My mum taught me about affirmations when I was like seven. She said an affirmation is when you say something true about yourself, even if you don't fully believe it yet. She said "you say it until your brain believes it." I thought that was SO COOL. Like — you can actually train your brain?! Yes you can!!
Here are the affirmations I actually use. Like, me. I say these. I'm not just recommending them, I actually do these myself.
The One I Say Every Morning
"I am worthy and I belong here."
Every single morning. In the mirror. My mum started making me do this and at first I felt silly. Like really silly. I kept laughing. But then one day I said it and I just believed it. I can't explain how it happened but it did. Now it's my favourite thing about mornings.
When Someone Says Something Unkind
"Their words are not the truth about me."
My mum taught me this one when a girl at school said something mean about my hair. I was so upset. But Mum said I get to decide what is true about me, not other people. Now I say this in my head whenever something stings. It helps so much.
When I'm Scared About Something
"I can be scared AND do it anyway."
I say this before tests. I say it before I have to speak in front of the class. I said it before my swimming competition last year!! Being brave doesn't mean you're not scared. It means you do the thing even when you are.
When I Look in the Mirror
"My skin is beautiful. My hair is beautiful. I am beautiful."
Okay I know this sounds a bit much. But honestly? It makes me feel SO good. I just say it to myself and stand there for a second and it's like — yeah. I really am. I really am beautiful. And so are you, by the way!!
Before Something Big
"I have everything I need inside me already."
My auntie said this to me once and I wrote it in my diary. I pull it out when I have something scary coming up. Like it reminds me that I don't need to be perfect. I just need to be me.
You don't have to use all of these. Just pick one that feels right and try it for a week. Say it every day. See what happens to how you feel. I promise it works!!