use my breath as a tool to find calm, taking deep, slow breaths
- I recognise that some things take time - patience is not inactivity
- I can welcome any emotion, knowing that this feeling will not last forever
- I can do things I cannot do yet
When self-doubt creeps in
Those 3am thoughts are getting to you. The "what-ifs" are loud. Take a deep breath and say:
- My voice matters. My opinions matter. I matter
- I am worthy now, and this will never change
- I am deserving of love, compassion and kindness, exactly as I am
- My worth is not dependent on what I have done today
- I am enough, exactly as I am
'I am worthy now, and this will never change'
When you're comparing your journey to others
Scrolling social media, watching others' paths unfold, wondering if you're doing it "right"? Take a deep breath and say:
- I honour that my path in life will be different to others, I don't need to compare or compete
- The right choice for others isn't necessarily the right choice for me
- I can inspire others by being me
A gentle note Affirmations can feel uncomfortable at first, that's completely normal. Try to sit with that feeling and continue saying them. Notice any small shifts that emerge over time.
'Affirmations can feel uncomfortable at first'
Making affirmations easier
Picture this:
- It's 3am. Your mind is racing with self-doubt. Your affirmation card on your bedside table reminds you: "I am enough, exactly as I am."
- You're about to speak up in a work meeting. The card by your desk says: "My voice matters. My opinions matter."
These are the moments when having affirmations close by makes all the difference.
That's why I created these affirmation cards. They bring together all the support you just read about, in a form you can keep with you. Each card holds words that will guide you through change - words backed by therapists and loved by you.
Want to make affirmations part of your daily life?
- Get your own set of affirmation cards affirmation cards
- Learn more about using them in our guide 'How to use affirmation cards (without feeling forced)'
Change isn't easy. But you don't have to do it alone. These cards are here to support you, right when you need them most.
“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!
