It can be easy to feel good about yourself when the number on the scale is exactly what you want it to be but what if it’s not the “ideal” number we would like? Do you stop feeling good about your body? Of course not! Being body positive is knowing we deserve to feel good about our body at any weight. This ultimately creates confidence within.

But what if you can’t remember the last time you felt proud or even comfortable in your own skin? What if those moments just don’t come anymore?

In that case, my friend, it may be time to look at the relationship you have with your body and how you talk to yourself. It’s time to fill your brain with self-affirmation, instead of criticism.

The truth is, your body probably doesn’t look like it did 15 years ago and that’s OK.

It shouldn’t.

You aren’t the same person you were 15 years ago. 

Throughout life, you have evolved and changed. Your beautiful body evolved right along with you. That is something to marvel at, not something to be ashamed of.

That amazing, beautiful body has carried you for 30 plus years. It has cried with you, laughed with you, succeeded, and failed with you. Your body has been there through the happiest moments of your life and the most tragic moments of your life.

Nobody else has seen it all-but your body has. Together you have adjusted to new homes, new jobs, new relationships, and new roles.

That amazing body of yours may have even grown children and brought them into the world. You may have then sustained those little people through their first months of life with nothing more than your remarkable body.

You and your body have accomplished so much together. You deserve to stand tall and be proud. It doesn’t matter what the number on the scale says. After all, it’s just a number. It doesn’t define who you are. What matters is how you feel about yourself and how you care for yourself.

Now, I’m not saying stop exercising, sit on the couch and live off of potato chips and soda for the rest of your life. Not at all.

Instead, I want you to learn to love yourself so deeply that you will do whatever it takes to put only the best foods in your body. I want you to choose to exercise enough to keep yourself healthy because you know you deserve it. I want you to give yourself the best care possible so that you can live your best life.

Obviously, exercise is a great way to help you gain confidence in your own skin. But I also know sometimes 90% of the battle occurs before you even turn on that workout video or head to the gym. Sometimes our brain gets in the way, hounding us with negative messages- telling us we aren’t worth it. The truth is, YOU ARE WORTHY! 

For those days, try out some of these self-affirmations to motivate you to keep going even when you don’t feel like it.

40 Self-Affirmations for Women Over 30

• I am worthy.
• I am love.
• I am like a fine wine. I only get better with age.
• I am stronger than ever.
• Change is good.
• I can do hard things.
• I am capable.
• I deserve this time for me.
• No one can stop me from making healthy choices.
• I am exactly who I’m meant to be.
• I am exactly where I need to be.
• There is no one else like me in this world. I am unique.
• I don’t have to compete with anyone. This is my race.
• I’m doing this for me.
• I deserve the best.
• My body deserves nothing but the best.
• My body deserves to be nourished.
• My body deserves to be cared for.
• My body is perfect just the way it is.
• Healthy is beautiful.
• Self-care is not selfish.
• Caring for myself helps me to be the best version of myself.
• Food is not the enemy.
• Healthy food equals a healthy, happy me.
• I deserve to feel good.
• Healthy feels good.
• I love myself.
• I am more than enough.
• I attract success.
• I am worthy of the life of my dreams.
• The number on the scale is just a number.
• The best is yet to come.
• I am loved.
• There is light within me.
• I am in charge of my future.
• I will focus on what I can control.
• Focus on the good.
• My life is a blessing.
• Difficulties make me stronger.
• I am not alone.

What are Self-Affirmations?

Self-affirmations are statements of positive truths about yourself. They are reminders of all the good things you have accomplished throughout your life, how far you’ve come, and all that you are capable of.

How do Self-Affirmations Affect my Health?

Your body changes in response to the thoughts going through your mind. If you want your body to change in a positive way, transforming negative thoughts into positive ones is a great place to start. Similar to gratitude, regularly practicing self-affirmations can help make your brain a more positive place.

How to use Self-Affirmations

• Choose a few self-affirmations from the list, or make up your own!
• Write them down on sticky notes, index cards, etc.
• Post them throughout your home, car, workplace, gym bag, wherever you may need encouragement. You could even use a dry erase marker to write some on your mirror.
• Read and repeat these phrases to self throughout the day. You can say them silently to yourself or outloud.
• Fight Back- When you notice negative thoughts creeping into your brain, replace them with your positive self affirmations.
• Fake it until you make it- keep repeating these self-affirmations until you truly believe these positive truths about yourself and your body.

Everybody deserves to be appreciated for who they are, including you. Instead of being your own worst critic, be your number one fan. On the days when you’re feeling down, use these self-affirmations to recharge. This is what my therapist calls “cognitive reframing.” Your body is amazing, regardless of your age, fitness level, or the number on the scale. It deserves to be loved and appreciated.