Gone are the days where it is taboo to boldly love yourself out loud. The new cool is prioritizing self-love and self-care. Which means if nobody has told you that they love you today, be the first person to tell yourself. Sometimes the pressures of life can seem like too much to bear, but if you’re going to survive and thrive you have to proactively motivate yourself. Day in and day out. One way to ensure you are positively fueling your mind is to recite daily affirmations. And yes you should say these out loud, and even while looking in the mirror, because manifestation is real. Below are five daily affirmations to help you begin your days loving yourself and feelin’ good as hell.

I GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR ME

Have you ever realized how easy it is to say yes to others, but not to yourself? For some reason, we have conditioned ourselves to accept that putting others first is the right thing to do. But giving to others without feeding your own happiness does a disservice to everyone. You can’t continue to pour from a half empty cup. You need to be filled to the brim of things that make you happy and are right for you. And then others can drink from what is spilling over. It’s ok to take care of you first. In fact, it’s essential and you should remind yourself of this daily.

I DESERVE EVERYTHING THAT I DREAM OF

Sometimes the things we long for the most seem so grand, that we don’t see ourselves as deserving of them. We create self-imposed limitations by minimizing ourselves in preparation for the miracle not happening. The world has taught us to set realistic expectations because dreams are crazy for the average person. But what we fail to realize is that those who achieve their dreams are crazy enough to believe they will. Mediocrity is a mindset; one that you will reject. You are special and deserve everything your foolish heart desires. And each time you recite this daily you’ll begin to believe that you deserve, and those limitations will disappear.

MY HEART AND MY EMOTIONS ARE MY BEST ASSET

The heart, in the figurative sense, is arguably the most fragile part of the human psyche. It is bruised and crushed sometimes easily and without warning. So those that wear their heart and emotions on their sleeve are typically given a bad rep. But they’re the bravest of all, because despite the vulnerability and brokenness, they put the pieces back together and show up again. It is much easier to hide yourself and build up emotional walls, so recognize the strength in your openness. Your compassion, feelings, lovingness and emotional range are the most beautiful parts of you. Wear them proudly. Rejoice in them daily.

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME

No matter what religion you subscribe to, the essence of spirituality is a necessary part of living your best life. Anything can be achieved with a strong foundation and withstanding faith in God. This is easier said than done of course, and it takes tremendous work. However, if we remind ourselves daily that our utmost strength is found in Him life gets better and easier. There is no valley low enough, and no peak high enough that God can’t reach. With the power of faith and understanding on your side, how can you lose?

I AM BEAUTIFUL, INTELLIGENT, AND WONDERFUL. I AM ME.

Toot your own horn, and toot it loud. You are a gorgeous, smart, terrific human being, and there is only one of you. You put effort in to look good, and equally as much effort inside to feel good about yourself.  No person on this Earth is perfect, but you are perfectly you. And the world is a better place because you are in it. Work to find your purpose while here, while standing confident in the fact that you are one of a kind. Tell yourself daily how special you are. 

You have to speak daily affirmations into your life until you undoubtedly believe they are true. The first step on the pursuit of happiness is to completely love yourself. Start today.