Body-Positive Affirmations: How to Use Them for Reaching Your Highest Self

 In the past, girls were taught to prioritize caring for others over themselves.

They were expected to be quiet and focus on looking attractive rather than expressing their thoughts. 

Society made them believe their appearance mattered more than their ideas, emphasizing that women's bodies held great power.

They were raised to be wives and to use their bodies solely for childbirth.

The perception of women's power has changed over time. Social media now strongly influences how women and girls perceive themselves and what they believe a "real woman" should look like.

This idea is often shaped by supermodels or celebrities who have a specific appearance, even though many of us don't relate to them.

When we encounter certain body types on social media, we might unconsciously develop negative thoughts about ourselves.

Thoughts like "I wish my lips were as big as hers," "I'm too thin," or "I don't have the right body shape for those jeans'' can make it hard to feel confident about our bodies. 

These thoughts create challenges in maintaining a positive attitude about our appearance compared to what we see online.

Developing body-positive affirmations and embracing our bodies can help us overcome these challenges, promoting a healthier self-image. 

Understanding Body Positivity 

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, body positivity is “the fact of feeling good about your body and the way it looks: Body positivity is rooted in loving your body and gaining self-confidence.” 

Nowadays, a woman is encouraged to embrace her body, even if she wears a size 14 instead of a size 3.

She might not have the stereotypical features like a bigger chest, round bottom, or the classic hourglass shape with measurements of 36-24-36. 

You might be wondering; how can I boost my self-confidence? What should I tell myself when I don't feel pretty? How can I go out and not compare myself to others or feel secure that "I am gorgeous"?

The key is to practice body-positive affirmations, reminding yourself that you do look good.

The Impact of Body Positive Affirmations and Genuine Compliments Among Women

Affirmations play a crucial role in building self-esteem. They shift the brain from a negative perspective to a more positive mindset, and this positivity eventually reflects in daily life.

Vayda Mamic, as seen on TikTok, provides perfect examples of how and why this helps. 

Vayda mentions that “you start off by not believing which is totally normal but, because you keep repeating affirmations to your subconscious mind over and over again, that new repetitive thought will slowly start to impress on your subconscious mind”.

The most impactful affirmations come from women supporting women. When a woman receives a compliment from another woman, it feels and sounds more genuine.

In contrast, when it comes from a man, it can be hard to interpret the real intention. 

Turtleneckemo elaborates on why women appreciate compliments from other women.

He states “When a woman compliments another woman, they don’t expect anything in return whereas when a man compliments a woman too many men see this as transactional...” 

Examples of how body-positive affirmations can be incorporated into daily life: 

1. Create a daily affirmation practice: Write down affirmations on a piece of paper and place them somewhere visible, such as a mirror or bulletin board. Repeat the affirmations to yourself each morning or before bed to start or end your day on a positive note.  

2. Use an affirmation app: There are many apps available that provide daily affirmations and reminders to help you stay focused on positive thinking. Set up notifications on your phone to receive daily reminders and use the app as a tool to combat negative self-talk. Example affirmation apps: ThinkUp and, I am-Daily Affirmations. 

3. Incorporate affirmations into yoga or meditation practice: Use affirmations as a way to cultivate a more positive mindset and body awareness during yoga or meditation practice. Repeat affirmations to yourself as you move through poses or during moments of stillness.

4. Use affirmations as a tool to combat negative self-talk: When you find yourself engaging in negative self-talk or self-criticism, use affirmations to replace those thoughts with positive ones. Repeat affirmations to yourself whenever you notice negative self-talk creeping in. 

15 Body Positive Affirmations for Daily Empowerment 

1. I love and appreciate my body just as it is.
2. My worth is not determined by my size or shape.
3. Every part of me is beautiful and valuable.
4. I am more than my appearance; I am worthy of love and respect.
5. I celebrate the unique beauty that I bring into the world.
6. I choose to focus on what my body can do, not just how it looks.
7. My body is my home, and I treat it with kindness and respect.
8. I am deserving of self-love, self-care, and self-acceptance.
9. I release the need for approval from others; I approve of myself.
10. I am confident, strong, and comfortable in my own skin.
11. I nourish my body with healthy choices and mindful self-care.
12. I let go of comparison and embrace my unique journey to self-love.
13. My body is a masterpiece, and I appreciate its beauty in every form.
14. I radiate confidence, self-respect, and inner harmony.
15. I AM WOMEN - Emmy Meli 

Women Embodying Positivity

Body-positive affirmations are fundamental in our lives, especially when we admire models, celebrities, and influencers.

Figures like Serena Williams, Winnie Harlow, and Ashley Graham serve as inspiring examples of women who empower others to be confident in their bodies and accept themselves just as they are.

Serena Williams, a renowned female athlete, courageously confronted societal criticism targeting her muscular arms.

In an interview featured in Times Magazine New York and highlighted on BleacherReport, she boldly proclaimed, “I realized that you really have to learn to accept who you are and love who you are. I'm really happy with my body type, and I'm really proud of it.” 

Her empowering words echo the core principles of body-positive affirmations, showcasing her confidence and self-love. 

Serena not only embraces her unique physique but also serves as an inspiration, encouraging individuals worldwide to accept and cherish their bodies just as they are.

Through her resilience, she sends a powerful message, reminding us all of the importance of self-love and embracing our distinctiveness.

Ashley Graham, a plus-size supermodel, serves as a powerful advocate for body positivity.

Representing women with curvier bodies, she conveys a great deal of body positivity through her modeling pictures and runway walks.

Graham was also featured as a love interest in the DNCE Music video called Toothbrush in 2016. 

She openly discusses the changes in her body after having her baby on The Daily Show, maintaining a positive and honest mindset on social media. Which inspires others with her openness and authenticity. 

Graham once stated, "I don’t know what other models are lying about, but I do know what I am telling the truth about, and it's me."

Ashley Graham's candid approach exemplifies the importance of body-positive affirmations, inspiring us to accept ourselves and embrace our individuality. 

Winnie Harlow, a Canadian fashion model, gained recognition when she appeared on America's Next Top Model in 2014. She became widely known for her skin condition called  Vitiligo.

Skin is an essential part of the body, and Harlow is an example for young women to embrace their uniqueness. 

Vitiligo is not often discussed among the current generation; however, Harlow recognizes that her skin is just like anyone else’s, despite the loss of pigment.

Through her TED talk called How I Define Beauty. Winnie Harlow defines what she believes beauty is. 

Her story and outlook on life exemplify the power of body-positive affirmations, promoting self-acceptance and reshaping society's perception of beauty standards. 

Shaping the Future: Unveiling Inner Strength

Embracing body positivity is like embarking on a powerful journey. It means understanding and appreciating the beauty within our minds, bodies, and spirits. 

This self-discovery leads us to a profound inner strength. In the face of societal pressures and the unrealistic standards we often see on social media, body positivity offers us a way out.

By recognizing our uniqueness and accepting ourselves as we are, we gain confidence. 

This confidence helps us break free from harmful comparisons and embrace our true selves. It's not just about feeling good individually; it's also about making the world a better place.

When we embrace our genuine beauty, we promote acceptance and kindness, creating a more inclusive world for everyone.

✍️ Written by Alexis J Lawrence