When used correctly, affirmations are helpful components of a self-care practice. Their purpose isn’t to “fake it 'til you make it.” Words can’t force you to believe things, but they can help you improve the way you feel.
I AM Affirmations are mood-boosting tools. The message helps you feel optimistic, open, and positive. While the "I AM" statement positions you at the center of your desire. You're the only person in charge of how you feel. You are the master of your destiny. You deserve to be at the center.
Practicing affirmations can be a slippery slope when they're used to change a belief rather than mood boost. Repeating an affirmation when you're sad or one that you don't believe can actually make you feel worse. Canadian researcher Dr. Joanne Wood and her team at the University of Waterloo published a study in theJournal of Psychological Science.
They concluded that "repeating positive self-statements may benefit certain people, such as individuals with high self-esteem, but backfire for the very people who need them the most."
The lesson here is - when you feel good - they can help you feel even better. But, when you're upset, they can backfire. Avoid repeating them if it feels inauthentic. Instead, repeat ones that resonate with you and make you happy. When you're upset, acknowledge your feelings and give yourself time to naturally return to a positive optimistic state. Then, once you feel yourself again you can benefit from the true power of them.
“I AM ever-evolving.”
Give yourself permission to be complete and a work-in-progress simultaneously. There's also an element of forgiveness in it. This means you're ready to let go of past mistakes and move forward.
“I AM open to the perspective of others.”
Close-mindedness and inflexibility can be a hindrance to growth. Others have nuggets of wisdom they can offer you if you're open to listening.
“I AM introspective and eager to learn more about my own needs.”
A reminder for you to put your feelings and needs first. You can't pour from an empty cup.
“I AM trusting the journey.”
Life isn't a race, it's a marathon. Instead of feeling anxiety over the future, trust that - as long as you keep moving forward - you'll achieve your goals.
“I AM finding comfort in my own skin.”
This statement reflects the first step to falling in love with yourself. There's a lot of talk about self-love but what about self-like? Take baby steps if need be.
“I AM willing to ask for help.”
This one is important for people who are independent to a fault. Don't try to take on the world by yourself.
“I AM okay with not having all of the answers.”
Another reminder to relax and trust the journey. Become comfortable saying "I don't know."
“I AM experiencing the best that others have to offer.”
A reminder to take the pressure off of others. Give others the same grace to be imperfect.
“I AM excited to immerse myself into my life.”
Give yourself license to play harder.
“I AM receiving solutions to what worries me.”
An I AM affirmation that is also a law of attraction affirmation. If you subscribe to those principles, this one reminds you that the answers you seek are seeking you.
“I AM allowing joy to guide me.”
One of the positive I AM affirmations that reminds you to trust your gut. Good feelings are your guidance system.
“I AM ready for what’s to come.”
The perfect message when you're already optimistic about the future.
“I AM free to learn & grow at my own pace.”
Give yourself permission to be perfectly imperfect.
“I AM leaning towards peace.”
Find more chill times as often as possible.
“I AM reaching for what excites me.”
Make a bucket list and do more things that excite you.
“I AM fully present in this moment.”
Perhaps the most important to remember.
“I AM magnetic and radiant.”
Damn right, you are.
“I AM in ruthless pursuit of my personal satisfaction.”
A reminder to not let anyone or anything get in the way of your happiness.
“I AM observant of the natural beauty and love that exists all around me.”
This I AM affirmation is a reminder to get outside, appreciate nature, and ground yourself.
“I AM open to experiences that help me expand.”
Essential to our list, this statement is a reminder that you benefit from every experience, good or bad.
“I AM letting fun guide me.”
Give yourself permission to have fun with this message.
“I AM feeling the essence of what I desire.”
One of the law of attraction affirmations that helps you "find the feeling."
“I AM discovering my power moment by moment.”
You just keep getting better and better.
“I AM expanding my belief of what’s possible.”
Anything is possible, stay open-minded.
“I AM exploring what comes naturally to me.”
Spend more time focusing on your strengths than trying to improve your "weaknesses."
“I AM choosing the actions and circumstances that feel most satisfying to me.”
Don't compromise your feelings to appease others.
“I AM living my purpose by living my joy.”
You’re here for a good time, not a long time.
“I AM reaching for comfort.”
Instead of putting pressure on yourself to feel good, you can try to feel comfortable.
“I AM acknowledging my personal triumphs.”
Celebrate yourself.
“I AM embracing the people and things that flow into my experience easily.”
What’s meant for you comes to you easily. This applies to relationships, jobs, and everything in between.
Create a List of I AM Affirmations
You’re not limited to our list. You can make your own. Think about the aspects you love about yourself or the attributes you aspire to have. Close your eyes and say aloud:
"I am _____."
If you make a statement that feels inauthentic, dial it back to a statement that feels genuine.Psychologist Carmen Isáissuggests that her clients to go neutral when reciting affirmations rather than make statements that don't align with their beliefs.
"Instead of:"Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better."
Try:"I have had better days, but I have also had worse. Today I am OK."
Instead of:"I am beautiful, happy and love myself."
Try:"I am working on accepting me as I am," she says.
