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“To err is human; to forgive, divine.”
Alexander Pope was right about that, but what if we are the ones that need forgiveness?
Sometimes being forgiven by others is simply not enough for you to feel better about the damage you’ve done. The feelings of shame and guilt can be overwhelming, but there is a way to improve and expedite your healing process – by implementing affirmations for forgiveness in your daily life.
(Side note: Want a simple tool to record and recite these affirmations? Check out these 13 affirmations apps that help you create a positive mindset.)
What You Will Learn
Why Affirmations Are Important for Self-Forgiveness
You need to realize that the past is finished, and there is nothing you can do to reverse it. Repeating events and conversations over and over again in your head is not going to make it better.
Every day, we experience different situations, and we are given only one opportunity to react. Sometimes we don’t have enough time to think about it, and sometimes we make a wrong decision even after solid consideration. It is perfectly normal to make mistakes.
Leave the Past in the Past
So, why would you torment yourself with something already done? There is no way you could alter it. Suffering the consequences of your actions should be purely educational since the best way to learn a lesson is through your mistakes. If you keep living in the past, you will not be able to move on and be ready to experience the present and the future.
Take Control of Your Mind
You need to reject self-criticism and embrace self-improvement. Remember that you control your thoughts, and your reality is what you make it. It is very common for people to have negative thoughts about themselves, and people tend to be their own worst enemies. However, through the power of positive affirmations and an optimistic outlook, you can go back to being your own best friend.
It is not easy to deal with your own thoughts, especially when you know that you’ve made some mistakes or even hurt somebody (or yourself). Negative thoughts can spread quickly and affect every part of your daily. For example, working can be challenging, studying can be disrupted, and sleeping is almost impossible. Eventually, unresolved negativity can lead to more serious issues, like depression or anxiety.
Become Your Own Best Friend (Again)
You need to reject self-criticism and embrace self-improvement to battle the negativity. Remember that you control your thoughts, so guide them in the right direction-toward happiness and positivity. It is very common for people to have negative thoughts about themselves, but don’t let yourself become your own worst enemy. So, instead of constantly thinking about what you could have done differently, you have to accept the facts and conciliate with yourself. Then, through the power of positive affirmations and an optimistic outlook, you can go back to being your own best friend.
Sometimes, you can feel imprisoned by your own thoughts. Anything you do, and anywhere you go, you feel like you just can’t escape them. But, you need to realize that you can turn this prison into a safe place by overcoming your problems through positive thinking and affirmations for forgiveness.
Replace Negativity With Positive Ideas
Affirmations are positive, optimistic ideas that guide your thoughts towards peace and away from negativity and self-pity. By reading, thinking, or saying affirmations, you implement positive action to eliminate shame, guilt, and embarrassment and make space for acceptance, confidence, and peace.
However, for the healing to start, saying the affirmations needs to become a habit. You need to be willing to dedicate your time and patience to them. By making affirmations a part of your daily routine, eventually, you will be able to manifest a genuine change and improvement in your life.
25 Affirmations for Self-Forgiveness
- I put down the heavy burdens of guilt, fear, and humiliation.
- I let go of the past so that I may go forward.
- I can learn from my own mistakes.
- I can recover from the harm and grief I’ve inflicted.
- I accept my real past and don’t dream of another one.
- I have faith in my current and future decisions.
- I acknowledge that I did the best I could with what I knew at the time.
- I will treat myself with respect and kindness.
- I am ready to love myself completely.
- By forgiving myself, I become more patient and tolerant of others.
- I give up all self-criticism.
- I believe in my ability to create a better future for myself.
- I take full responsibility for my past decisions.
- Every experience is unique, and I can’t always know what to do.
Every experience is unique, and I can’t always know what to do.”
- If I hate myself, I will not be able to love others.
- I let go of negative, harmful thoughts and habits.
- To forgive others, I need to forgive myself.
- Each day brings a fresh set of opportunities.
- I am the creator of my own destiny.
- I am no longer enslaved by self-resentment.
- I focus on the present.
- I believe everything happens for a reason.
- I will not repeat the same mistakes.
- I will heal and recover at my own pace.
- I will not let my mind be my prison.
How to Use Affirmations for Self-Forgiveness
Affirmations can be pretty effective and simple to utilize. Start by writing them down and placing the list in a prominent place, preferably somewhere you spend a lot of time (your desk, near your bed, etc.). You can also use Post-It notes and surround yourself with positive ideas at home or work.
For example, you can place the notes on your:
You can even frame them and put them on a wall. Keep the list of affirmations on your cell phone, too, in case your thoughts start troubling you on the go.
Once you’ve memorized the affirmations, you can start saying them aloud and repeat them 3-5 times daily. Then, repeat them in your head while meditating or exercising, and you will experience the dual relief of the mind and the body.
It can be challenging to believe the affirmations at first. Still, repeating is believing, and you will gradually start to take the words to heart. For the affirmations to truly be effective, say them with confidence, and be loud and clear. You can even try saying them to yourself in a mirror.
Daily affirmations can help you stay focused on your objectives and better understand yourself. Repetition of affirmations may change the way you think, and, as a result, it can also change your life. The right affirmations can help you deal with stress, improve your self-esteem, get a night of better sleep, and generally lead a healthier life.
Final Thoughts on Affirmations for Self-Forgiveness
Self-forgiveness is crucial for positive thinking, and positive thinking is vital for your mental health. However, to truly recover and move on, you first have to accept the consequences of your actions. Don’t forget that healing is a process. It takes time, and it cannot happen overnight.
Try saying affirmations whenever you’re alone or feel guilt and regret creeping into your thoughts.
If you are still unsure how and why to use affirmations, take a look at our 6 Ways to Use Affirmations Effectively.
Finally, if you want a simple tool to record and recite these affirmations, then check out these 13 affirmations apps that help you create a positive mindset.
