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.
An inner critic is normal but it doesn't have to hold you back
That inner critic voice is something we all experience - yes, even the people who seem to have it all together.
Sometimes it whispers doubts about our choices, sometimes it gets loud about what we 'should' be doing. But here's the thing: having an inner critic doesn't mean you have to listen to it.
'having an inner critic doesn't mean you have to listen to it'
These affirmations will help you quiet your inner critic and build trust in yourself. I use them in my own life when doubt creeps in, and I've seen them help others find peace in difficult moments.
They're here for you when you need them - whether that's during a sleepless night or after a tough day.
Self-worth affirmations for when scrolling brings up comparison thoughts
We all do it - that quiet moment of scrolling through others' highlight reels. Take a deep breath and say:
'The right choice for others isn't necessarily the right choice for me'
- I honour that my path in life will be different to others, I don't need to compare or compete
- I can inspire others by being me
- The right choice for others isn't necessarily the right choice for me
- I don't need to compare or compete. No human on the planet is meant to be the same
- I choose to embrace the journey instead of being fixed on a destination
Self-worth affirmations for when your to-do list feels endless
Some days, there just seems to be too much on our plate. Take a deep breath and say:
- I can do anything, but not everything
- My worth is not dependent on what I have done today
- I am worthy, and this does not depend on my productivity or achievements
- I don't need to earn rest to deserve it
- I can welcome time to rest
Self-worth affirmations for when learning from experiences
We're all growing and learning every day. Take a deep breath and say:
- I can't be perfect and I don't need to be
- I can make mistakes and learn from them, without self-criticism
- 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
Self-worth affirmations for when emotions feel big
It's natural for feelings to ebb and flow throughout our days. Take a deep breath and say:
- I can welcome any emotion, knowing that this feeling will not last forever
- No matter what emotion I feel, it is never a sign of weakness
- I can feel both grateful AND sad, nervous AND excited, brave AND afraid
- I am gentle with myself if I feel things deeply knowing that sensitivity is not a weakness
- I remind myself that feelings come, and feelings go
Self-worth affirmations for when expectations feel heavy
It's okay to put down the weight of "should." Take a deep breath and say:
- I am enough, exactly as I am
- 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
- Just because I have a thought, doesn't mean it's true
'I am enough, exactly as I am'
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 happen over time.
Making affirmations easier
Have you noticed how self-doubt often shows up at specific moments? Maybe when you're:
- Lying awake at night, mind racing
- Taking a social media break, feeling uncertain
- Starting your day, wondering if you're doing enough
These are the moments when having gentle reminders close by can make all the difference.
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)'
'building self-worth isn't about being perfect'
Remember, building self-worth isn't about being perfect. It's about being gentle with yourself along the way.
“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!
