positive affirmation cards for perfection

20 affirmations for self-compassion

(and how to use them)

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.

 

Why self-compassion?

 

Many of us struggle with self-compassion, believing that being tough on ourselves is the only way to stay motivated and productive. But research shows something different.

According to Dr. Chris Irons, a leading researcher in Compassion Focused Therapy, "whilst self-compassion is a powerful tool for healing and personal growth, it can often evoke a significant amount of fear and resistance."

Many worry that being kind to themselves will lead to laziness or weakness. But the truth is quite different.

As psychotherapist Carrie Pollard explains, "we can't be 'too' compassionate! Practicing self-compassion provides numerous benefits to our physical, emotional, and mental well-being."

In fact, research shows that self-compassion makes us more motivated, resilient, and better able to cope with life's challenges.

Let's explore 20 gentle yet powerful self-compassion affirmations to support yourself with today.

 

What are self-compassion affirmations?

 

Self-compassion affirmations aren't about forcing positivity or pretending everything's perfect. Think of them as gentle reminders that help reshape how we talk to ourselves – like creating a wise friend on your shoulder who knows exactly what to say when you're being too hard on yourself.

These affirmations are specifically designed to build a kinder relationship with yourself, especially during challenging moments when self-criticism tends to be loudest.

 

20 self-compassion affirmations for different moments

 

For embracing imperfection

  • 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 can make mistakes and learn from them, without self-criticism.
  • Just because I have a thought, doesn't mean it's true.
  • I recognise that life is hard sometimes - I try to always be gentle with myself.

These affirmations are here to remind us that imperfection is part of being human. 

 

positive affirmation card with frame

 

For setting boundaries and rest

  • I can welcome time to rest.
  • I am allowed to say no.
  • I don't need to earn rest to deserve it.
  • I can make time for things that bring me joy, without feeling guilty.

Setting boundaries and allowing ourselves to rest isn't selfish – it's an essential part of self-compassion. These affirmations help us remember that taking care of ourselves is both necessary and worthy.

 

For processing emotions

  • I can feel both grateful AND sad, nervous AND excited, brave AND afraid.
  • I remind myself that feelings come, and feelings go.
  • I am gentle with myself if I feel things deeply knowing that sensitivity is not a weakness.

Experiencing all types of emotions is part of the human experience. These affirmations help us approach our feelings with understanding rather than judgement.

 

For growth and learning

  • I remind myself that no one was an expert before they were a beginner
  • I recognise that sometimes the only way forward is to use trial and error and that is okay
  • I can try something new, make mistakes and grow
  • I choose to embrace the journey instead of being fixed on a destination

Growth often comes along with stepping out of our comfort zone. These affirmations support us in approaching challenges with self-compassion rather than self-criticism.

 

For nurturing self-worth

  • I am worthy now, and this will never change
  • I am deserving of love, compassion and kindness, exactly as I am
  • My worthiness of love does not depend on being faultless
  • We all deserve kindness, and 'all' includes me

These affirmations remind us that our worth isn't tied to our achievements or others' approval – it's inherent and unchanging.

 

positive affirmation cards for perfection


When to use these affirmations

 

During overwhelming moments

When feeling overwhelmed, try "I remind myself that feelings come, and feelings go" or "I can welcome time to rest." These affirmations remind us that it's okay to pause and that overwhelming feelings won't last forever.

 

After making mistakes

Turn to "I can make mistakes and learn from them, without self-criticism" or "I remind myself that no one was an expert before they were a beginner." These help shift from self-criticism to self-compassionate learning.

 

When comparing yourself to others

Use "I am worthy now, and this will never change" or "I honour that my path in life will be different to others, I don't need to compare or compete." These affirmations ground us in our inherent worth.

 

During challenging times

"I recognise that life is hard sometimes - I try to always be gentle with myself" and "I can try something new, make mistakes and grow" can provide comfort and encouragement during difficulties.

 

When setting boundaries

"I am allowed to say no" and "I can make time for things that bring me joy, without feeling guilty" support us in setting healthy boundaries with self-compassion.

 

Making these affirmations work for you

 

Start small. Choose one or two affirmations that resonate most with you and build them into natural moments of your day. Try:

  • Reading them during your morning routine
  • Setting them as phone reminders
  • Writing them in a journal
  • Saying them during challenging moments
  • Keeping them visible on your desk or mirror

Discover more inspiration in our blog 'How to use affirmation cards'.

 

Self-compassion is a skill that we can learn

 

As psychotherapist Joanna Townsend explains, "Self-compassion is a language, a skill, a process. It's something we often have to learn."

Just like learning any new language, using these affirmations might feel unfamiliar at first. That's perfectly normal. The key is to be patient with yourself.

Each time you repeat an affirmation to yourself, you're creating a stronger foundation for tomorrow.

 

Need more support on your self-compassion journey? Our therapist-backed affirmation cards offer gentle reminders that you can carry with you, making it easier to build self-compassion into your daily life.

Want to learn more about overcoming common fears of self-compassion? Read the full article from Dr. Chris Irons here.

therapist margaret davis
give yourself kindness affirmation card on stand
licensed THERAPIST, Margaret Davis, MS, LPC

“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!