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-love?
Self-love is hard - many of us experience thoughts that being hard on ourselves is necessary for success or growth. But the truth is different. Self-love isn't selfish or indulgent – it's essential for our wellbeing.
As therapist Margaret Davis, MS, LPC, explains: "Think about the love you have for someone else - the way you admire them, take care of them, show up for them... self-love is giving all of that same stuff right back to yourself."
Let's explore 20 gentle yet powerful self-love affirmations to support yourself with today.
20 self-love affirmations for different moments
For showing up for yourself (even when it's hard)
- My courage is stronger than my fear
- I can try, even when I don't feel 100% ready
- I have dealt with challenges before, I can deal with challenges again
- I honor my strength in showing up today, exactly as I am
These affirmations remind us that showing up for ourselves takes courage, and that's something worth celebrating.
For creating an authentic life
- My voice matters. My opinions matter. I matter
- The right choice for others isn't necessarily the right choice for me
- I honor that my path in life will be different to others
- I can be open and honest with others, even when it makes me feel vulnerable
Living authentically is a powerful form of self-love. These affirmations support you in creating a life that feels true to who you are.
For embracing your humanity
- I can make mistakes and learn from them, without self-criticism
- I forgive myself for what I did when I was learning
- It is normal to have an inner critic - but I don't have to believe it
- I am enough, exactly as I am
- Being human means being imperfect. These affirmations help us embrace our humanity with kindness.
For honoring your needs
- I can welcome time to rest
- I am allowed to say no
- I can make time for things that bring me joy, without feeling guilty
- I don't need to earn rest to deserve it
As therapist Margaret Davis, MS, LPC, reminds us, "checking in with your needs, and making a choice to honor those needs" is a fundamental aspect of self-love.
For long-term growth
- I can embrace uncertainty. It's okay not to know
- I recognise that some things take time - patience is not inactivity
- I choose to embrace the journey instead of being fixed on a destination
- I can embrace change whilst reassuring myself that change is challenging
Growth and change are part of life. These affirmations help us navigate them with self-love.
When to use these affirmations
When making difficult life changes
Try "I can embrace uncertainty. It's okay not to know" or "I can embrace change whilst reassuring myself that change is challenging." These affirmations remind us that it's okay to feel uncertain during transitions.
During moments of self-doubt
Turn to "My voice matters. My opinions matter. I matter" or "I am enough, exactly as I am." These help ground you in your inherent worth.
When setting boundaries
Use "I am allowed to say no" and "I can make time for things that bring me joy, without feeling guilty." These support you in honoring your needs and limits.
When feeling overwhelmed by expectations
"I can make mistakes and learn from them, without self-criticism" and "I don't need to earn rest to deserve it" can provide relief from perfectionism and pressure.
When comparing yourself to others
"I honor that my path in life will be different to others" and "The right choice for others isn't necessarily the right choice for me" help restore focus to your unique journey.
Easy ways to use affirmations daily
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 your phone background
- 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-love is a practice
As therapist Margaret Davis, MS, LPC, explains: "Self-love will ebb and flow, and that is okay." The important thing is that we check in with ourselves and make choices that honour our well-being when we can.
Each time you repeat an affirmation to yourself, you're practicing self-love in a simple yet powerful way - just like when you take a moment to rest, choose joy, or honour your needs.
Want to make using these self-love affirmations easier? Our therapist-backed affirmation cards offer gentle reminders that you can carry with you, making it easier to build self-love into your daily life.
“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!
