“I stopped waiting for the world to give me what I wanted; I started giving it to myself.” ― Byron Katie

Life is about making progress, one breath and step at a time. It's not always about where you're going, but how you get there. The way you navigate the seasons and challenges of your life speak to your character more than any achievement could.

With this idea of steady growth in mind, read these self-care affirmations to help you walk in the direction that feels right in your heart, that brings you closer to that state of peace and satisfaction within.

The words you speak to yourself can hold you up in moments of despair and ground you in compassion. Your self-talk is a form of teaching, and as you rethink your views and your choices, you start to live by your values more consistently.

Self-care affirmations like these (which are just examples from my own life) can help you keep going when you feel like giving up on yourself. They can help you keep a tolerant, forgiving attitude towards yourself and others. Because we're all walking alongside one another.

And you, too, are worthy of your own love and care.

5 Loving and Uplifting Self-Care Affirmations

1. I treat myself with compassion.

When I’m in pain, I intend to treat myself with compassion, not more pain. I am a spiritual being walking a human path; that sometimes calls for struggle, and in these times an open heart. I honor myself for witnessing my fears and falls without identifying with them. I honor the light I keep and view myself with a little more love instead.

2. I believe in who I am.

I am willing to take a deeper breath right now. I am willing to inhale who I am and exhale who I’m not. I believe that I can feel totally different than how I’ve felt before, and I am willing to believe in who I can be. I am journeying towards the fullest expression of my truth; it is a worthwhile road to be on.

True self-care has a quality of reverence for the journey of being alive; it aims not to make everything perfect, but to deepen one's love along the way.

3. I am lightening my load.

As I walk in the direction of real happiness and inner freedom, I cast aside unwanted layers of illusion and pain. My suffering has been necessary for growth and now I am letting go of what no longer serves the evolution of my soul. Each step is a peace treaty.

4. I cherish the time I take to refill.

Rest, silence, and conscious breaths are normal parts of my everyday life. I regularly make space for what refuels my enthusiasm for being alive. Even if I only have ten seconds to replenish my existence, I welcome that life-giving moment and use it to feed my intentions.

Taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to take care of your relationships with others.

5. I take care of the world when I take care of myself.

I work on others by working through myself. I help others when I help myself. As I show up more fully in my own loving presence, I shine that light into the world around me. The light I sow is a reflection of what’s possible. The love I give to myself is a reflection of my connection to everything else.

. . .

Tell me:

Which of these affirmations did you need to tell yourself today?

Tell me in the comments. I read every single one, and I’d love to know!

With love,

Jen

P.S. Tell yourself the things you need to hear, every single day. Get my book Morning Affirmations: 200 Phrases for an Intentional and Openhearted Start to Your Day. You’re allowed to bloom… even after everything.