Gratitude Affirmations: Why They Work And 100 Affirmations to Try

UPDATED: December 16, 2024
PUBLISHED: February 23, 2024
Woman practicing gratitude affirmations on her living room floor with her cat

Everyone wants to be a better version of themselves. We look for ways to feel happier, more fulfilled and less stressed, often searching outside ourselves for that missing piece. But one simple shift—focusing on what we already have through practicing gratitude—can bring immediate, powerful changes. 

You might be wondering, “Could my life really change if I made gratitude a daily habit?” The answer is a resounding yes. Many top coaches recommend incorporating gratitude affirmations into your routine, and there’s solid science behind the benefits.

Research from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley shows that people who regularly practice gratitude report higher life satisfaction and better emotional well-being. 

Just five minutes a day of gratitude journaling can significantly boost long-term happiness

But how exactly do gratitude affirmations work? And more importantly, how can they become a daily habit that brings about the real, lasting change we’re all seeking? We’ve compiled a list of 100 gratitude affirmations that help you tap into your inner strengths and recognize the abundance of opportunities around you. 

Affirmations Lower Stress And Increase Openness

Our thoughts can work for us or against us. Negative thoughts such as, “I can’t accomplish this task” or “My peers think I look foolish” increase self-doubt and limit our opportunities for success. Positive self-affirmations, on the other hand, can combat negative thinking by encouraging realizations that nurture a growth mindset, decrease stress and expand openness.

Tools such as gratitude journals help the positive thinking process. 

Sometimes, you need to ward off the stress of negative thinking more quickly, like before giving a presentation. Gratitude affirmations work in the moment by replacing negative self-talk with more realistic, positive thoughts. Scientific research has found the potential for self-affirmation to reduce defensiveness, promote openness and positivity, and improve coping ability. 

How to Create A Useful Self-Affirmation

Not all self-affirmations are equally effective. In fact, if an affirmation doesn’t feel realistic or resonates with doubt, it can actually backfire and diminish your sense of self-confidence over time. 

To begin your affirmation practice, follow these three steps: 

  • Identify three blessings: What are three things you appreciate in your life right now, big or small?
  • Visualize your gratitude: Think about one thing you are thankful for and how it impacts your life. How does it make you feel?
  • Craft your affirmations: Using your reflections, create two or three personalized gratitude affirmations, starting with phrases like “I am grateful for…” “I appreciate…” or “I am thankful for…”

These will help you articulate your gratitude affirmations and enhance your journey toward positivity.

Here are some tips to help you create gratitude affirmations that will be impactful.

Keep It Brief 

Short affirmations are easier to remember and repeat, making it simple to recall them when you need a positive shift in perspective.

Make It Personal

Focus on your unique qualities or strengths—personalizing affirmations helps them resonate and align with what you value most.

Use The Present Tense 

Affirmations in the present (“I am…” or “I have…”) help you feel their truth in the here and now.

Get Specific 

Instead of general affirmations, like “I am grateful,” try specifics, like “I am grateful for my supportive friendships,” which can feel more tangible and meaningful.

Feel It Fully

Pause and experience the emotion behind each affirmation. Visualizing a positive outcome can strengthen your connection to the affirmation.

Be Consistent 

Make affirmations part of your routine by repeating them at the same time each day, reinforcing their messages.

Write Them Down 

Writing affirmations helps you focus and gives them a concrete form, making them easier to visualize and connect with emotionally. When writing, phrase the affirmations like they’re happening now.

Use Positive Language Only 

Focus on what you want to attract, like “I am calm and capable” instead of “I am not anxious.” Positive language reinforces growth and abundance.

Meditate On Your Affirmations

Set aside a few minutes to meditate on your affirmations. Sit quietly, breathe deeply and let each affirmation settle in as you focus on your breathing. 

100 Gratitude Affirmations You Can Use to Transform Your Life

Below, we provide 100 examples of gratitude affirmations grouped in categories for a variety of common situations. Read the affirmation aloud. Determine which approaches work best for you, and combine or modify them to best suit your style and needs.

Gratitude Affirmations For Boosting Your Self-Worth

It’s hard not to compare ourselves to others, so avoid negative comparisons by affirming your values.

  • “My self-worth stems from my authenticity and vital journey in life.”
  • “Comparison clouds my vision, and I choose gratitude for my individual progress.”
  • “I celebrate the success of others while recognizing my own unique gifts.”
  • “Every path is different, and I cherish my unique experience.”
  • “I feel gratitude for the clarity and vision to understand my singular purpose in life.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Assertiveness At Work 

Providing your opinion or making a request in a professional setting takes personal courage, and that’s a good time to affirm your value to others.

  • “I am grateful for the confidence to express my ideas clearly and with authenticity.”
  • “I appreciate the courage to set healthy boundaries and advocate for my needs.”
  • “My voice deserves to be heard, and I am thankful for my ability to express it clearly.”
  • “Others value my abilities and contributions even when my opinions are challenging.”
  • “I am grateful for a supportive environment where others value me as a person.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Overcoming Social Inhibitions

Rather than avoiding social situations required for networking and group presentations, remind yourself of all that you have to offer.

  • “I celebrate the growth that comes from stepping outside my comfort zone.”
  • “I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with others and share my unique talents.”
  • “Colleagues welcome the positive impact I make in their lives and careers.”
  • “My resilience makes me stronger and more comfortable with each social interaction.”
  • “I appreciate this opportunity to nurture my professional network with strength and clarity.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Finding Resilience Amid Setbacks

We all experience setbacks in our lives and careers, but gratitude affirmations can help us reset by finding their true meaning.

  • “Setbacks are not a reflection of my worth, but a test of my resilience.”
  • “I am grateful for every challenge that deepens my wisdom and helps me grow stronger.”
  • “I appreciate each setback as an opportunity to prepare me for the next challenge.”
  • “Every unexpected setback reveals hidden opportunities.”
  • “I am surrounded by others who have experienced setbacks like my own.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Owning Your Potential

Often, the most significant purpose of a gratitude affirmation is to get us unstuck when we’ve become too comfortable with stasis.

  • “I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve created so that I may achieve my goals.”
  • “Reaching my full potential is not a destination, but a quest that I lead.”
  • “I celebrate my courage to chase dreams and embrace the unknown.”
  • “Today, I test my skills, wisdom, and endurance with gratitude for the opportunity.”
  • “I appreciate my ability to guide my destiny and create the prosperity I deserve.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Manifesting Abundance

Abundance might not always flow consistently, but as humans, we experience it in many forms. The key to attracting more abundance is focusing on the wealth, big or small, that already exists around you. 

  • “I am grateful for the wealth of possibilities that the universe reveals to me, lighting my path with purpose.”
  • “With a heart open wide, I welcome waves of prosperity and abundance, acknowledging each with deep gratitude and wonder.”
  • “I celebrate the prosperity surrounding me, honoring each gift and opportunity with mindful appreciation.”
  • “I am boundlessly appreciative of the limitless potential within me to attract and cultivate prosperity in every area of my life.”
  • “Gratitude fills my soul as I welcome the flow of abundance into my life, trusting that every blessing aligns with my purpose.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Family

A strengthened bond with one’s family can be a source of joy, helping shape your identity and influencing who you become. These affirmations will help you strengthen those connections and invite even more joy into your life.

  • “My heart overflows with gratitude for my family’s love because it is a fortress of support that guides me through every season.”
  • “Every precious moment shared with my family reminds me of our unbreakable bond, and it fills me with warmth and appreciation.”
  • “I cherish the laughter, strength and love we cultivate together, each memory a testament to our enduring connection.”
  • “With a grateful heart, I honor the love and unity my family brings now and will bring in years to come.”
  • “I appreciate each family member and value their unique qualities, their unique light and the joy they bring to my soul.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Friends

Friendships are significant in every human’s life; getting them right means you are one step ahead. These affirmations will help direct true friends your way and help you value and deepen those friendships.

  • “I am grateful for friends who encourage and inspire me in every phase of my life’s journey.”
  • “I do not take any of my friends for granted. I support them and value everything they do, no matter how small it may appear.”
  • “Just as my friends stand by me, I’m committed to being a source of strength, joy and support in every part of their lives.”
  • “I am thankful for friends who make me laugh, comfort me and advise me when life feels shaky.”
  • “I appreciate the loyalty and trust that define my friendships.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Health And Vitality

Your health is your greatest treasure; it fuels everything you do and shapes the quality of your life. Giving proper attention to your health is an act of love. 

  • “I am grateful for my strong and healthy body, and I am happy I am in control of it.”
  • “I am thankful for my body’s natural ability to heal.”
  • “With every breath, I give thanks for the boundless energy and life force that sustain me each day.”
  • “There is vitality within me. I am grateful for the balance and wellness that infuse my life with joy and strength.”
  • “I treat my body with care, love and respect.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Love

Everyone needs love, no matter its form; it is the foundation of a fulfilling and happy life. Use these affirmations to open yourself to love in all its beautiful forms.

  • “I am grateful for the love that surrounds and fills me.”
  • “I welcome love into my life with open arms.”
  • “I am happy that each day, I’m learning to open myself up, to love freely, and to welcome love in return without fear or defensiveness.”
  • “I am thankful I can recognize and value true love whenever it comes.”
  • “I’m grateful that I don’t allow past heartbreaks to dictate how I show up for those who care about me.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Money And Financial Security

Financial security brings peace of mind and confidence in life. It’s important to appreciate the financial stability you have now and prepare for more abundant financial success in the future.

  • “I am grateful for the wealth and all the resources I have now.”
  • “I’m thankful for the brilliant and smart ideas that flow to me, which opens doors to new opportunities and helps me create wealth.”
  • “I am endlessly thankful to have access to the information I need to improve my financial situation.”
  • “I appreciate every financial blessing, large and small, which I make myself or receive.”
  • “I am grateful that people trust me enough to introduce new streams of income into my life.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Relationships

Everyone deserves to experience healthy relationships, whether they are with friends, lovers, children or parents. Regardless of the challenges you’ve endured, it’s never too late to affirm the possibility of building healthier and stronger connections.  

  • “I am grateful for relationships built on trust, respect and love.”
  • “I strive to bring meaning to the lives of those around me and value each connection we share.”
  • “I celebrate the growth and joy that my relationships inspire.”
  • “I cherish the moments spent with friends and family that create lasting memories and deepen our bonds.”
  • “I do not take anyone in my life for granted, and I make it a point to show my appreciation.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Self-Love And Acceptance

Before you can receive love from others, you must first learn to love yourself. When you affirm your own worth, you’re opening yourself up to fully accept the love others offer you. The more you love and accept who you are, the more you’ll attract the love you deserve.

  • “I am grateful for the person I am today and the one I am steadily becoming each day.”
  • “My unique strengths are not taken for granted, and I see beauty in my imperfections.”
  • “With every act of self-kindness, I honor my soul with unwavering compassion and love.”
  • “Growth is a continuous journey, and I am grateful for every lesson along the path to self-acceptance.”
  • “I value my unique qualities, I love my body and mind, and I recognize the worth and value I bring into the world by simply being me.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Success

Success begins with a positive mindset. To achieve your goals, you need to stay motivated and grateful. Remind yourself daily of your capabilities and progress to keep you focused, energized and ready to overcome any challenges. 

  • “Each day’s progress strengthens my resolve and brings me closer to my dreams.”
  • “I am thankful for every small victory on my path. I recognize each victory, no matter how small, as a milestone worth celebrating.”
  • “My skills and determination are gifts that propel me forward, and I appreciate the growth they bring.”
  • “I welcome every challenge as a transformative opportunity because I know it refines my abilities and deepens my resilience.”
  • “I embrace success with a thankful heart and am confident in my potential to achieve and make a meaningful impact.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Personal Growth

Every chapter of your life is a step toward becoming the best version of yourself. Growth is how you prove you’re moving forward, learning and evolving. These affirmations are a gentle reminder to be thankful for the transformation you’re experiencing. 

  • “I am grateful for every step of my growth and each moment that shapes my future.”
  • “I’m grateful for the opportunity to discover who I am, to push my limits and to prove that I can be a valuable, dependable part of the society around me.”
  • “I am thankful for the strength to pursue growth and become the best version of myself.”
  • “I celebrate my journey and embrace each change with gratitude and an open heart.”
  • “I love the progress I make each day, and I appreciate the journey of growth I’m on.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Finding Joy In The Present

Life doesn’t always go as planned, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find joy while we roll with the punches. Make it a priority to live fully in each moment, to appreciate the little things and to affirm your commitment to finding happiness now rather than waiting for everything to fall into place. 

  • “I am grateful for the joy that fills my days and for the peace that flows through me, calm and steady like a river.”
  • “I am grateful for each present moment and I find joy in the simple things around me.”
  • “I deserve to be happy. I let go of worries about the future or the past.”
  • “I am thankful for the little things that bring joy and meaning to my daily life.”
  • “I feel a deep sense of contentment and joy flowing through me.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Attracting Positive Energy

The secret to bringing more positivity into your life is gratitude. When you focus on what you’re thankful for, you open the door to attracting even more good things. A mindset shift toward appreciation can create a ripple effect, inviting an abundance of positivity into your life. 

  • “I am grateful for the positive energy that fills my life, and I attract even more joy and peace.”
  • “I appreciate the good in my life and open myself to more positive experiences.”
  • “I welcome every day with gratitude because I know it attracts more happiness and love.”
  • “I celebrate each blessing, no matter how small, and invite positivity into my life.”
  • “I align myself with positive energy and attract abundance and joy.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Boosting Creativity

Every remarkable person you admire has harnessed the power of their creativity to achieve something great. The key to doing so lies in focusing your thoughts on creativity. Creativity is a skill that requires constant attention and practice, and affirmations can help keep your mind charged and open to new ideas. 

  • “I am grateful for my creativity and the freedom to express myself fully.”
  • “I have the calmness to direct my thoughts toward inspiration, and I am fully aware of the creative and unique ideas that flow through me.”
  • “I am thankful for the ability to create and for the joy my creativity brings.”
  • “My ideas are worth sharing, I trust that my creativity has value, and I let it flow freely and unapologetically. I won’t let my self-esteem get in the way of expressing myself.”
  • “I attract the right people who see and value my creativity. They not only appreciate my ideas, but also help bring them to life in ways that make a positive impact on the world.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Staying Calm And Centered

Emotions, negative or positive, are an inherent part of who we are; they make us human. However, it’s important to remember that we can control how we respond to them. In challenging moments, affirming feelings of calm and peace can help us regain control in the face of negativity, especially when stress builds. 

  • “I am grateful for the peace within me which allows me to remain calm in all situations.”
  • “I appreciate the quiet moments that center my mind.”
  • “I am grateful for my ability to stay grounded, even amid challenges, and give thanks for this strength.”
  • “I am thankful for the ability to stay calm even in the worst situations.”
  • “I control my emotions; my emotions do not control me.”

Gratitude Affirmations For Welcoming Joy And Laughter

Life will always present challenges and tough times to counter the best of them. By making room for joy and laughter, you can learn to appreciate life more fully, even when the going gets tough. 

  • “I am grateful for moments of laughter, each a reminder of life’s beauty.”
  • “I appreciate the joy that fills my life and nourishes my soul with happiness.”
  • “I celebrate each moment of happiness and allow gratitude to deepen my joy.”
  • “I am thankful for the lighthearted moments that bring laughter and ease.”
  • “I welcome joy into my life and cherish the happiness it brings.”

Begin Your Gratitude Practice Today

Words carry real power to shape your life. These gratitude affirmations are seeds of positivity that can help you become a better version of yourself. So, what are you grateful for today? Even if you can’t see it clearly yet, envision it, embrace it and watch as gratitude transforms your life, one thought at a time.

Photo credit: Shutterstock.com

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