40 Affirmations For Whatever Tough Time You’re Going Through Right Now

There’s no sense in sugar-coating it: Sometimes life sucks. You think you’re doing everything right: You treat everyone with kindness and respect, do what you can to avoid drama, and generally try to stay unproblematic AF. However, that still doesn’t stop bad stuff from coming your way from time to time. It happens. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or maybe losing your job, there are some bad things that are simply out of our control. Hopefully, these affirmations will help you through whatever tough time you’re going through right now, or at least provide a bit of comfort until things start looking up again (and I promise they will).

1. I am strong enough to face whatever comes my way. You are. You’re never given anything you can’t handle. Use that well of inner strength you have to knock down any obstacle in your path. You can do it.
2. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth. See the difficult time you’re facing as a pathway to your higher self. Learn the lessons it has to teach you to become a better version of you.
3. I am resilient, adaptable, and always learning. On a similar note, remind yourself that your journey is a work in progress just like everyone else’s, and while some lessons may be harder to learn than others, they’ll ultimately help you evolve.
4. My worth is not determined by others’ opinions or my circumstances. Say it louder for the people in the back! You are worthy; you are important; you are enough. No matter what anyone else says or how they treat you, this is true.
5. I am deserving of love, respect, and kindness. This is one of the most important affirmations not just for when you’re going through a tough time, but for every single day. Never let anyone convince you otherwise.
6. I honor my feelings and trust my intuition. Your gut knows things your brain perhaps isn’t ready to hear, and it will tell you in its own way. Listen to that innate knowledge you have to know what’s right for you and your life. It will serve you well.
7. Every experience is a lesson that shapes my unique journey. Yes, your lessons help you evolve personally, but they also inform the way your life pans out. Without the bad stuff, there’d be no room for the good.
8. I believe in my dreams and my ability to achieve them. When you experience a setback while pursuing a goal, it can be disheartening. However, know that anything you put your mind to, you can do. You just have to keep believing.
9. I am not defined by my past but inspired by my future. The things that have happened to you do not determine what your life can be or how it will go. You decide how you move forward.
10. I am a force of nature, capable and unstoppable. Your strength and perseverance will take you far. If you just keep going, you’ll make it to the other side.
11. I choose to surround myself with positivity and uplifting energies. This is an affirmation that’s needed particularly during a tough time. Find people, places, and things that make you feel good.
12. My voice and perspective are valid and valuable. Don’t let anyone shut down your thoughts, opinions, or feelings. They’re just as real and important as anyone else’s.
13. I celebrate my small victories as they lead to larger ones. No matter how tiny your accomplishments may seem, they’re worth recognition and praise. Don’t let them pass you by.
14. I trust the timing of my life and know that everything is unfolding as it should. I know it sounds cliche to say “all things happen for a reason” (the oldest tough times affirmation in the book!), but it’s kinda true. You may not realize it until later, but you will.
15. I am enough, just as I am, in every moment. Tell yourself this every single day, multiple times if you have to until you believe it. Nothing has ever been more true.
16. Challenges do not define me, but they help me to grow stronger. While your life can be as incredible as you want it to be regardless of the setbacks you face. While they help make you who you are, you’re also so much more than your roadblocks.
17. I am deserving of every good thing that comes my way. Sometimes it’s hard to remember this when the good stuff happens. You start overthinking and imposter syndrome sets in. Not today, Satan. When good stuff happens, it’s because you deserve it.
18. I am worthy of happiness, success, and all the love in the world. Even if it feels like those things are in short supply in your life right now, they’re out there, and you can, should, and will have them all.
19. No obstacle is too great when I believe in myself. You have to be your own number one fan and cheer yourself on. Believe that you can do anything you set your mind to, because it’s true.
20. My potential is limitless, and I am excited for what the future holds. Think of the many years still ahead of you in life and all the amazing things you can do with them. The world is truly your oyster — go out there and get that damn pearl.
21. I embrace change as a pathway to growth. Change is hard, especially when it requires an adaptation of a deep-rooted habit or situation we’re used to and comfortable in. However, sometimes the biggest progress is made when we’re forced out of our comfort zones.
22. I am deserving of the space I occupy in this world. Never shrink for anyone or let them make you feel smaller. Be bigger, in fact. Take up every damn inch you can. You have a right to it.
23. My mistakes do not define me, they guide me. It feels a bit disingenuous to say that you shouldn’t have regrets. Perhaps a better affirmation for tough times like now are about embracing those regrets or mistakes and using them to empower you. That feels more honest and impactful.
24. I am constantly evolving and bettering myself. You sure are! You’re not one to tread water in the same place. You’re focusing your energy every single day on breaking barriers and leveling up, and that’s admirable.
25. Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Hoo boy, this one hits different. Allow me to quote a Peloton instructor named Kendall Toole here by using her powerful catchphrase: “They can knock you down, but they’ll never knock you out.” Take that to heart!
26. I am in charge of my own happiness and destiny. No one else gets to define it for you. You have control. You might not be able to predict or change what happens to you in life, but you can determine how you’ll react to it and what you’ll do with it.
27. I acknowledge my fears, but I won’t let them hold me back. We’re all scared of something — there’s no use pretending otherwise. Recognize them, face them head-on, and then get out there and kick butt anyway.
28. My journey is unique, and I walk it with pride. It doesn’t matter what anyone else’s path looks like — you’re on your own. Don’t get bogged down by comparison because it simply doesn’t serve you.
29. I am surrounded by an abundance of opportunities. It’s true! You might not see them right now, but that’s just because you’re not looking hard enough. Use this affirmation when times are tough and when they’re good — they’ll keep you moving in the right direction.
30. I find strength in vulnerability and power in authenticity. It can be hard to embrace and be your true self in a world that encourages you to conform, but screw that noise. Be unapologetically you.
31. I am a beacon of light and positivity. I know this sounds a bit woo-woo, and it kinda is, but you can rephrase it: I don’t put negativity out in the world — I’m all about the goodness.” Sound a little less cringe?
32. I am in control of how I react to challenges. And if people don’t like how you react? Sucks to be them.
33. I trust that the universe is guiding me to where I need to be. It will, as long as you’re ready to follow it. However, you’re not powerless here — you’ll need to put in the work, too. The two work in tandem.
34. Every day, I grow wiser and more confident. The more adversity you face in life, the more you learn and the more self-assured you feel in your own ability to weather any storm.
35. I prioritize self-care and self-love because I deserve it. Everyone does. Remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. (I know, I’m full of platitudes, but it’s true!) Do things that fill your soul and make you feel good. You deserve it.
36. I am a warrior, and I’ve faced many battles with grace. Nothing makes you feel more powerful than imagining yourself as Xena or, I dunno, Sailor Moon. Just insert your favorite female superhero here — you get the picture.
37. I value my worth and stand up for what I believe in. Strong women set boundaries and they don’t let anyone cross them, no matter what.
38. I am a masterpiece, constantly evolving and in progress. I mean, sometimes you just have to toot your own horn. Sure, you’re still adding those extra layers of paint, but you’re well on your way to hanging in the Louvre.
39. My spirit is unbreakable, no matter the challenges I face. It might not feel like it sometimes, but I promise this is true. Get back up and try again. This time, you’ll succeed.
40. The love I give to myself sets the standard for the love I accept from others. This is one off the best affirmation for tough times, good times, and all the other times in life. And don’t you forget it. Love yourself the way you love others, and you’ll never feel better.