Change Your Life With Affirmations

“Revolution begins with the self, in the self.” -Toni Cade Bambara.

I am enough.

I am worthy.

I believe in myself.

A stronger and clearer me is emerging.

I am becoming everything I wish to receive.

Over the last few decades, the psychological theory of self-efficacy began to gain traction. Thanks to Professor Albert Bandura and his work in Social Cognitive Theory, the belief that people have the ability to influence the events of their own lives became a recognized and well-practiced viewpoint for achieving and maintaining mental wellness. Outside of traditional therapy, we see self-efficacy transpire in holistic wellness circles taking form in visualization, manifestation, and affirmation practices.

What are affirmations?

Affirmations are positive, strong, and intentional statements, made in the first person, that over time can be used to reprogram the subconscious mind. Simply put, they serve as a mindset shift, an effort to encourage ourselves, and a way to manifest our desires.

I create my own path.

I am powerful and highly capable.

I inspire others.

I face my fears bravely.

I am on the path to abundance.

There are a number of ways to perform affirmations, but most commonly, they are practiced by repeating a chosen mantra out loud or written by hand. They make a powerful addition to any self-love routine, morning or evening ritual, and are especially useful before particularly stressful events. Through the daily use of affirmations, one is mentally preparing to face any and all adversity. (Ideally, with courage, strength, and grace.)

I accept myself deeply and completely.

I am making my dreams a reality.

I am beautiful on the inside and out.

I am unstoppable.

I fight for my beliefs.

Building An Affirmation Practice

Cultivating a positive mindset is no easy feat, especially if you find yourself weathering constant challenges, negative people, and taxing situations. The science behind self-efficacy shows us that by incorporating the very simple ritual of repeating positive mantras to ourselves we can begin to alter our subconscious. To aid in the exploration of this self-love technique, I’ve collected an assortment of methods to help with your journey on affirmation discovery.

Download the free step-by-step guide to affirmation building, designed by Jack Canfield. You might be familiar with him as the genius behind the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series!

If you're looking for morning affirmation inspiration, look no further than this list created by The Good Trade.

For some real resonance, tune in to the Affirmation Pod podcast by Josie Ong. In just 10 minutes, she walks you through detachment, facing obstacles, and finding happiness.

If you're searching for affirmations on your phone, try out the Bloom App, which has a selection of inspirational daily affirmations that you can muse on while calming music plays in the background. Aside from that, the app is beautifully designed and also offers meditation and sleep support.

Perhaps my best advice, however, is to cultivate an affirmation practice by utilizing one of these beautiful decks.

A favorite artist of mine, Danica Gim, has a gorgeous deck featuring her signature illustrations. It contains 31 cards, one meant for each day of the month.

I’m obsessed with the affirmation cards designed by Annie Tarasova of dreamymoons. She also makes beautiful journals and has a really special Manifest Book to aid you in bringing your dreams to life. Oh, and she donates $1 from each sale to the non-profit organization One Tree Planted.

Artist Daniela Alfieri aka noharanda, also has a great deck that includes 53 cards with affirmations for strength, acceptance, and empowerment.