Appreciate Yourself And Others More With Words Of Affirmation

New Year’s goals aren’t just about what you do, they’re also about what you say. This year, why not build up yourself and your relationships with some words of affirmation?

Words of affirmation are things we say that express care, commitment, love, and support. They’re so important, they’re actually one of the five love languages that author Gary Chapman says people require to feel and express love in relationships. But words of affirmation aren’t just tools for sharing our feelings with other people. They’re an important part of self-affirmation and offering encouragement to yourself as well.

The past two years haven’t been easy on anyone, but starting a new year presents the chance to embrace opportunity, build your self-confidence, and put yourself out into the world in a new way. As you commit to self-improvement or growth in your relationships this year, here are 22 words and phrases of affirmation to help you express love and appreciation for yourself and others.


1. “I’m thankful for…”
Gratitude can be something you express to others, or it can be something you experience within yourself. Being intentional about expressing thanks for the things, people, and opportunities in your life is a way of affirming appreciation for the moment and inspiring positivity about the future.

2. “I’m proud because…”
You might feel pride for something as big as completing a marathon or as simple as making that tough phone call you’d been putting off for a week. Either way, when you’re proud of yourself or someone else, say it.

3. “I feel supported when…”
How do other people show up for you? Point it out to them, and let them know how much you appreciate having them in your corner.

4. “I feel inspired when…”
Notice what motivates you. It might be something another person does, or inspiration may strike when you’re taking time for yourself. Acknowledge those moments to bring attention to them and to help you recognize moments of inspiration in the future.

5. “I am brave.”
Every day you take chances, tackle goals, share your feelings, and put yourself out there. Those are all brave things to do. When life feels scary, affirm to yourself that you have shown bravery a million times before, and you can do it again.

6. “I am loved.”
You matter to the people around you. Remind yourself of this when you’re feeling disconnected or overwhelmed. You could even call up someone you care about and remind them that they are loved, too.

7. “I can.”
If you’re experiencing doubt, remind yourself that you can do whatever it is that’s making you feel worried. You may not do everything perfectly, but you can try, show up, and keep working towards the goal.

8. “I value…”
What do you love about the people in your life? What makes your relationships meaningful? You can affirm your connections with others by sharing these things and letting them know the special place they hold in your life.

9. “I love you.”
Love is something you feel, but it’s also something to share. When you love someone, let them know it. It can’t hurt to also say it to your reflection in the mirror sometimes. We won’t judge.

10. “Thank you.”
“Thank you” is a simple phrase that makes a big impact. Thanking others lets them know they’re seen, needed, and appreciated. Thanking yourself is also a way of acknowledging the good you do in the world and the power you have to make a difference.

11. “I’m worth it.”
It’s normal to experience doubt or wonder if you’re good enough for the things and people you want in your life, but we’re all worthy of good things. Remind yourself of this when the going gets tough.

12. “I love my life when…”
Think about what brings you joy, then celebrate that. Maybe this means telling yourself you love your life when you’re being active or taking chances, or maybe it’s telling someone else you love your life when they’re a part of it.

13. “You are so special to me.”
Special means “of a distinct or particular kind or character.” It’s nice to hear that you are uniquely appreciated, so make it a point to share those feelings with the most special people in your life.

14. “I’m here.”
Sometimes the best way to affirm your care for someone is just to be there for them. You can do this by taking care of something they need done, bringing them a gift, or just telling them, “I’m here.”

15. “I feel loved when…”
In relationships, it can be important to share not just your own love for someone, but also the ways they make you feel loved. Communication like this can strengthen your bond and help you support each other in ways that feel more thoughtful.

16. “It impressed me when…”
We don’t always know when we’re being noticed or appreciated by others. Make an intention to share these moments more often. You can start by just letting someone know when something they do catches your attention.

17. “I’m lucky…”
Acknowledging the good things in your life can help you notice all of the small privileges and joys you experience on a daily basis. Ways to finish this sentence might include: I’m lucky to be here, I’m lucky to experience this moment, or I’m lucky to have you in my life.

18. “I feel great.”
Feeling good? Shout it from the rooftops. It’s easy to acknowledge when we’re feeling off, down, or out of sorts. This year, try to be intentional about also affirming the good days and good vibes you experience.

19. “I’m showing up for myself.”
When you practice self-care, accomplish a goal, or even just tackle a basic task of daily living, you’re showing up for yourself, and that’s a big deal. Affirm that you are your own biggest support, and you do a great job of being you.

20. “I am capable.”
When self-doubt creeps in, affirm that you are capable. You may not be perfect (no one is!), but you are always capable of learning, trying, practicing, and getting better.

21. “I find you so…”
How do you feel about the people in your life? They’d probably like to hear it. You might say you find them attractive, inspiring, helpful, friendly, hilarious, or kind.

22. “I am doing my best.”
No one is going to get it right 100% of the time, but making an effort to be a good friend, parent, worker, and person is what counts. No matter what challenges or success are ahead, remind yourself in each moment that you are doing your best.

Copyright 2024, XAKKHRA, All Rights Reserved.

Special Words To Describe Someone You Love

There are so many reasons why we love and value the people in our lives, but sometimes it can be hard to find the right words to describe just what it is that makes those people so special. If you’re working on the ultimate love letter, preparing a special birthday toast, or even just talking someone up to a friend, you don’t want to fall back on broad terms like funny, kind, or cute. That’s the time to say what you really mean.

Talking about the people you love might mean talking about a significant other, but it can also mean describing a friend, parent, sibling, or other special person, too. No matter who you’re trying to describe or shower with praise, here are some handy alternatives to the most overused words to use when talking about someone you love.


Other ways to say: talented

Celebrating someone’s talent is usually a welcome compliment, but talent describes a pretty broad pool of qualities, abilities, and skills. What does that special person really excel at that makes them so, well, special? Here are a few other options to try.

accomplished
Accomplished is the word to use when someone is “highly skilled” or even “expert” at something. It demonstrates appreciation not only for their skills, but also for the time, energy, and hard work they put into acquiring those skills.

artistic
You can call someone artistic as a way of complimenting their skill and execution in art or their excellent taste and style. Someone who’s artistic likely has a unique, creative approach to many things, and this word calls that out.

capable
Have you ever been around someone who just seems to be good at everything? Those people are highly capable, which means “having power and ability; efficient; competent.”

inspirational
Sometimes a person’s gift is inspiring others around them to shine as well. Calling someone inspirational says they don’t just do great things, but they also motivate the people around them just by being who they are.

brilliant
Brilliant is the right word for someone you see as “shining brightly; sparkling; glittery; lustrous.” It might describe their distinguished abilities in one particular area or their bold and awe-inspiring approach to everything.


Other ways to say: kind

Kindness is an important quality, and a great way to acknowledge someone’s kindness is by pointing out all of the specific and meaningful ways they express it. Here are some words to do that.

affectionate
Affectionate means “showing, indicating, or characterized by affection or love; fondly tender.” Some people are more affectionate than others, so if someone’s outward displays of affection mean a lot to you, use this word to let them know it.

considerate
Considerate is the word to use for someone who is always looking out for other people’s feelings, performing small acts of kindness, or putting thoughtfulness on display on a regular basis.

big-hearted
Someone who is big-hearted is generous and kind. You might love a big-hearted person if you see that your special someone is always thinking about what they can do to show care and concern for others.

friendly
Sometimes being kind means treating everyone like a friend. Friendly people are “favorably disposed; inclined to approve, help, support.” It’s a way of explaining that your loved one isn’t just kind, but they also never hesitate to lend a hand or a shoulder to lean on.

gentle
Gentle is another way of saying “kindly” or “amiable.” Someone who could be described as gentle isn’t just nice, but is also likely a calm, compassionate, and steady figure in your life.


Other ways to say: attractive

Looks aren’t everything, but there’s nothing wrong with finding a few fresh ways to let people know they’re looking great. Rather than pulling out a bland word like attractive, here are some other options that get to the heart of what really draws you to someone.

alluring
Alluring doesn’t just mean someone is nice looking. It also means they have a charisma or charm that draws you towards them. Someone who is alluring is “very attractive or tempting; enticing; seductive.”

elegant
Whether it’s a special occasion or you admire someone’s style and grace every day, elegant is a word to use when describing someone who is “tastefully fine or luxurious in dress, style, design, etc.”

bewitching
Does someone in your life just have that special “it” factor that makes people want to be around them? They could be described as bewitching. This magical sounding word means “enchanting, charming, fascinating.”

charming
When someone is delightful or pleasing to be around, it’s usually because they’re charming. Someone might have charming good looks, but charming also extends to their sparkling personality and the way they make people feel in their presence.

lovely
Isn’t he or she lovely? This adjective means “charmingly or exquisitely beautiful.” It’s the perfect word to describe someone who is lovely in looks but also wonderful to spend time with.


Other ways to say: funny

A sense of humor is a great quality, but there are so many ways to be funny. Is the person more of a George Carlin, an Ali Wong, or a Jim Gaffigan? Here are some words to talk about the funny people in your life.

playful
If someone’s specialty is keeping things light and always finding humor in people and situations, you might describe them as playful. It literally means “full of play or fun.”

whimsical
A childlike or even off-the-wall sense of humor might be called whimsical. This word means “given to whimsy or fanciful notions; capricious.” Think: Robin Williams.

clever
Some people always know the right thing to say. You might describe them as being clever. These quick thinkers always find a way to get laughs by being both charming and bright.

hilarious
Hilarious means “arousing great merriment; extremely funny,” and it’s reserved for the people who are truly laugh-out-loud funny. These folks might be the life of the party or they might reserve their best jokes just for you. Either way, the fun never stops.

witty
Someone who is witty sees the world a little differently, and their sharp observations and clever comebacks can be very entertaining. They also might be funny in several mediums. Witty means “possessing wit in speech or writing; amusingly clever in perception and expression.”


Other ways to say: smart

If you value intelligence, then you’ll probably also value having more than one way to talk about it. Pull out one of these bonus words when describing the brainiacs in your life.

astute
If someone wows you with their keen perceptions and spot-on observations, you could say they’re astute. This word describes people who are shrewd, intelligent, and always the first to connect the dots.

crafty
While crafty can mean that someone is great with a sewing machine, it also means “cunning; deceitful; sly.” This doesn’t mean a crafty loved one is up to no good. It just means you want them on your team on game night.

wise
Wise describes the person you go to for advice, support, and to talk about the deep stuff. Wise means “having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right.” These people are like the lighthouses in the storms of life.

shrewd
If that special person in your life always knows how to get the best deals or how to convince people to be on their side, they might be shrewd. Shrewd means “cunning or tricky; artful,” and it’s a word for people who know how to use their deep intelligence to their advantage.

bright
No, we don’t mean the person you love is shining like a light bulb. Bright means “quick-witted or intelligent.” It’s a word that describes people who have many skills, catch on quickly, and are always capable of learning something new.

Copyright 2024, XAKKHRA, All Rights Reserved.

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