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Positive Affirmations for Whatever Life Throws Your Way

There are times when life’s challenges require us to dig deep to find the courage to move forward, but negative thoughts or experiences can undermine our self-esteem. Self-affirmation theory posits that we’re driven to maintain our self-worth when it’s threatened.

Countering negative thoughts about one aspect of ourselves by affirming a different part of our identity can serve as a reminder that our self-worth isn’t connected to the negativity we’re experiencing. Over the past few decades, researchers and therapists have discovered that developing a habit of positive thinking offers numerous benefits for our psychological and physical well-being. Repeating positive phrases can even change our outlook on life.

One way to encourage ourselves to think optimistically is to incorporate affirmations into our daily routine. Affirmations are short, memorable phrases that help boost our sense of self-worth and strengthen our resolve to continue striving toward our goals.

Whether we’re facing a difficult day at work or a big life change, repeating positive affirmations to ourselves throughout the day can help us stay the course and realize our goals. Here are 10 daily affirmations to remind you of your value and help you envision the life you desire.

When You’re Starting Your Day

This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.
Maya Angelou

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When You’re Coping With Stress

The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion.
Thích Nhất Hạnh

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When You Need a Confidence Boost

Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.
Brené Brown

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When You’re Dealing With Imposter Syndrome

Am I good enough? Yes I am.
Michelle Obama

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When You’re Scared To Try Something New

Don’t be afraid of failing. It’s the way you learn to do things right.
Marian Wright Edelman

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When You Want To Encourage a Child

Dream big and dare to fail.
Norman Vaughan

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When You’re Faced With a Big Decision

For the life-changing things, you must risk it.
Jeanette Winterson

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When Self-Doubt Creeps In

Always do what you are afraid to do.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

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When the Future Seems Scary

Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.
Marcus Aurelius

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When You’re in Need of Self-Care

Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.
Anne Lamott

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Featured image credit: Darryl Bush/ Hulton Archive via Getty Images

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About the Author
Kristina Wright
Kristina is a coffee-fueled writer living happily ever after with her family in the suburbs of Richmond, Virginia.
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