13 Self-Affirmations Every Woman Should Know

“When sleeping women wake, mountains will move.”

Chinese Proverb

It’s no secret that women, especially alcoholics and addicts – whether in their active addiction or in recovery from it – tend to suffer with low self-esteem. This is a result of societal messages, passed down through community and family members as well as being a part of the disease of addiction.

The good news is that there are ways to not only cope but, actually build self-esteem and begin to actually like and even love yourself. When that happens, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Not only that, a life of sobriety will be that much easier to build. Having self-worth and self-love are awesome weapons to have in your arsenal against addiction.

One major way to build self-esteem is to practice daily affirmations. Here are 13 self-affirmations every woman should know (and say to herself):

1. I have a life-threatening problem that once had me.

Remember: You now take charge of your life and accept the responsibility for it. Yes, addiction is life-long but so is recovery. You might not have control over having the disease, but you DO have control over what you to do keep it at bay.

2. Negative thoughts destroy only myself.

Your first conscious act must be to remove negativity from your life. This is a deliberate act that you choose to do. If there is gossip and negativity around you, you should remove yourself from the situation. If you can’t – say your co-workers are negative people – then you need to protect yourself energetically, by reminding yourself to be compassionate to others and be positive. Also, simply don’t join in with their gossip or complaining.

3. Happiness is a habit I will develop.

Happiness is created, not waited for. A major part of the disease of addiction is that we constantly look for happiness outside of ourselves, whether it’s alcohol and other drugs or sex, or shopping, or relationships and so on. But that’s wrong. Happiness has to come from within and it’s up to us to decide to be happy.

4. Problems bother me only to the degree I permit them to.

Having self-awareness allows us to better understand our problems so that we don’t allow them to overwhelm us.

5. I am what I think.

Tell yourself: I am a capable, competent, caring, compassionate woman. We all have that inner-critic and it’s time we told it to shut-up. Change your inner dialogue to positive thoughts and affirmations. Soon enough, you’ll believe these things (just as you had believed all the negative stuff you used to tell yourself).

6. Life can be ordinary or it can be great.

Being sober doesn’t mean settling for an OK life – as long as you’re not using or drinking. You can achieve greatness by a conscious effort.

7. Love can change the course of my world.

Come from compassion and love – as trying as it can be at times – and you will see your world transform immensely. Change your perspective on dealing with the “difficult people” in life by seeing them as a challenge and learning experience, instead.

8. The fundamental object of life is emotional and spiritual growth.

Check in with yourself on a daily basis to make sure you are putting your priorities first and that you are living your values. In our addiction, we lived and acted out of integrity, doing things that were against our true values, and that made life that much more unbearable. In sobriety, we get to live by our morals and values.

9. The past is gone forever.

Remind yourself: No longer will I be victimized by the past, I am a new person. Our past serves to give us experience and teach us the lessons we needed to learn. But, our past is our past. It’s time to move on. Think of your previous trials and tribulations as the building blocks that made you the awesome, strong woman you are today.

10. All love given returns.

Giving and receiving are one-in-the-same. Give your love freely to others and trust that you are loved, in return.

11. Enthusiasm is my daily exercise.

Remember to stay in the moment, feeling gratitude for all the “little things” in life. Treasure each and every moment of your new life.

12. I am a competent woman and have much to give life.

This one really doesn’t need any more explanation.

13. I am responsible for myself and for my actions.

All too often, we want to find fault with others, take other people’s inventory, and place blame every else but on ourselves. Being empowered means that you accept that you are accountable for your mind, your thoughts, and your life.

The idea behind these 13 self-affirmations every woman should know is that they encourage self-empowerment, self-acceptance, and an increase in self-esteem. And these qualities can be attained by repeating affirmations to yourself, on a daily basis, the best time being when you first wake up, you know, to get your day started off on the right foot.

If you are a woman struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction, and/or an eating disorder, you also probably suffer from low self-esteem. But help is available. The Orchid Recovery Center is a holistic treatment center that specializes in the healing and rehabilitation of women who are just like you. Call an Addiction Specialist today for more information. It could save your life. 1-800-777-9588.