“I am so tired”, “I am so late”, “I am so busy”, “I am so stressed”? I bet you say those things to yourself all the time, don’t you? When was the last time you said “I am so in love with my life”, “I am so proud of myself” “I’m having a great day today” or “I am so happy”?
Affirmations are short, simple yet powerful statements that help to assert something to be true in your subconscious mind (sort of like making your sub-conscious thoughts, conscious). Most powerful ones, start with the words “I am”. Research proves that affirmations actually change brain on a cellular level- our thoughts have a direct connection to our level of health. Affirmations can empower you, they make you aware of your thoughts and they’ll make you want to surround yourself with things you love.
Sometimes you might feel like there’s too much going on at once in your life. One of my favorite ways to deal with feelings of being overwhelmed with life, is through meditation and affirmations. You can write them down on a piece of paper, your planner, a sticky, and make sure read them (or say them), every single day, as many times as you want. The more you use these affirmations, more believable they will become.
I AM MEANT TO HAVE AN AMAZING LIFE
This, is one of my favorite affirmations, one I use every single day. I’ve said this to myself, for a very long time. Sometimes, we look at someone else’s life and can’t help, but feel envious. Whether it be their lifestyle, family or career. We think, “oh, easy for her/him to say, they don’t have to struggle, like I do“. Every time we think that, we use an excuse. It’s almost like telling yourself that you aren’t deserving of good things in life, it’s like telling yourself that you don’t believe you can have wonderful things in your life. It doesn’t matter how dull or ordinary you think your life is- you are meant to have an amazing life. When you believe that, you’ll start noticing all these wonderful and stunning things about your life, and you’ll want to create and go after more of those things, people and experiences that make you happy.
I AM DOING THE BEST I CAN
It’s probably not very often that you give yourself credit for the things you’ve accomplished. How often do you stop and think about some things you’ve overcome however big or small they might be? I think that we all have a tendency to be a little hard on ourselves. We always want to go after bigger, better things, and when you feel overwhelmed, it can sometimes feel like everything is falling apart. Tell yourself that you’re doing the best you can and don’t be afraid to give yourself some credit. Remember, that it’s okay to take a break sometimes, and that you can’t always “do it all”.
I LOVE MYSELF UNCONDITIONALLY, RIGHT NOW
I used to have something similar written down on a post-it note and have it taped up to my mirror where I’d see it every morning while getting ready: “I accept myself, unconditionally, right now“. After a while I thought that I should change “accept” to “love” because “love” is a much more powerful word. When you accept something it’s sort of like tolerating or recognizing it, whereas loving something or someone is caring deeply very deeply for it. It’s the most important thing that you can do for yourself. How different do you think your life would be, If you loved every single thing about yourself? I’m not talking about conceit, but acceptance, love, confidence, being comfortable with yourself, not having to question every single thing you do. Think about it. If you’re struggling with self-acceptance or confidence, or feeling stuck, confused even, I highly recommend you read Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on it by Kamal Ravikant. Some of you might know that I’ve struggled with depression for a few years, and I can honestly say that picking up this book changed my life.
I FORGIVE MYSELF AND SET MYSELF FREE
Do you get upset with or blame yourself when you happen to make a mistake or when things don’t go your way? Forgiving yourself is what’s going to set you free, because constant blame-playing will only make you feel anxious and upset. When you blame yourself for something, even if it’s a small mistake, you build up anxiety. Things won’t always work out as you planned. And when that happens, or when you happen to mess up, take a deep breath and say “I forgive myself, I set myself free.”
I AM IN CONTROL OF MY LIFE
Yes, there are some things that happen in your life that you cannot control. Things that will stress you out, things that will make you feel overwhelmed. What you can control though, is how you react to those things. Don’t pay any attention to things and people who don’t serve you. Tell yourself that you are in control of you life. We all experience some twists and turns along the way, but the key is to respect and accept them as they are, rather than letting them control us. You can control how you react to stressful situations or events. You can either let them break you, or you can accept them and move on.
I MAKE PEACE WITH THE PRESENT MOMENT
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate on the present moment”- Buddha
This one is a great affirmation for all my over-thinkers out there. It’s so important to try to be present as much as possible, enjoying every single moment of your life. No, it’s not always easy, especially when we’re so used to thinking about the past or worrying about the future. There is something magical about being present, when your mind is free of judgement in every single moment, every single thought. When you make peace with the present moment, and don’t try to make it pass, as quickly as possible.
You need to know when to take a step back and focus on your wellbeing. Especially these days, when it seems like so many of us have so much going on. There are so many things we try to focus on at once. Remember that you can live your life both with a purpose and passion at the same time.
71 Comments
Lynethea McLeod Page
October 10, 2016 at 8:48 amWhat a wonderful post! Your timing is perfect! <3
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:19 am<3
Marianne
October 10, 2016 at 9:25 amLovely post <3
xx
http://mariannelle.com/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:19 amThank you.
MoreMindfulYou
October 10, 2016 at 10:04 amGreat affirmations! :)
moremindfulyou.blogspot.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:19 amThanks!:)
Jen
October 10, 2016 at 10:34 amBeautiful Paula! <3
http://decoratethesoul.blogspot.com/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:20 amThank you Jen! < 3
Elishia
October 10, 2016 at 10:50 amThis is really great. I spend so much of my time saying ‘I’ll never reach that’ or ‘why should it be you’ and I never thought that I lacked confidence, but on closer reflection I never think the positive. *makes mental note: be kinder to yourself*. Thanks!
http://www.englishgirlinnewyork.org
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:20 amThose things have a tendency to kind of sink in after a while, so it’s defiantly important to pay attention to your self-talk. x
Emily
October 10, 2016 at 11:21 amGREAT post! There really is power in positive thinking…even though it sometimes doesn’t come naturally! :)
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:21 amYes! It can kind of feel silly at first, but it makes SUCH a difference.
Ambar Syed
October 10, 2016 at 12:20 pmLovely post! I love affirmations, they can be really quite uplifting and motivating when I’m lacking inspiration or drive. Thanks for sharing this :)
– Ambar x
http://www.herlittleloves.co.uk
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:21 amI love them too! You’re very welcome Ambar! x
Darina
October 10, 2016 at 12:58 pmVery inspiring post!
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:21 amThank you Darina!
Kaeleen
October 10, 2016 at 1:13 pmI try to tell myself ‘i’m doing the best i can’ a lot. it’s so easy to get overwhelmed & that really helps. thanks for this post!
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:21 amYou’re welcome Kaeleen!
Toni Clarke
October 10, 2016 at 1:27 pmSuch an inspiring post, I definitely need to focus on and live in the present more – I’m a massive over thinker and this is definitely my down fall. Great tips!
Toni x
http://www.clarkecouture.co.uk
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:21 amThanks Toni!
Pippi Hepburn
October 10, 2016 at 2:13 pmWow, such a great post to read on a cold Monday morning! I will definitely get the book you recommend and thanks so much!
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:22 amYou’re very welcome Pippi, love that book!
Katie S.
October 10, 2016 at 3:01 pmI’m going to be using some of these, thank you!! It is hard to slow down and concentrate on yourself. I actually was telling myself yesterday that I’m going to start taking better care of myself from the inside out… get myself back into meditating, make sure to take care of my body and to better control how I react to things. “I make peace with the present moment” is going to come in handy for that!
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:23 amIt is. Especially when you don’t like being unproductive and don’t really know how to take a break and rest. Meditating really is amazing, too.
Alice D
October 10, 2016 at 4:17 pmLove this! I’ve started a new job so I’ll definitely be reminded myself of these when it all feels too much. Alice xx
http://www.aliceadventures.co.uk
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:23 amThanks Alice, good luck with your new job! x
Sarah H.
October 10, 2016 at 5:25 pmI so needed to read this today. Great post, much appreciated. XO Sarah
sarahsweetandsimple.blogspot.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:23 amAw happy you liked this, Sarah!
Elizabeth Mayce
October 10, 2016 at 6:02 pmLove this post, thanks girl! xo
http://www.elizabethmaycelovelifebeauty.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:23 amThanks for stopping by! x
Lisa Visbeen Lehmann
October 10, 2016 at 9:20 pmthis is so good. and just what i needed. thank you so much.
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:23 amYou’re welcome Lisa! <3
Megan McCormick
October 10, 2016 at 9:22 pmThank you for this – it was needed today!!
http://www.masteringhealth.co
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:24 amYou’re welcome Megan! xx
Brooke
October 10, 2016 at 10:01 pmLove these!! :)
Brooke | http://beautydecorandmore.com/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:24 am;)
Mackenzie Smith
October 10, 2016 at 11:05 pmWhat a beautiful piece! So inspiring to know that others out there have “off days” and also are in need of some motivation. Thank you for sharing!
http://www.macselective.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:24 amOh we all have those, I’m sure! You’re very welcome! x
Susie Park
October 11, 2016 at 2:41 amThis was so encouraging! :)
http://www.hostessembodied.wordpress.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:24 amaw happy to hear that!
Aleksandra // bunniesaremagic
October 11, 2016 at 3:38 amForgiving oneself is a very powerful one. No one holds the grudge against us as much as we do :)
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:25 amOh yes, that is very true! :)
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:24 amYou’re very welcome Helene!
Kate
October 11, 2016 at 2:25 pmI’m constantly telling myself I’m so busy and stressed! I really need to start giving my brain some positive messages instead! Love your motivational posts. x
Kate Louise Blogs
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:11 pmThank you so much Kate! We all need to pay a little attention to what we say to ourselves! x
Lady Belle Elle
October 11, 2016 at 2:41 pmI cannot tell you how much I needed this. I feel very stuck in my current situation right now, like I’m caught in some life limbo, and I sometimes need to remember that I’m doing the best that I can and that I can only control so much. Thanks for posting!
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:14 pmAw thank you so much Ella! it’s okay to take a step back sometimes when you feel stuck. Sometimes, that’s all you need to feel better. I’m sure you are doing the best you can, don’t ever be too hard on yourself and even though you can’t always control everything, you can always control how you react to things that happen to you. I wish you all the best. Remember that just like your “journey”, you are unique and nothing or no one can ever replace you.
alicekatex
October 11, 2016 at 3:37 pmVery inspirational, thankyou! xx
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:14 pmThank you Darling!
Natalie Harney
October 11, 2016 at 4:15 pmExactly what I needed today – thank you
– Natalie
http://www.workovereasy.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 11, 2016 at 10:15 pmYou’re welcome, thank you for stopping by! x
Dagmara Klich
October 13, 2016 at 6:16 amI need to start using affirmations! Telling myself I’m not good enough for something, not feeling confident or brave enough have been part of my life for so long! I’m slowly changing the way I think but it’s a slow process.
Another beautiful, inspirational post, Paula! x
Mummy’s Beauty Corner
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 28, 2016 at 12:28 pmThey really help. It kind of feels weird at first, when you start using them but once you’re use to it and use them on regular basis, you can feel the difference in the way you talk to yourself and treat yourself. ;)
The Sunday Mode
October 13, 2016 at 9:05 amThis was what I needed today, I’ve had a rough past few days and one of the things that cheers me up the most is remembering that I really am doing the best I can.
http://www.thesundaymode.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 28, 2016 at 12:27 pmHope you’re doing better now Julia!
Lennae's World
October 14, 2016 at 7:44 amThank you, I definitely needed this!
Lennae xxx
http://www.lennaesworld.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 28, 2016 at 12:27 pmYou’re welcome Lennae!
Margaux White
October 15, 2016 at 8:52 amWe need to trust and believe in ourselves basically, that’s the most difficult part but so worth it! x
Margaux ・ http://www.bonjourwhite.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 28, 2016 at 12:27 pmYes, it is a little difficult, but very much worth the effort! x
Nadia Kumentas | Affect Health
October 15, 2016 at 11:37 amLoved this post and your insight Paula – so important to check in with what kind of mental chatter you have going on and to realize how affirmations can help us gently “reset”! ?❤️
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 28, 2016 at 12:26 pmThank you so much Nadia!!
Natalie Redman
October 15, 2016 at 12:19 pmA very inspiring post. It’s always great to think of the positives rather than the negatives which of course is what you’ve mentioned!
http://www.upyourvlog.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 28, 2016 at 12:26 pmNot always easy, but it does make a difference! x
jodi mollard
October 15, 2016 at 5:50 pmThank you, perfect timing for me reading this right now. I am 18 weeks pregnant with a very large fibroid that has grown, causing pain and discomfort, so I have been down and felt ‘stuck’, having another 20 weeks to go. Self care and being kind to oneself is vital, especially to give that to ourselves first also am learning. Wonderfully written…
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 28, 2016 at 12:25 pmYou’re very welcome Jodi! Hope you’re feeling better, self-care is very important! Sending my love your way!
Liz @ Travelling Table Tales
October 16, 2016 at 2:15 amI love these! What an inspiring post. Thank you for sharing, Paula. x
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 28, 2016 at 12:26 pmThank you so much Liz!
Emma Nguyen
October 16, 2016 at 10:04 pmI really needed to read this! I was just thinking the other day how I need to stop being so negative. Thank you. Emma xx
http://www.coffeepotsandthoughts.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 28, 2016 at 12:28 pmGood luck Emma! Thanks for stopping by! x
The Gossip Darling
October 26, 2016 at 4:10 pmThank you so much for this post, this was an awesome and inspiring read.
I have to go back to keeping track of my days again, because this really helps put life into perspective.
XO
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
October 28, 2016 at 12:29 pmThanks a ton Mel!!