A Step-by-Step Guide to Self Love Affirmations
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How do I affirm myself when negative thoughts start to overwhelm me?
We all face moments when negative thoughts seem to take over, making us question our worth, abilities, and even our purpose. But here’s the truth: you are not defined by those thoughts. You have the power to take them captive and replace them with what is true—what God says about you.
One of the most effective ways to shift your mindset is by speaking self-love affirmations out loud. Your words have power, and when you intentionally declare truth over yourself, you begin to rewire the way you think and see yourself.
My Breakthrough Moment
My journey with self love affirmations began in one of the darkest moments of my life. I was sitting at my kitchen table in the middle of the day—between jobs, single, broke, and uncertain about my future. A deep sense of hopelessness crept in, almost like a dark cloud settling over me. My mind was racing with negative thoughts, and before I knew it, I was spiraling into despair. Suicidal thoughts even began to creep in.
I felt completely overwhelmed, drowning in the lies filling my mind. But then, in the midst of it all, I heard God’s voice tell me to do something unexpected.
“Stand up and go to the mirror.”
I obeyed.
Standing in front of my full-length mirror, I felt a lump in my throat as I heard God tell me to start at the top of my head and work my way down, speaking only true and positive things about myself. I wasn’t allowed to say anything negative.
For the next 30 minutes, with tears streaming down my face, I forced myself to say words I had never dared to speak before:
- I am beautiful.
- I have a purpose.
- I am worthy of love.
- I have a reason to live.
- I am valuable.
At first, the words felt foreign, almost like I was lying to myself. But the more I said them, the more they started to stick. And something shifted in me that day.
That moment was a turning point. I learned that I had the power to take my negative thoughts captive and replace them with life-giving truth. It didn’t happen overnight, but the more I practiced, the easier it became. Now, whenever negative thoughts try to creep in, I immediately combat them with affirmations—sometimes even using the rearview mirror in my car as a reminder to speak truth out loud.
The Power of Words
The Bible makes it clear that our words have power:
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
—Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)
We often think about how our words impact others, but what about how they impact ourselves? If we constantly speak negatively about ourselves, those words shape our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
The reason I share my story is that learning to speak life over myself changed everything for me, and I want the same for you. Many of us have carried negative words spoken over us since childhood—words that have become our truth, even though they were never true to begin with. But we don’t have to stay in that place.
We can choose to replace those lies with God’s truth.
What Are Affirmations?
Self love affirmations are positive statements that reinforce truth. They help us shift our mindset, renew our thoughts, and build confidence in who we truly are.
The Bible encourages us to focus on truth:
“Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].”
—Philippians 4:8 (AMP)
When we intentionally speak and think on what is good, we break free from the cycle of negative self-talk.
The Benefits of Affirmations
Affirmations are more than just feel-good phrases; they rewire your thinking. When used consistently, they:
✔ Help replace negative thoughts with positive ones
✔ Increase confidence and self-worth
✔ Help shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset
✔ Align your thoughts with God’s truth
✔ Move positive thinking from conscious behavior to subconscious belief
The Bible tells us to renew our minds daily (Romans 12:2). Affirmations are a tool that helps us do just that.
How to Use Affirmations
The key to making affirmations effective is consistency. Here’s how to incorporate them into your daily routine:
- Start your day with affirmations.
- Before you even reach for your phone, take a moment to speak truth over yourself.
- Say them out loud—multiple times a day.
- The more you say them, the more they take root in your mind and heart.
- Use a mirror.
- Looking yourself in the eyes while speaking affirmations makes them more powerful.
- Write them down.
- Keep a list in your journal, on your phone, or on sticky notes where you’ll see them daily.
How to Write Your Own Affirmations
Here’s how to craft affirmations that are powerful and effective:
- Start with “I” statements.
- Example: “I am confident.”
- Use the present tense.
- Speak as if it’s already true: “I have peace” instead of “I will have peace.”
- Use positive language.
- Say “I choose healthy foods” instead of “I don’t eat junk food.”
- Keep them short and specific.
- Example: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
- Be kind to yourself.
- No matter where you are in life, speak to yourself with love and grace. You are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10).
Apply This Today
I encourage you to take a moment right now. Find a mirror, stand in front of it, and speak one positive truth about yourself. Keep repeating it until you start to believe it. Then, over time, add more affirmations to your daily routine.
Whenever you’re near a mirror—whether at home, in your car, or even in a public restroom—take that moment to declare truth over yourself.
You are worthy.
You are valuable.
You are loved.
And no matter what your thoughts try to tell you, God’s truth is the final word.
Ready to Take Your Affirmations to the Next Level?
If this post resonated with you, then my workbook, You Don’t Actually Suck: A Guide to Seeing Yourself Through God’s Lens and Not Your Own, is exactly what you need. This guide will help you break free from negative self-talk, replace lies with truth, and learn to see yourself the way God sees you—worthy, loved, and full of purpose.
Inside, you’ll find practical exercises, biblical encouragement, and space to craft affirmations that speak life over yourself. Don’t let negativity hold you back any longer—start rewriting your inner dialogue today!
