Affirmations, especially for women, can feel challenging. We’ve been taught to put ourselves last, prioritizing others’ happiness above our own. Perhaps we’ve even learned that to think of ourselves in a positive light is selfish or conceited. (Trust me, it’s anything but.) But many of us have heard—whether from a well-meaning friend, a therapist, or a self-help book—that practicing affirmations in front of the mirror can make a huge difference in our lives. And as strange or as awkward as the experience feels—it’s true.
Behind these ideas of affirmations lies the science of self-affirmation theory. It asserts that when we tell (and repeat) our beliefs to ourselves, we can “maintain our sense of self-integrity.” But even with science to back it up, I’ve still felt the imposter syndrome creeping in when I try to practice affirmations myself. Who else?
Featured image from our interview with Mary Ralph Bradley by Michelle Nash.
The Importance of Practicing Affirmations for Women
It’s normal to experience doubt in those moments when you tell yourself something that feels deeply untrue. For example, on a day when nothing seems to be going right, your hair’s doing all sorts of funky things, and a zit decided to show up out of nowhere, it can feel inauthentic to say “I experience beauty from within.”
When we practice affirmations daily, we not only share kind and loving words with ourselves, but we start to believe them.
My advice? Feel it! Then take a step back, and ask yourself where those emotions are coming from. Is it a feeling of inner doubt or of comparison? Or perhaps it’s motivated by something someone said to you in the past. When we look deeper into our self-limiting beliefs, we begin to see the faults in these stories we’ve told ourselves. We see how we’ve kept ourselves from stepping into the truth of who we really are—lovely and full of light.
When we practice affirmations daily, we not only share kind and loving words with ourselves, but we start to believe them. While you may not experience an epiphany from any of the affirmations below, I will say this: with practice comes promise.
75 Affirmations for Women That Will Change Your Life
Read through the affirmations for women below and see what resonates. While I like to practice affirmations as a part of my morning routine, you’re welcome to say these whenever and wherever works best for you. If there’s even just one line that resonates and feels authentic to you, I hope you’ll carry it with you and believe all the beautiful truths it says about who you are.
Morning Affirmations
1. I can create the life I’ve always dreamed of.
2. In every moment, I’m exactly where I need to be.
3. Every day, I make choices that support my well-being and my self-worth.
4. Every day, I’m getting better and better.
5. I celebrate each day through gratitude.
6. I have the courage to go after my dreams.
7. Every day has the potential to be the best day of my life.
8. I can always begin again.
9. I can get through difficult days.
10. Today will be a success.
11. Every day is a new opportunity to experience magic.
12. I give myself permission to be okay with exactly where I am in this moment.
13. My presence alone will brighten someone’s day.
14. I have survived every day before this.
15. Today is full of possibilities.
Affirmations for Health & Healing
16. I am grateful for my strong, healthy body.
17. With every breath, I inhabit and embrace every part of my being.
18. I eat for pleasure, for health, and without judgment.
19. I experience optimal health by giving my body, mind, and soul everything they need.
20. Healing is always available to me.
21. Growth may be uncomfortable, but it’s a journey I choose to be present for.
22. I release what doesn’t serve me.
23. I embrace my glorious, sometimes messy life.
24. I am actively shaping the life that’s waiting for me.
25. Healing takes time, and I can give myself that pause.
26. I love the person I am becoming.
27. Healing doesn’t follow a linear path, but I can still see my progress.
28. The first step is always the hardest, but it’s one I can take.
29. My body knows how to heal itself.
30. The food I eat nourishes my body.
31. I grow stronger each day.
32. I will listen to my body and honor its need.
33. I actively turn my gaze inward and listen to the voice that guides me.
34. My mind and body are in harmony.
35. I am deserving of health and wellness.
Affirmations for Relationships
36. Self-love is a process and I can choose to enjoy the journey of its discovery.
37. Feeling my emotions is a powerful thing.
38. I can open my heart to others.
39. My needs and wants are important.
40. I can’t change what others think of me, but I can choose how I respond.
41. There’s no point in comparison. I don’t know their story, and they don’t know mine.
42. I communicate openly and honestly.
43. My heart and mind are open to genuine connection.
44. I am deserving of the love I receive from others.
45. My relationships help me grow as a person.
46. I have kind, wonderful friends and family who will always believe in me.
Affirmations for When You’re Struggling
47. I am enough. I have always been enough. I will always be enough.
48. My bravery shines in every act and every decision.
49. I am always capable of creating inner peace.
50. I have everything within me to reach the success I desire.
51. I gain more experience and more wisdom as I age.
52. I have a gift for finding the beauty in everything.
53. With every breath, I inhabit my strong, beautiful body.
54. I attract love and abundance.
55. I deserve to be seen.
56. I have a unique and beautiful perspective.
57. I have the power to change.
58. I will always hold onto hope.
59. My life is not measured by likes and followers. I can find self-worth in things others can’t see.
60. I release what doesn’t serve me.
61. Failure is simply an opportunity for me to learn.
62. Rejection is redirection.
63. This too shall pass.
Positive Affirmations
64. I stand proudly in my truth.
65. I can cultivate calm.
66. There are blessings all around me.
67. Good things flow toward me, and I embrace their abundance.
68. I am having a positive impact on everyone I meet.
69. I know what to do with the challenges I face.
70. I free myself of doubt.
71. I know and can trust my truth.
72. My work inspires others.
73. I find value in what is meaningful to me.
74. My potential is limitless.
75. My thoughts and ideas matter because I matter.