When it comes to gratitude, it can be challenging to come up with lists of things you;re grateful for when you’re going through a difficult time.

On Thankful Thursday, we’ve come up with five affirmations EVERYONE can be grateful for if you’re in the process of elevating to the best version of yourself.

5 releasing affirmations to be grateful for

For people pleasers who struggle to put their own needs first: I love that I am my top priority. I love making sure MY needs are always met.

For people who are convinced they’ll never overcome certain obstacles while manifesting their dream life: I am determined to succeed, and so therefore, I will. I can do challenging things. I deserve to win.

For people who feel like they can’t be themselves and people hide their authenticity out of fear: Potential judgment from others does not deter me from being exactly who I am.

For people who say “yes” to things that drain them because they want to be accepted or well-liked: I only agree to do things that genuinely make my soul happy.

For people who burn themselves out going above and beyond all the time: I give my mind, body, and soul permission to rest and relax. I’m still valuable regardless of how productive I am.

Why do affirmations matter and how do they make a difference?

Affirmations matter because the more you repeat something to yourself, the more you’ll start to believe it.

Our natural negative human biases have us convinced that we should be dwelling on negativity. We live in fight or flight mode, always expecting the worst.

Positive affirmations, when repeated to the point of thorough acceptance, are life-changing.

We have to do the inner work to heal our trauma and our ingrained negative thoughts. It requires effort and energy.

The process can start with positive affirmations.

As soon as negative thoughts start floating into your brain, go out of your way to stomp those thoughts out with positive affirmations.

Be deliberate about it. Be aggressive about it.

You deserve to see changes in your life. Positive affirmations are a great starting point in making that happen.

They are not the end all, be all. But, they are a starting point.