With World Mental Health Day just yesterday, I got into a discussion with a friend who called to check on me. She asked how I was holding up in the midst of a ton of recent changes in my life. This led to us discussing affirmations I found helpful when I was feeling overwhelmed.
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To give some context, this year has been filled with loss and tragedy. I’ve lost an aunt whom I was growing closer to and a niece whom I loved like one of my own children, initiated a divorce, adjusted to not seeing my kids every day, sold my home, and relocated. And those are just the biggest things. Without a positive outlook, I could easily have folded under the pressure.
When we experience pain and trauma in life, it’s easy to be unable to see a way out. Maybe the problems you are facing seem insurmountable, or the hurt and devastation are too much to handle. Well, I’m here to tell you that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. If you can change your mindset, you can turn losses into lessons that, when applied properly, fill your future with blessings beyond measure.
You may have heard of or dismissed the thought that positive affirmations can change your life. But these uplifting words can help you banish negative thoughts and self-talk and literally alter your mental state.
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The science behind it is that self-affirmation lights up the ‘rewards’ center of your brain, just as it would if you were performing the actions you are talking about. For instance, if you say, “I am going to get a pay increase,” your body responds as if you already have, and your neural pathways alter areas of your brain that make you feel happy.
In addition, studies have confirmed positive affirmations can decrease health-deteriorating stress, increase your motivation to take effective action and prompt you to change your habits in favor of those that support your goals and purpose. Below are 20 positive affirmations that will help you stay grounded and content in tough times.
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20 Positive Affirmations To Uplift You During Hard Times:
1. Life is not happening to me. It’s happening for me.
It’s easy to fall into a victim mentality when you are getting hit with blow after blow in life. Keep in mind that everything you’re experiencing is moving you closer to your destiny.
2. I am in total control of myself and always do what’s in my best interest.
Blaming other people for your suffering can buffer the guilt you feel for where you are in life. Taking accountability for the role you played puts you in a place of acceptance and allows you to forgive yourself. No one can do anything to you that you don’t allow.
3. I know that this, too, shall pass.
Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. Remember that it can’t rain all the time. The sun will eventually come out. Learn to take the good with the bad and know that your struggles won’t last forever.
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4. I am strong and resilient.
When you feel like giving up, remember that you are full of strength and that you didn’t come this far to only come this far. You got this.
5. I know that it gets greater later, and am looking toward the future with excitement.
Fear can be paralyzing and is usually the result of worrying about things that have not actually come to fruition. Stay present and keep your eyes on the prize. You can’t change the past, but you can control what is happening right now and put the pieces in place for a bright future.
6. I stand for something, so I don’t fall for anything.
Sometimes, you have to go through it to get to it. There are no shortcuts or detours. When you stick to your values and principles, it might cost you people and things, but you are willing to grieve those losses to manifest a better tomorrow.
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7. I only nourish my body with healthy things.
Garbage in, garbage out. What you take in matters. Whether it’s food or energy, only ‘eat’ things that make you better. Distance yourself from negative places and people, and always protect your peace and tranquility.
8. I go where I’m celebrated, not tolerated.
You don’t have to force anyone to like you. There are people in this world who will love to see you coming. Those are your people. Why even entertain anyone who does not approach you with love, dignity, and respect?
9. I know that everything happens for a reason.
It might not be apparent now, but everything happening in your life is divinely guiding your steps. Trust the process and stay the course.
10. I can do this.
Know that no weapon formed against you will prosper. You are facing challenges because you are a person who can overcome them.
11. If I keep pushing, I will come out on the other side.
When you’re in a storm, you don’t stop and sit in it. You keep on moving until you find yourself under clear skies and in greener pastures.
12. I am comfortable asking for help when I need it.
Many strong people struggle with asking for help. Build rapport with people you trust, and don’t hesitate to reach out. Get professional help if your burdens feel like too much to bare.
13. I give myself adequate time and space to fill my cup.
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Take time to practice self-care and mindfulness without guilt. Make yourself a priority.
14. I was blessed to wake up this morning and have the opportunity to experience life for another day.
As bad as things seem, there are some people who didn’t wake up today. Be grateful that you are here and have another chance to get it right.
15. I know my purpose, and I do something every day that brings me closer to it.
One of the best things you can do for yourself is find out exactly why are here. What is your passion? How do you want to be remembered? Once you know, act like it and make positive progress in the right direction.
16. I trust my intuition, and I know how to make good decisions.
How many times could you have avoided disaster by simply listening to your inner voice? It’s time to trust yourself and follow divine guidance.
17. I like myself, so everyone else liking me is just a bonus.
One of the biggest sources of disappointment in life is a lack of external validation. But when you learn to validate yourself, you will begin to care less about what other people think about you.
18. I am worthy of receiving whatever I want in life.
You get what you believe you deserve. Make sure your internal sense of value and worth matches what you are striving for. Never chase. Believe it’s yours, and it shall be.
19. I turn my pain into power.
Everything you experience is either a blessing or a lesson. Even painful and heartbreaking situations can be the catalyst for achieving your wildest dreams. Find the life lesson in your trauma and use it to empower yourself.
20. I am always growing and transforming.
If you want success and happiness, you must realize that there is always something new to learn. Be willing to change your mind in order to morph into your best and most authentic self.
