6 affirmations for a quick self esteem boost
By Katie Nave (@katienavepoetry)
The way we talk to ourselves — you know that inner voice that’s always saying something when you look in the mirror — can have a huge impact on the way that we feel. When our self-talk becomes harsh, highlighting all the ways that we’re not quite measuring up to society’s impossible standards, we can refer to it as our inner critic.
By beginning to simply notice when that unforgiving voice shows up, you can take small steps towards replacing the not-so-nice narrative with kinder, more gentler words. To keep your inner critic in check, we’ve designed powerful, go-to affirmations that you can turn to when you need a boost. Try repeating these to yourself or even putting them on your bathroom mirror so that they are always there when you need them most.
6 affirmations to help you feel your best
Try repeating these healing words to begin to fully embrace yourself, exactly as you are in this moment. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to do this — it’s all about taking this time to show up for yourself, in whatever way feels best for you.
It can be a powerful exercise to habitually repeat affirmations while making eye contact with yourself in the mirror each morning or evening. Trust me, I know it can feel awkward at first, but you deserve to receive every single one of these wonderful reminders so take a few deep breaths and give them a try.
I accept and love myself, exactly as I am.
My worth isn’t determined by my achievements.
I will talk to myself like a dear friend today.
I deserve to feel joy and happiness.
My best, whatever that looks like today, is enough.
Try customizing your own affirmation by thinking of one positive trait that you admire about yourself. For example, I am creative or I am strong. Try it by inserting your own word into this phrase, “I am [add your word].”
We often hold ourselves to impossible standards, so remember that this exercise is here for you anytime you need a reminder of how wonderful you are. Affirmations should feel authentic to you, so take all the time and creative liberty you need to come up with what words feel best for you to hear. Just by taking this time to show up for yourself, you’re actually rewiring thought patterns and sending the message that you’re worthy of attention and care. The community here at Ray will be affirming right along with you!
Bio:
Katie Nave is a mental health writer and poet living in Brooklyn, New York. Her work has been featured in publications including Elle, Newsweek, Glamour, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. You can follow for more of her work at @katienavepoetry.