10 Affirmations I Tell Myself on Hard Mental Health Days
I am entering into a phase of recovery (i.e. the beginning) when I am doggedly determined to embark upon this road and make change. I am going to do it.
The dialogue in my head is usually critical and unkind, mean and hateful. Can’t believe you did that. Who do you think you are? You are not good enough. I silently bully and belittle myself relentlessly — day in and day out.
I understand and respect I need to move away from negative thought processes. Affirmations are unnatural to me, but I am giving it a go nonetheless.
I need to state up front I have been blessed with the attention span of a flea. So by necessity, I require affirmations with a very small number of words! They must also be genuine or I won’t do them at all. I detest the idea of standing in front of a mirror and telling myself I look beautiful. I can’t do it. I get nauseous just thinking about it. However, if I focus on the actual recovery road, and find positive pep talk words, I think I might be able to make a little progress. I practiced a little bit of positive self-talk repetition this morning, and for a small period of time, it did help. I did feel a little stronger. I did have a bit more belief in the possibility of success. It didn’t last long, but today is just day one! Here is what I came up with.
1. I am enough.
2. I will be OK.
3. This too shall pass.
4. Surf the urge.
5. Emotions won’t kill me.
6. The answer is in recovery.
7. I am the recovery key.
8. I can do this.
9. Failure isn’t a feeling, and feelings aren’t facts.
10. No thank you.
And of course the old faithful, “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”
I am going to try using these affirmations each as a daily mantra, repeating them incessantly until imprinted on my heart and soul. Starting with number one: I am enough.
I am enough.
I. Am. Enough.
I…
Am…
Enough…
So are you. We are all enough.
Got a favorite affirmation? Please share in the comments below. I need all the help and inspiration I can get!
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237.
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Crazy hair, solitude seeker, at peace in the natural world. After a series of crises led to an emotional breakdown and multiple psychiatric admissions I was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, PTSD, depression and anxiety, and I have a long-standing eating disorder. I have a passionate interest in mental health and now share my story in the hope it may benefit someone else. I dedicated over three decades of my life as a professional flautist and teacher. In 2008 I completed a Master’s in Journalism, specialising in editing, and continue to hone my skills as a writer. My first book, "Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels: The Girl with the Eating Disorder" is now available with all online retailers! With 30 years of marriage under my belt, I successfully raised three and a half young men and a chocolate-brown Burmese cat. A mean feat never to be underestimated.
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