All emotions are valid and must be listened to so that it is possible to deal with them. When talking about affirmations, gratitude, and building a more loving life, there can be a risk of stepping into what is known as “toxic positivity”, basically only looking for positive emotions (i.e. “positive vibes only”) without wanting to deal with the negative ones. But that is not a healthy way of living: when you don’t deal with something, that will just build up and what could have been a manageable thing will then be much more difficult to deal with down the road.

Learning how to cope with different emotions will help grow and truly live a kind and grateful life.

I accept my emotions and let them serve their purpose

Many of the affirmations for gratitude and kindness seem to be connected to the Law of Attraction, or at least to principles similar to such law because in order to practice gratitude and a kinder life, we also have to be kind to others and show gratitude for what we have in our lives. In doing so we will be on the receiving end of good things and positive experiences.

My heart is open and receptive to giving and receiving love. I am a magnet for positive loving experiences

There isn’t much we can do to live a more peaceful life, especially because we cannot control external factors and circumstances (i.e. family, friends, politics, society we live in, etc.). However, what we can do is to try and take back control of some aspects of our life – we can feel overwhelmed when things are spiraling and we can’t get a grip of a situation or also emotions. But when we pause and focus on just the next step, complete said step, and then think about the next one and so on, this can help us regain control and ultimately bring back peace to ourselves. Similar to when you have to complete any task that, at first, looks like immense, but then, if you break it down in smaller tasks, it will help us accomplish said task.

I preserve the peace I feel surrounding me by seeking out the good in each and every situation today

There is a fine line between being selfish and self-love – by being selfish, one does things only for oneself without thinking about how one’s actions might affect others. But self-love is different: self-love is showing kindness to oneself, is thinking about doing things but there is also a consideration of how actions might affect others. And in a way, self-love is what enables us to also help others. We can’t pour from an empty cup: loving yourself and showing kindness to yourself will enable you to better help others.

I choose to be kind to myself and love myself unconditionally

There are days when you will feel low and it is not realistic to always be positive and chirpy. Nevertheless, there are days when we feel good and we can better appreciate life and what it brings us. Whenever there is a good day, embrace it so that on one of those low days one can look back and smile.

I welcome and appreciate the good things life has to offer. It is my greatest desire to live each and every day with unlimited gratitude

Our marathon for a more grateful and serene life paves the path to becoming an even better person than you already are.

I am in the process of becoming the best version of myself

We all make mistakes – it is normal, it is human. Learn from your mistake so that you won’t do it again and forgive yourself.

I forgive myself and I allow myself to feel inner peace

The journey to a grateful and serene life is a marathon, definitely not a sprint. So while you’re looking at your life right now and struggling to find anything to be grateful for, I honestly believe that there is something in there. For example, being alive and breathing is definitely a blessing. Start with that and build on it.

LIfe gives me abundant blessings to be grateful for

Being attentive to what others need is a precious skill and should be cultivated: from giving your coworker your snack to volunteering at a local human or animal shelter, there are so many things that can be done to help others.

I act unselfishly, and I am considerate of the needs of others

So much is going on, from the cost-of-living crisis to wars – everybody copes in different ways with big and small events. And we don’t know what others might go through, so try and be kind. It’s not really the “turn the other cheek” – rather talk gently.

I use kind words