Negative self-talk is an unfortunate part of what makes us human, but fortunately, we always have the potential to change our internal dialogue. The tone and content of this internal dialogue greatly dictate how we feel about ourselves and how we relate to the world. A prime example of poor self-talk which negatively impacts the outcome of a situation is the common mental state following a breakup or falling out with a friend. During this time, most people feel rejected and turn to self-deprecating thoughts and behaviors as a coping mechanism. This behavior brings us down and challenges our self-worth while deterring others from entering our space. When we have good thoughts, they radiate outward and inspire positive thinking in those around us.
Mantras originated as part of the Hindu and Buddhism religions as meditative tools. According to Merriam-Webster, a mantra is “a word or phrase that is repeated often or that expresses someone’s basic beliefs.”
Don’t believe the lies you tell yourself – Start using mantras to reverse the effects of hurtful self-talk and feel the true power of positive thinking. Slowly read through the following positive affirmations with patience and purpose to find the ones that resonate with you.
I ACCEPT MYSELF
Accept the person you naturally are and embrace the individuality that makes you different from anyone else. You possess your own strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes. Express those differences to reveal your authentic self – People will appreciate that honesty. Accept yourself so others can accept you for all you have to offer the world.
I AM LOVE
You are a living manifestation of love. Your beating heart delivers nourishment, a form of love, to your physical being so you can spread loving kindness around to others.
I LOVE YOU
Express love to yourself by saying it in your head and by performing specific self-care actions. Once you love yourself, then you can move on to giving and receiving love from others.
EVERYTHING I NEED IS WITHIN ME
You already have everything you need to be successful and happy in this life. Don’t let the world fool you into thinking you don’t – Recognize that you already have so much to be grateful for.
I AM DESERVING OF ALL GOOD THINGS
You are worthy of love, respect, kindness, and all things good. Don’t let fear stop you from standing up for yourself.
I CHOOSE TO BE PRESENT
It’s easy to be distracted by technology or your thoughts instead of totally focusing on what’s around you. However, one of the most beneficial forms of self-care is to remove technology and appreciate what’s happening in the present moment.
I AM YOU, YOU ARE ME
Observe the reflection of yourself in everyone you meet. Even though we have strong variations, we are still the same. Speaking badly about someone else is really saying something negative about yourself.
STARTING NOW IS BETTER THAN STARTING LATER
You can always learn, grow, and expand – So it’s better to start now than put it off for another time. Find what drives you and continue to encourage yourself to stay inspired and motivated by the present moment.
I NURTURE MYSELF SO I CAN NURTURE OTHERS
It’s vitally important to tend to your own needs so you can help others. It’s like the old saying goes – You can’t pour from an empty cup.
I HAVE THE POWER TO CREATE CHANGE
We all have the power to ignite change in both ourselves and those around us. Trust and believe in your own strength to be a catalyst for significant changes.
I LET GO OF ALL THAT NO LONGER SERVES ME
We all have our own baggage – mental, physical, and emotional – And it tends to weigh us down. If what you’re carrying isn’t supporting you in attaining your desired goal, let it go.
I AM CAPABLE
We are all capable of overcoming any obstacles life throws us. Persevere through the hard times to stay on the journey to happiness.
I LOVE MY LIFE
Tell yourself you love your life and you will ultimately grow to love it. You always have the capacity to manifest what you desire in life. You can be whoever you choose and do whatever you fancy.
WHAT OTHERS THINK OF ME IS THEIR CHOICE
What you think of yourself is your choice. Let go of the urge to control what people think of you and live unapologetically as your true self. You’re never going to be able to please everyone.
I SHARE MY HAPPINESS WITH THOSE AROUND ME
You could make a huge difference in someone else’s day by sharing the happiness you hold. Let your joy shine forth to create a better world for every living being.
TODAY I WILL NOT STRESS OVER THINGS I CAN’T CONTROL
Don’t waste your precious time or energy fretting over things beyond your realm of control. It won’t solve the problem, and all that stress will only drag you down. Instead, redirect your focus on matters where you can make a positive impact.
I CHOOSE MY TRUTH
You get to choose who you are behind closed doors and who you want to be when you’re out in the world. Your family or friends do not define you – You have the power to decide what’s true about you.
I AM FREE TO BE MYSELF
It’s so important to always be yourself, especially in a world that’s constantly trying to change you. Express your authentic self and inspire others to do the same with your courage.
I AM LIGHT
Understand that you are the light for others just as others are the light for you. We each have something unique to contribute to this life, and our differences may be substantial, but the core nature of us all is the same.
I AM GRATEFUL
It doesn’t matter how small – There’s always something to be grateful for if you look hard enough. Reflect on all the good in your life to help you emerge from any dark times that come your way. Perhaps make a habit of writing down what you’re thankful for each day to really put your privilege it into perspective.
I FEEL BEAUTIFUL
Find what makes you feel beautiful inside and out and let that passion shine outward for the world to see. Embrace your beauty without apology and encourage others to step into their beauty as well. Stop wasting your life hating your reflection and start speaking to yourself with kindness and patience. Acknowledge all your body has done to sustain you and thank it for continuing to carry you through this life.
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL
Life is beautiful – It truly is. There’s so much to be appreciative of in this life when you stop to admire the simple things. Center on what you’ve been blessed with and stop to savor the beauty of your surroundings.
MY BODY IS MY VEHICLE
If you want to live a long and prosperous life, you must take care of and fuel your body just as you would a vehicle. Your body is to be well-kept and filled with healthy foods, loving words, and generous self-care practices.
I ALWAYS OBSERVE BEFORE REACTING
You must thoroughly understand the circumstances before taking any action upon it. Avoid making rash decisions by analyzing the situation first and coming to a conclusion from a space of clarity.
I CHOOSE TO FOCUS ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
You decide whether to look at the positives or the negatives, and this decision makes a world of difference.
I DO NOT JUDGE
Choose to see yourself and others through the lens of love rather than judgment. Through compassion, we can learn to accept one another regardless of the circumstances.
THE BEHAVIORS OF OTHERS WILL NOT DISTURB MY INNER PEACE
What others do is out of your control – All you can do is lead by example and inspire those around with your positive actions. Don’t let the poor choices of other people negatively influence your good vibrations.
I WILL WATCH MY WORDS
Words can be sweet like honey, or toxic like venom. Let your words serve as a way to support, uplift, and inspire yourself and others.
I CHOOSE TO REACH FOR A BETTER FEELING
Always strive for better and refuse to settle for anything less. Whatever you’re feeling, good or bad, will eventually pass – So continue to pursue the next great feeling in every situation.
I CHOOSE HAPPINESS
Happiness doesn’t just happen – People choose to be happy even in the face of tremendous adversity. Make it your mission to always choose happiness over all else and share that feeling with everyone you encounter.
A mantra doesn’t exist solely to bring you focus and clarity; It has the potential to affect your actions as well. It’s about living in such a way that your every decision is influenced by this mantra. So, what is the positive, self-loving mantra do you wish to live?
Your perfect affirmation can come from anywhere – Perhaps it’s a childhood book or an old saying from a loved one or a special song lyric. Always be on the look-out for words and phrases that provide a pick-me-up when you need it while offering happiness and comfort.
Continue to explore and use mantras daily as a reminder of who you are and who you’d like to become. In the next few weeks, choose one self-loving mantra and incorporate it into your internal dialogue. After a full week, repeat the process with a new mantra that feels beneficial for you. You’ll find that some mantras resonate with you more than others, as your needs are unique to you. Always speak them confidently, believe what you say, and trust that with time your thoughts will no longer hurt you. If you find one that sparks something in you, it should only take a few days for you to start feeling more loved and confident. Get ready to feel inspired and more powerful than ever before!
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