Say It Like You Mean It: Why Affirmations Still Matter (Even If You Forget to Do Them)

I have a confession… I love affirmations. I also forget to use them more often than I care to admit.

Some mornings I’m full of good intentions. I’ve got a coffee in one hand, the calm app in the background, and I’m muttering something uplifting like “I am grounded and powerful” while hoping my daughter doesn’t burst in asking for something. Again.

But other mornings? I barely manage to get mascara on both eyes. And on those days, affirmations feel like a distant luxury.

Still, one thing is certain: I always come back to them. Because they work. They really work - not in a magical-unicorn-wish-it-and-it-shall-appear kind of way (although wouldn’t that be nice?), but in a rewiring-your-brain, steady-drip-of-self-worth kind of way.

Why Affirmations Work

Our minds believe what we tell them, especially the things we repeat often. If you’re constantly saying (even silently), “I’m not good enough,” “I’ll never catch up,” or “What’s the point?”, your brain takes it as truth.

Enter affirmations. They interrupt that pattern. They help us practise new beliefs before they’ve fully landed. And when you say something often enough, with feeling, not just lip service, you start to live as if it’s true.

And then? It becomes true.

But First… Let’s be realistic about What They Don’t Do

They don’t erase fear.

They don’t make your to-do list vanish in a puff of incense.

And they certainly don’t mean you’ll never doubt yourself again.

What they do is give you a new script when the old one is wearing thin. A way to step into the day with a little more courage, even if it’s messy. Especially if it’s messy.

How I Use Affirmations (When I Remember!)

After a bit of a slump, I listened to a Louise Hay recording this week, one of her old-school ones with gentle piano music and her soothing voice telling me I’m safe and loved. Sounds cheesy. Felt amazing.

It reminded me that affirmations don’t need to be fancy or perfectly timed. You don’t need a crystal grid or a sunrise ritual.

You just need a moment of intention.

While brushing your teeth.

In the car (even if Katy Perry (daughter’s choice!) is blaring in the background).

As you’re staring into the fridge wondering what you opened it for.

Pick a phrase. Say it like you mean it. Say it again.

My Go-To Grounded Affirmations

Here are a few that actually land for me - no fluff, no fairy dust, just words that bring me back to myself:

“I’m allowed to take up space.”

“I trust myself to figure things out.”

“It’s safe to go at my own pace.”

“I’m enough in this moment - not later, not after I’ve ‘done it all.’ Now.”

“This feeling isn’t forever.”

“I get to choose what I believe about myself.”

If You’re Feeling Resistant…

That’s normal. It can feel awkward or even a bit fake at first. Especially if your inner critic is used to running the show.

Start small. Start often. Start even when you don’t feel ready. Affirmations are like muscles, they get stronger with use.

Final Thought

Affirmations aren’t about pretending life is perfect. They’re about remembering your power when life feels anything but.

So if today’s been a whirlwind and you’re questioning everything from your parenting skills to your business goals - pause. Take a breath. And tell yourself something kind.

Say it like you mean it.

Even if you don’t - yet.

Because one day soon… you will.