50 Encouraging Things to Say to Yourself

We all need a bit of encouragement and inspiration sometimes. In my therapy practice, some of the most common problems I see are clients being hard on themselves, getting caught up in negative thinking cycles, not speaking up for themselves, avoiding doing the healthy things, or being scared to feel their feelings. It is important to learn to be a good coach and a good parent to yourself. If you never had a good parent who understood and encouraged you, you may not know where to start. Here are some encouraging words you can use. Pick your favorite ones and pin them on an inspiration board, put stickies on your fridge, or make a flashcard to carry with you so you can use it in times of stress.

  1. You’re doing the best you can
  2. Life isn’t always fair
  3. Just get started
  4. It’s OK to take a break
  5. We don’t always get what we want
  6. This too will pass
  7. Today is a new day
  8. It’s a bad day, not a bad life
  9. Other people have their issues too
  10. Stick to your healthy routine
  11. Keep your eyes on the goal
  12. You can’t control what you think, but you can control what you do
  13. Be kind
  14. Allow yourself to feel
  15. Express your dissatisfaction constructively
  16. You can’t control what other people say or do
  17. Be authentic
  18. It’s OK to set boundaries and stick to them
  19. You don’t have to please everybody
  20. Don’t listen to your judging mind
  21. Avoidance makes things worse
  22. It takes courage to face your own weaknesses
  23. Treat yourself with compassion
  24. Surround yourself with healthy people
  25. You can get through this
  26. You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to try your best
  27. You can learn and grow from your mistakes
  28. Learn from the past, but don’t get stuck in it
  29. If your old ways aren’t working, try something new
  30. Some things are worth being uncomfortable for
  31. You don’t have to tolerate abusive behavior
  32. Don’t let anyone or anything control you
  33. Find your own voice
  34. It’s OK to feel
  35. Vulnerability can be a strength
  36. Take care of your inner child
  37. Don’t listen to critical voices; your own or other people’s
  38. Look for love in healthy ways
  39. Stay grounded
  40. Don’t compare your insides to someone else’s outsides
  41. You can learn to keep yourself safe
  42. Let your values guide you
  43. Ask for support when you need it
  44. Walk your own path but make room for others
  45. Follow your passions.
  46. Get up again when you fall
  47. Don’t judge anybody without understanding their circumstances
  48. Everybody messes up sometimes
  49. Learn to forgive yourself
  50. Respect yourself and others

Comments 7

  1. Jane
    May 31, 2017

    Lovely, and reading these have helped me. Making a copy to refer to whenever I need. Thanks so much!

    1. melanieg
      May 31, 2017

      Thanks Jane! I’m glad you are able to use the quotes in your daily life.

  2. Harriet B.
    March 12, 2018

    How lovely to be greeted by these positive thoughts, first thing Monday morning. Thank you.

  3. leni
    March 12, 2018

    Thank you Melanie. These are beautiful!!

  4. z
    March 17, 2018

    Love this. Thank you for what you do. It’s so helpful.

  5. Stine
    May 10, 2018

    This list is great…! Spot on and what I need. I will print them out and have them next to my bed.
    Thank you ❤️

  6. Lady Donna
    March 5, 2019

    Hi everyone, praise Jesus, I’m thankful ,I’m always seeking new affirmations to add daily to my positive self-talk to build myself and others in sphere of influence, ????

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