31 Daily Affirmations for Women Who Are Over the BS

Let’s first skip the toxic positivity, how’s that?

There’s something deeply patronizing about most affirmation lists. Like, “I am a radiant goddess of light”? Okay, cool. But what about when I haven’t washed my hair in four days and I’m rage-texting my group chat because someone passive-aggressively called me “emotional” in a meeting?

That’s the thing, real affirmations shouldn’t be about pretending life is sunshine and bubble baths. They should remind you that you’re still here, still trying, and still deserving of grace even when your world is held together by caffeine and sarcasm.

So these affirmations? They’re built for real women, with real stress, real grief, real rage, and real moments of triumph. The kind of affirmations you whisper to yourself in the bathroom at work before rejoining a meeting with people who don’t know how to unmute.

Take what you need. Leave what doesn’t fit today. Come back tomorrow.

1. I can power through this right now and spiral later if I need to.
2. I don’t need to hack a to-do list to have a productive day. Today’s the kind of day that brushing my teeth is the best I can do.
3. No, it wasn’t just a joke – it was rude and I’m not overreacting.
4. I’ve survived every bad day so far. That’s not nothing.
5. I’m allowed to look how I feel. I don’t owe anyone pretty.
6. The world will not end if this goes horribly, I just need to do my best.
7. I can be proud of my growth while grieving my past. The two can co-exist.
8. I don’t owe my energy to anyone, especially not them.
9. Remember that terrible horrible day I thought I wouldn’t survive? I did it, I can do this too.
10. No, I don’t have to smile if I don’t want to.
11. That closure I’m chasing won’t make the difference I think it will.
12. I need to trust my gut feeling because it is there for a reason.
13. My opinion is as important as my male colleagues’.
14. I am allowed to choose what I want from life.
15. It’s not “just PMS,” my feelings are still valid.
16. I don’t need to justify my reasons for saying no. A no is a no and it is enough.
17. I’m not greedy for wanting that raise.
18. A year later I probably won’t care about this.
19. I shouldn’t have to do mental olympics to prove I’m enough.
20. No, it’s not my fault that they mistook being polite for flirting.
21. I have earned rest, I don’t need anyone else’s permission except my own.
22. It’s okay to walk away from people whose love is not serving me.
23. I am allowed to make mistakes.
24. The right people won’t have me second guessing all of my actions.
25. I need to listen to my body and give it what it wants.
26. I’m not a difficult person just because I have boundaries.
27. I can disappoint people but still be a good person.
28. I can and I’m allowed to take that nap.
29. I am not selfish for putting myself first.
30. No, I don’t deserve what they did to me.
31. I am allowed to choose rest over productivity.

How to actually use these affirmations

You don’t need to recite them into a mirror with dramatic music swelling in the background (unless you want to, then by all means, go full main character.)

The real power is in repetition and resonance. Write a few that hit home on sticky notes. Make one your phone wallpaper. Whisper one to yourself while silently unraveling in the Target parking lot.

Let these affirmations be less about pretending everything is fine, and more about anchoring yourself to something kind and true when everything feels like it’s slipping.

When these affirmations matter the most

The trick isn’t to use affirmations when you’re already feeling confident—it’s to use them when your brain is being an emotional gremlin. When you’re spiraling, second-guessing, or just raw from existing. In those moments, you don’t need a life overhaul. You need a gentle reminder of your human-ness, and that’s what these affirmations are meant to do. 

For the days that affirmations alone aren’t enough

Because yes, there will be days when no number of Pinterest quotes or motivational mantras can touch what’s going on inside.

That’s when it’s time to go deeper.

The Mentally STRONG Intensive is a healing retreat designed by women who understand how heavy and hard life can get. It’s designed for when you’re tired of having bad days upon bad days and are ready to really go deep and understand what weights are holding you down. 

In the Intensive, we help you think through your pain, organize what’s really happening underneath, and choose how to move forward with clarity and self-compassion. You will leave with a strategy on how to tackle life, and with a community of women who are on the same journey as you. So, if you’re a woman who’s tired of feeling stuck and ready to feel strong, consider this intensive as a first gentle step. Learn more here.