Self-affirmations: examples of positive and negative

Every day we carry on conversations with ourselves. This self-talk can be negative or positive. This worksheet is to give you ideas for how to change negative statements into positive affirmations.

Once you decide to take responsibility for your thoughts, feelings, and choices, you can change your negative thinking; and you will begin to feel better about yourself and your life, free yourself from negativity, guilt, doubt, hurt, and powerlessness, give yourself permission to grow and be happy, achieve your goals, and be successful.
Click here for printable copy of self affirmations

Negative I don’t deserve love I am a bad person I am terrible I am worthless (inadequate) I am shameful I am not lovable I am not good enough I deserve only bad things I cannot be trusted I cannot trust myself I cannot trust my judgment I cannot succeed I am not in control I am powerless I am weak I cannot protect myself I am stupid I am insignificant (unimportant) I am a disappointment I deserve to die I deserve to be miserable I cannot get what I want I am a failure (will fail) I have to be perfect (please everyone) I am permanently damaged I am ugly I should have done something I did something wrong I am in danger I cannot stand it I cannot trust anyone I cannot let it out I do not deserve

Positive I deserve love; I can have love I am a good (loving) person I am fine as I am I am worthy; I am worthwhile I am honorable I am loveable I am deserving I deserve good things I can be trusted I can (learn to) trust myself I can trust my judgment I can succeed I am now in control I now have choices I am strong I can (learn) to take care of myself I have intelligence I am significant (important) I am okay just the way I am I deserve to live I deserve to be happy I can get what I want I can succeed I can be myself (make mistakes) I am (can be) healthy I am attractive I did the best I could I learned (can learn) from it It’s over; I am safe now I can handle it I can choose who to trust I can choose to let it out I can have (deserve)

Coping with Stress

Click here for printable copy

In a group or individual setting have each person read through the coping skills one category at a time. Ask each individual to comment on one of the items he or she could utilized when experiencing stress.

Diversions

Getaways: Spend time alone. See a movie. Daydream.
Hobbies: Write, Paint, Remodel, Create something.
Learning: Take a class. Read. Join a club.
Music: Play an instrument. Sing. Listen to music.
Play: Play a game. Goof off. Go out with friends.
Work: Tackle a new project. Keep busy. Volunteer.

Family

Balancing: Balance time at work and home. Accept the good with the bad.
Conflict Resolution: Look for win/win solutions. Forgive readily.
Esteem-building: Build good family feelings. Focus on personal strengths.
Flexibility: Take on new family roles. Stay open to change.
Networking: Develop friendships with other families. Make use of community resources.
Togetherness: Take time to be together. Build family traditions. Express affection.

Interpersonal

Affirmation: Believe in yourself. Trust others. Give compliments.
Assertiveness: State your needs and wants. Say "no" respectfully.
Contact: Make new friends. Touch. Really listen to others.
Expression: Show feelings. Share feelings.
Limits: Accept others' boundaries. Drop some involvements.
Linking: Share problems with others. Ask for support from family/friends.

Mental

Imagination: Look for the humor. Anticipate the future.
Life planning: Set clear goals. Plan for the future.
Organizing: Take charge. Make order. Don't let things pile up.
Problem-solving: Solve it yourself. Seek outside help. Tackle problems head on.
Relabeling: Change perspectives. Look for good in bad situation.
Time Management: Focus on top priorities. Work smarter, not harder.

Physical

Biofeedback: Listen to your body. Know your physical limitations.
Exercise: Pursue physical fitness. Jog. Swim. Dance. Walk.
Nourishment: Eat for health. Limit use of alcohol.
Relaxation: Tense and relax each muscle. Take a warm bath. Breathe deeply,.
Self-care: Energize your work and play. Strive for self-improvement.
Stretching: Take short stretch breaks throughout your day.

Spiritual

Commitment: Take up a worthy cause. Say "yes". Invest yourself meaningfully.
Faith: Find purpose and meaning. Trust God.
Prayer: Confess. Ask forgiveness. Pray for others. Give thanks.
Surrender: Let go of problems. Learn to live with the situation.
Valuing: Set priorities. Be consistent. Spend time and energy wisely.
Worship: Share beliefs with others. Put faith into action.

(Whole Person Press)

Practicing Self-care During Stressful Times

10 Ways to Relieve Stress