110 Self-Compassion Affirmations To Practice Kindness

Many of us can struggle with being overly self-critical. We know we should practice being more kind, yet we’re not sure of a tangible way to do this. That’s where self-compassion affirmations come in.

Using positive affirmations to be self-compassionate is something you can do on a daily basis, and it can be accomplished in seconds or minutes. 

All you need is to mindfully allocate time to practicing this positive self-talk and that’s it. 

So, let’s talk about self-compassion and what it means before getting into the affirmations that you can start using.

What is the Meaning of Self-Compassion?

As mentioned in my recent post on self-compassion exercises, to know self-compassion you first need to understand compassion.

Compassion is a strong concern for the suffering and misfortune of others. Therefore, self-compassion is turning this concern inward.

“Self-compassion means you are kind and understanding when confronted with personal failings.” – Dr. Kristin Neff

How Can Positive Affirmations Help With Self-Compassion?

There are many powerful benefits of using positive affirmations in various areas of your life – and this includes practicing self-compassion. 

These positive statements help with…

• Reframing negative thoughts by using positive self-talk
• Improving low self-esteem
• Focusing on your own needs when going through difficult times
• Supporting your mental health
• Seeing more positive things in your day
• And so much more

Related: What Are Affirmations & How To Use Them

Use this list of affirmations on a daily basis or when you need them most.

1. I am letting go of thoughts and feelings that do not serve me.
2. My past mistakes are in the past. I will not focus on them anymore.
3. Moving on is hard, but I know I can do it.
4. This challenging time will pass and I’ll be stronger because of it.
5. I am proud of myself for getting through hard times.
6. My mistakes do not define me. They are simply just mistakes.
7. Mistakes are part of the human experience.
8. I did my best and this is what matters.
9. I am making peace with my past self.
10. I am embracing change.
11. I am growing.
12. I know I can get through this hard time.
13. I am letting go of judgemental thoughts.

14. The care and kindness I give to others is what I will now give to myself.
15. I matter. My feelings matter. 
16. I deserve everything good in this world… and I will give it to myself.
17. I will shower myself with kindness and support today.
18. I am my own best friend and I will treat myself with kindness.
19. I am a good person who deserves great things.
20. I am worthy of kindness, love and respect.
21. Being kind to myself allows me to show kindness to others.
22. I am beautiful, inside and out.
23. I will show love and kindness to myself and others today.
24. I deserve rest.
25. Self-compassion fuels my happiness.
26. I am setting boundaries to look after myself.

27. I am listening to what I need in this moment.
28. It’s natural to be imperfect. These imperfections make me unique and special.
29. I am not perfect. In fact, I love what makes me imperfect.
30. I accept my past mistakes and use them as learning tools.
31. I am enough.
32. I trust myself. 
33. I have strengths and weaknesses and neither defines me.
34. I can look after others while still looking after myself. 
35. Just as I am a good listener to others, I will listen to myself.
36. I give myself permission to say no.
37. I will not feel guilty for listening to my own needs first.
38. It’s okay to change my mind and take a different path.
39. I can do anything I set my mind to.
40. I am happy to be me.
41. I am strong.
42. I will look after myself.
43. The journey I’m on has a purpose.
44. I am taking steps toward a happy, abundant life.
45. I deserve forgiveness.
46. I am worthy of everything this world has to offer. Period.

47. I will practice having a positive mindset today.
48. I am uniquely me and that’s a good thing.
49. I am attracting positive experiences in my life
50. I am worthy of love.
51. I feel more confident in myself every day.
52. I am standing up for myself today.
53. I love myself and will find ways to prioritize my happiness.
54. I love the person I’ve become.
55. I do not need approval from others – only myself.
56. Treating myself with love and kindness is my number one priority.
57. I believe in myself.
58. I can do hard things.
59. I am making a conscious effort to do my best.
60. I am showing up for myself today.
61. I love myself unconditionally
62. I am in a better place today because I worked hard to get here.
63. I will practice loving myself more and more every day.
64. I am my biggest cheerleader.
65. I am on my own side.
66. It is natural for me to love myself.
67. I have a hopeful future.
68. I am standing up for my beliefs and values.
69. I give myself permission to take a break.
70. I am on a journey of healing.
71. I am brave.

Daily Self-Compassion Affirmations

72. Today is my day to shine.
73. I believe in myself
74. Today I choose to move forward.
75. If I catch myself having negative self-talk today, I will show myself kindness and move on.
76. Today I will take a break.
77. When I get stressed today, I will take mindful deep breaths or go outside.
78. Today I will focus on having a positive inner dialogue.
79. My emotional health is a priority today.
80. Today I am showing up for myself – with love, support and kindness.
81. I accept who I am today.
82. I treat myself with care and compassion today.
83. Today I will seek out things that bring me joy.
84. Today I forgive myself.
85. I am committed to loving myself today and every day.
86. I am creating happiness in my life today.
87. Today I will get out of my comfort zone.
88. I am actively practicing self-compassion
89. I see how far I have come and I’m so proud of myself for sticking with it.
90. Where I am today, is exactly where I need to be.

Self Compassion Quotes 

You can use these self-compassion quotes below as positive affirmations too.

91. “This is a moment of suffering. Suffering is part of life. May I be kind to myself in this moment. May I give myself the compassion I need.”

–  Kristin Neff

92. “You’ve been criticising yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” – Louise Hay

93. “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” – Maya Angelou

94. “With mindfulness, loving kindness, and self-compassion, we can begin to let go of our expectations about how life and those we love should be.” – Sharon Salzberg

95. “Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.” – Christopher Germer

96. “Talk to yourself as you would someone you love.” – Brené Brown

97. “If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” – Jack Kornfield

98. “Leaning on others is a beautiful act of self-compassion.” – Sally Clarke

99. “Self-compassion–being supportive and kind to yourself, especially in the face of stress and failure–is associated with more motivation and better self-control.” – Kelly McGonigal

100. “Circumstances vary; self-kindness does not. It is a constant.” ― David R. Edwards

101. “Self-compassion is nurturing yourself with all the kindness and love you would shower on someone you cherish.” – Debra Reble, PhD

102. “Every time a diminishing thought arises, I repeat the vow “I will not harbor unhealthy thoughts anymore.”

– Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray Love

103. “The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself.” – Steve Maraboli

104. “If you don’t love yourself, you cannot love others. You will not be able to love others. If you have no compassion for yourself then you are not capable of developing compassion for others.” – Dalai Lama

105. “The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself.” – Mark Twain

106. “When you say, ‘Yes’ to others make sure you are not saying ‘No’ to yourself.” – Paulo Coelho

107. “Self-compassion is a way of emotionally recharging our batteries. Rather than becoming drained by helping others, self-compassion allows us to fill up our internal reserves, so that we have more to give to those who need us.” – Kristin Neff

108. “Unlike self-criticism, which asks if you’re good enough, self-compassion asks, what’s good for you?” – Kristin Neff

109. “The only person who can pull me down is myself and I’m not going to let myself pull me down anymore.” – C. Joybell

110. “Lighten up on yourself. No one is perfect. Gently accept your humanness.” – Deborah Day

Related: More Self-Compassion Quotes To Show Yourself Kindness

What Are The Actions Of A Self-Compassionate Person?

After reading all of these positive affirmations it’s clear that self-compassionate people treat themselves with kindness, but what else do they do?

• Give themselves extra love and care when going through a tough time
• They are forgiving of mistakes or limitations
• They do not judge themselves
• Provide themselves with support
• They are in the habit of standing up for themselves – which also includes negative self-talk
• They’re understanding of personal imperfections
• Remind themselves that suffering is part of the human experience – and it’s how you deal with it that gets you through

Self-Compassion Affirmations: Final Thoughts & Next Steps

I hope you feel inspired by reading these powerful self-compassion affirmations. 

Using affirmations is just one way you can be more compassionate with yourself, however, you can find more self-compassion exercises here. 

Now that you’ve got a strong understanding of self-compassion affirmations you can do the following:

Select your favourite affirmations and start using them on a daily basis

How could you use them?

• Write them down on Post-it notes, your journal, your notes app, a daily planner
• Recite them out loud – in the mirror, while driving, in the shower, etc
• Get creative and use brush lettering or calligraphy in your journal
• Set an automated reminder in your phone with affirmations that make you feel good

Get inspiration from these affirming statements and write your own affirmations

Simply tailor the self-compassion affirmations and make them your own.

After all, affirmations need to mean something to you, so customizing them will always work best.

What’s your favourite Self-Compassion Affirmation?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

More Affirmations & Self-Compassion Resources:

• 15 Simple Self-Compassion Exercises
• 25 Positive Self Love Affirmations + PDF Worksheet
• 50 Mental Health Affirmations for Depression & Anxiety
• 125 Beautiful Things To Love About Yourself
• 40 Self Love Reminders To Improve Your Day