Self-Love: 31 Positive Affirmations for May

I found this list of positive affirmations for May quite hard to right as I am experiencing a lot of multiple different, conflicting feelings right now. I am feeling deep gratitude for how life is a little easier in these post-lockdown months, and I cannot deny my heart is being buoyed by the hope on the horizon that are the vaccinations happening all over the world, but I am also feeling something of a hangover from the last year, and especially the hard, hard start to the year.

That's why these affirmations go back to basics in some ways; to try to find some perspective and some grounding. But they also target some other recurring thoughts and feelings - self-doubt has been a big one over the last few weeks - and also they tackle this multiplicity of feelings we are very capable of as humans. 

Daily Positive Affirmations for May

Before we get into this list, I want to remind you that with affirmation, it's always more about finding a handful of positive affirmations that speak to you, rather than expecting every single one to work for you. You also don't have to see this list as something to be read or used chronologically. And if you want to know how to actually "do" affirmation - well, it's up to you! But many people believe saying affirmations aloud (and repeating them) is one of the most effective ways to really get your brain to stop and listening to what you're saying, but if you're more comfortable just saying them in your head to begin with, then you do that. Read more about how and why affirmations work here.

For more positive affirmations you can find January, February, March and April's lists of affirmations, and also you can find 100 daily positive affirmations here, 50 positive affirmations for depression, affirmations for anxiety, 100 healing affirmations, and why all writers should try affirmation. I also share near-daily affirmations on my Instagram pages: @asthebirdfliesblog & @writenowcards.

If you'd like these affirmations in individual images you can download and print or share on social media, you can find them all as JPEG files that are free to download once you are a supporter of my Ko-Fi page, which costs as little as just $1. Over to these daily positive affirmations - I hope at least one or two really speak to you this month.

1. I am human.
2. I am alive.
3. I am here to live, to love and to learn.
4. I am not my darkest thoughts.
5. I respect my own seasons. 
6. Breath work is soul work.
7. Feeling out of control is not the same as being out of control.
8. It is possible to feel great pain and still feel immense joy.
9. I hold space for my own conflicting thoughts and feelings, without judgement.
10. It is okay for some things to happen slowly.
11. Almost every thing in life takes some practice. 
12. Loss, pain and challenge are facts of life. They are easier to navigate once I accept this with a hopeful heart.
13. I decide what success looks and feels like to me.
14. Self-care is never selfish.
15. Boundaries are a birthright.
16. I learn more about history so I can see what role it plays in today's world.
17. Fresh air is a gift.
18. The future remains unknown and I surrender to this truth and all its possibility.
19. I acknowledge what I find hard, rather than dwelling on it or resisting its discomfort.
20. I show myself the same true forgiveness I offer my loved ones.
21. I show myself gratitude and appreciation.
22. I am grateful to feel the sun's warmth on my skin.
23. On hard days, I take it breath by breath.
24. My body works hard for me. I look after it by eating well, resting and moving regularly, and thinking positively about all it is and all it does for me.
25. I take time to appreciate and applaud how far I have come to get to today.
26. Growing old is a great privilege.
27. My flaws do not define me.
28. Self-confidence is a muscle that needs both exercise and rest.
29. If I lose momentum with something, it does not mean I lose my ability or my worth.
30. Peace comes from within, not from any number of external factors aligning.
31. To live slowly doesn't mean I miss out on anything. In fact, it is to live more fully.