Our words can uplift and inspire us or tear us down. Our self-talk can be cheerful and supportive of a beautiful life, or it can be negative and self-defeating. It all comes down to the way we speak to ourselves on a regular basis. That is why using positive affirmations can be beneficial to our lives.

An affirmation is a positive phrase that you can use to help diminish negative thoughts and feelings. By repeating the same sentences to yourself, research shows that you can train your brain to seek the good in every situation.

Since starting this practice, I’ve seen a tremendous transformation in my thought process. And I’d like to share some of my favorite declarations with you. Here’s a list of 10 positive affirmations that can strengthen your mind and improve your life.

I’m better than I used to be. Better than I was yesterday. But hopefully not as good as I’ll be tomorrow.

M. Williamson

1. My Peace is My Power

Peace is the path to happiness. When we activate our inner peace, we can begin to live calm, centered, and beautiful lives.

Although practicing positive affirmations won’t guarantee us a stress-free life, it can give us wholeness of mind, and help us to establish contentment—no matter how difficult things get in our lives.

Prioritizing your peace means protecting your mental health by all means. This can look like avoiding negative energy, taking a break from social media, spending more time alone, and connecting with nature.

2. I Can, and I Will

Turn down the volume on doubt and insecurity. Start affirming that you have what it takes to achieve your goals, period. Repeating this affirmation can foster your self-belief and motivate you to seek happiness and success—in every area of your life.

3. I Am Healing Every Day

We speak out about the traumas we’ve faced, but not often enough do we declare our healing.

When we affirm that we’re strengthening—or becoming well—we give more power to our healing than our past or previous circumstances. The first step to improving our lives is to change the stories we tell ourselves. Therefore, start affirming that each new day will be filled with hope, happiness, and health.

4. I’m In Charge of How I Feel

Your feelings are under your control. This may be difficult to grasp at times, but it’s true. You’re in charge of how you feel and what you allow to affect you. When you take responsibility for your emotions, your happiness will never be contingent on external factors and validation. As a result, you’ll begin to lead a more genuinely fulfilling life.

Being in charge of how you feel doesn’t mean denying your emotions, but it empowers you to better manage your emotions. By learning how to use positive affirmations, you can make your emotions work for you—not against you.

5. It’s OK to Ask for Help

Requesting support doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human. There will be times when you have everything under your control. But there will also be moments when you just can’t go-it-alone. And that’s OK…

Repeating this affirmation can help build your confidence to ask for help, whenever and however you need it. Give yourself permission to be vulnerable, communicate your feelings, and be honest about your limitations. Because the more you open up about your struggles, the more you give others the courage to open up as well!

6. I Trust Myself

Self-trust is about knowing, deep down, that you can rely on your own instincts, feelings, and abilities—even when others around you don’t quite understand.

If you’re having self-trust issues, practice this affirmation to increase your self-belief. With the right daily habits, self-doubt can be replaced with confidence and self-assurance. Remember, you know yourself better than anyone. Start trusting yourself to do what’s right for you!

7. I Give Myself Permission to Make Mistakes

I used to have a hard time forgiving myself for making honest mistakes. Although it hasn’t been easy, I’m finally at a place in my life where I fully embrace my humanness. Based on personal experiences, I’ve come to understand that mistakes are more than just mishaps. They can also serve as great learning opportunities.

Practice this affirmation to increase your self-compassion skills, and to help you get better at handling moments of difficulty and disappointment.

8. I Am Worthy of Rest

You are worthy of rest and renewal of soul. Prioritizing rest and relaxation is essential for your well-being. Giving yourself permission to pause and take it slow is an important part of self-care. Practice this affirmation to release stress and worry, increase your peace, and invite calmness into your life.

9. I Grow at My Own Pace

Just like the flowers, we all grow at different rates. There’s no need to compete with others because your journey is unique to YOU. Rather than comparing yourself to other people, get comfortable living life at your own pace.

Staying in your own lane, and focusing on your own progress, will reduce feelings of stress, frustration, and inadequacy. The more you focus on yourself, the happier you’ll become. Practice this affirmation to gain a healthier sense of individuality and confidence.

10. I’m Not the Person I Used to Be

Of all the affirmations on this list, this one definitely hits home. I’m not the person I used to be—and I love that for me.

The thing about growth is that it’s a lifelong process. Even if you’re not exactly where you wish to be, celebrate where you’re at on your journey. Because the small steps that you take every day will eventually lead to big results. Practice this affirmation to remember how far you’ve come, and embrace the journey of getting better every day!