Positive affirmations, especially for women, can be challenging. We have been taught to put ourselves last, prioritizing the happiness of others over our own. Maybe we’ve even learned that thinking of ourselves positively is selfish or self-important. (Trust me, it’s anything but that.) But many of us have heard, whether from a well-meaning friend, a therapist, or a self-help book, that practicing positive affirmations in front of the mirror can make a world of difference in our lives. And as strange or uncomfortable as the experience feels, it’s true.
Behind these positive affirmation ideas is the science of self-affirmation theory. In essence, it claims that when we tell ourselves (and repeat) our beliefs, we can “maintain our sense of personal integrity.” But even with the science to back it up, I still feel imposter syndrome creeping in when I try to practice positive affirmations myself.
Featured image of Riley Reed by Jenn Rose Smith.
The importance of practicing positive affirmations for women
It’s normal to experience doubt in those moments when you tell yourself something that feels profoundly untrue. For example, on a day when nothing seems to be going right, your hair is doing all sorts of weird things, and a pimple decided to appear out of nowhere, it might seem disingenuous to say “I experience beauty from within.”
When we practice positive affirmations daily, we not only share kind and loving words with ourselves, we begin to believe them.
My advice? feel it! Then take a step back and ask yourself where those emotions come from. Is it a feeling of inner doubt or of comparison? Or maybe it’s motivated by something someone told you in the past. The point is that when we look deeper into our self-limiting beliefs, we begin to see the flaws in these stories we’ve told ourselves. We see how we have prevented ourselves from entering the truth of who we really are:beautiful and full of light.
When we practice positive affirmations daily, we not only share kind and loving words with ourselves, we begin to believe them. While you may not experience an epiphany from any of the positive affirmations below, I will say this: With practice comes promise.
Positive affirmations for women that will change your life
Read the positive affirmations for women below and see what resonates. If there’s a single line that resonates and feels authentic to you, I hope you’ll take it with you and believe all the beautiful truths it tells about who you are.
1. I have the power to change.
2. I am enough. I have always been enough. I will always be enough.
3. My bravery shines in every act and in every decision.
4. I am always able to create inner peace.
5. I am thankful for my strong and healthy body.
6. I have everything within me to achieve the success I desire.
7. I gain more experience and wisdom as I get older.
8. I have a gift for finding beauty in everything.
9. I can create the life I have always dreamed of.
10. At every moment, I am exactly where I need to be.
11. Healing is always available to me.
12. With each breath, I inhabit my strong and beautiful body.
13. I attract love and abundance.
14. I deserve to be seen.
15. My needs and wants are important.
16. Feeling my emotions is a powerful thing.
17. I can open my heart to others.
18. I have a unique and beautiful perspective.
19. Self-love is a process and I can choose to enjoy the journey of its discovery.
20. Every day, I make decisions that support my well-being and self-esteem.
21. I am proud of my truth.
22. I will always hold on to hope.
23. Growing up can be uncomfortable, but it is a journey I choose to be on.
24. I have kind and wonderful friends and family who will always believe in me.
25. It makes no sense to compare. I don’t know their story and they don’t know mine.
26. My life is not measured by likes and followers. I can find self worth in things that others cannot see.
27. I can cultivate calm.
28. I can’t change what others think of me, but I can choose how I respond.
29. I let go of what does not serve me.
30. There are abundant blessings all around me.
31. I let go of what does not serve me.
32. Every day I am getting better and better.
33. I accept my glorious, sometimes messy life.
34. I celebrate each day through gratitude.
35. I am actively shaping the life that awaits me.
36. I have the courage to go after my dreams.
37. Failure is simply an opportunity to learn.
38. Every day has the potential to be the best day of my life.
39. I can always start over.
40. I can get through the hard days.
41. Healing takes time, and I can give myself that pause.
42. Good things flow to me and I embrace abundance.
43. My potential is limitless.
44. I eat for pleasure, for health and without judging.
45. Today will be a success.
46. I am having a positive impact on everyone I meet.
47. I know what to do with the challenges I face.
48. Healing does not follow a linear path, but I can still see my progress.
49. I free myself from doubt.
50. I love the person I am becoming.
51. Every day is a new opportunity to experience magic.
52. I know and can trust my truth.
53. My work inspires others.
54. The first step is always the hardest, but it is one that I can take.
55. Rejection is redirection.
56. I find value in what is meaningful to me.
57. I have survived every day before this one.
58. Just my presence will brighten someone’s day.
59. I experience optimal health by giving my body, mind, and soul everything they need.
60. I give myself permission to be okay with exactly where I am right now.
This post was originally published on December 31, 2022 and has since been updated.
