We all know what self-gaslighting is, right? If you don’t, here’s the definition: Self-gaslighting commonly involves suppressing and invalidating your thoughts and emotions. How many of you now realize that you gaslight yourself on a daily basis? *raises hand*

In today’s society, it is easy to shrug off a valid emotion under the premise that you were overreacting. Or you’re made to feel like your emotions aren’t valid just because there are other people who have things worse than you do. Both of those reasons are perfect examples of self-gaslighting. 

So – how do we combat self-gaslighting? By slowly changing the way that we think and by understanding that our emotions and feelings are valid no matter what the situation. No one can tell you how you should be feeling. 

I have found that daily affirmations have been a huge help in rewiring my brain. Taking a few quick moments out of my day to sit and focus on these affirmations helps remind me that I’m allowed to take up space in the world! Even if it may not feel like it in the moment. I’m sharing my five favorite affirmations to debunk self-gaslighting with you in the hopes that they help you realize that you and your thoughts are valid.

I am deserving of love and compassion.

Have you ever heard the saying, “We accept the love we think we deserve”? If you have, then you understand how true that saying can be. If we don’t feel worthy of love and kindness, then we train our brains to ignore the love around us. Everyone deserves love and kindness in their daily lives. We just have to allow ourselves to see it and let it find its way into our lives. Trust me – it’s there, even on the days it’s hard to see.  

I have the power to heal and grow.

The journey to real healing never truly ends. We are constantly growing into better versions of ourselves than we were in the past. Because of this, it can sometimes feel like we are still stuck in the past. It can be hard to see just how much progress we are making within ourselves when the rest of the world will tell you you’re the same person on the outside. When that happens, I want you to remember that you have the right to heal and become a better version of yourself. Don’t ever let anyone tell you differently. If they do, it means they’re still working on healing themselves.

I choose to focus on the present moment and let go of any worries about the past or the future.

Do you ever have days where it feels like you are being haunted by your past? Do you ever wish that the future would just hurry up and get here already? Both of those feelings are valid – but sometimes they can do more harm than good to our mental state.

It’s normal to revisit old memories and wish you could go back and do things differently. But it’s important to remember that nostalgia often makes things seem better than they really were. Rose-colored glasses and all that. At the same time, it’s easy to be excited by the future and dream about what it would look like. Just make sure that in doing so, you’re not thinking negatively about your current situation. 

Oftentimes our present is better than our past, and the future will arrive exactly when it’s supposed to. 

I am stronger and more resilient than I believe.

I’ll let you in on a secret – life is tough, but you are tougher. You have the ability to overcome any challenges in your way and transform your life for the better. The struggles and challenges the journey of life brings your way do not define who you are as a person; your reaction to it does. This affirmation is a great reminder of that. 

On the days when it feels like life is out to get you, I want you to remember just how far you’ve come and how you’ve grown stronger after overcoming each and every obstacle. Even if it doesn’t feel that way at the moment. 

My thoughts do not define me as a person.

Sometimes our thoughts can be both intrusive and scary. They can make you feel like you’re drowning when your head is still above water, and you’re breathing fresh air. I think we’ve all had instances where our thoughts get the better of us at one time or another. That’s why it’s important to take a moment to pause, breathe, and remember that our thoughts are not always accurate as to what’s going on in our reality.

One of the best ways to combat negative thoughts is to talk to someone you trust and love about how you’re feeling. Oftentimes they’ll be able to remind you just how amazing you are and how far you have come in life when you struggle to see it. It’s a great way to quiet the negative noise in your mind with kindness and love. 

I hope these affirmations are helpful! Let me know some of your favorite affirmations below.