Oftentimes, we may feel that other people's approval is what we need before we can celebrate our progress. We don't need it, though.

~Lately, I've been feeling really down and out about my body. I remember someone made a joke about one of my aspects, and it hurt in a way I haven't felt since the 9th grade. So today's affirmations are going to be based around insecurities.~

~Please write these down or say them in your head. If you can, it's better to say them out loud. I've found that hearing myself and my voice is what affirms me most, but to each their own.~

I am enough simply because I exist.
I am beautiful because I am me and I will always be.
I love myself because I determine my validation and worth, not anyone else.
I am myself despite what the mirror tries to tell me.
I am NOT a disappointment.
I am me, and if you don't like it, you can leave.
My peace is my priority.
My body is my priority.
My mental health is my priority.
My acne/wrinkles/stretchmarks is me, and I am beautiful.
I am determined to show up for myself.
Everywhere I go, I shine.
This is me, and respectfully, deal with it.
I'm not selfish because I have boundaries.
I am allowed to be proud of my body.
It's not a joke if I don't laugh.
I do NOT tolerate disrespect!

And one last time, I am enough simply because I exist.

Please stay safe, lovelies, and keep loving yourself.

Most of the affirmation stuff I find is either too cheerful to believe or so vague it slides right off me. 'I am enough' does nothing when I've snapped at my coworker and skipped lunch.

The ones that work for me are small and kind of boring. 'You don't have to fix it tonight.' 'Eat something first, then decide.' That's it. Plain enough that I don't roll my eyes.

What's yours? Especially the ones you'd be a little embarrassed to say out loud. Those tend to be the real ones.