30 Affirmations for Body Image Healing

You know those days when you look in the mirror and your mind floods with all the parts of your body that you feel need to change before you'll feel comfortable and confident in your own skin? Yeah, me too.

For a long time, the only way I knew to connect with my body was through criticism—demanding it to shrink, firm up, change, and shape-shift into this "perfect body" ideal I'd been taught to chase. What I didn't realize then was that my body was already exactly as she was meant to be for that phase of my life; she just wasn't getting the love she deserved. Over time, as I progressed on my own self-love journey while witnessing that magical moment when a woman truly sees her beauty for the first time through sensual boudoir photography, I learned that it wasn't my body that needed to change, but how I spoke to her.

And so began my love affair with affirmations.

Our body image impacts so many areas of life, giving us the confidence to show up fully and authentically in spaces that are meant for us, or causing us to shrink into the smallest, quietest version of ourselves in rooms that were never ours to begin with. We spend our lives absorbing all the messages the world teaches us about how women are allowed to show up to be worthy of the love and acceptance of both ourselves and others. We hear these patriarchal societal beliefs echoing through our heads as we grow up, until they eventually become our own voice whispering back disempowering thoughts.

"Well, maybe if I looked more like her, I could wear the outfit I love so much."

"If I could just drop a few pounds, maybe I would have a partner who respects and adores me."

"I could never be happy with a body like this."

To be so very clear right now, your brain is lying to you, babe. You are capable and worthy of love, joy, and respect in every single phase of your ever-changing and endlessly worthy body, PERIOD. Your brain just doesn't know that because it's filled with evidence you've picked up from other people along your journey.

Watching your mom relentlessly starve herself on diets that left more than just her stomach feeling empty?

Your brain took that as evidence you have to be small (often physically and emotionally) to be loved and happy.

Hearing models, artists, and TV characters being celebrated or degraded based on their bodies?

Your brain took that as evidence you have to fit the societal mold for the perfect body to be accepted by the people around you, and if you didn't—well, good luck having positive, fulfilling relationships.

Seeing all the boys in high school go after the girls who lived in what the world considers to be a "perfect body" while others faced rejection and humiliation?

Your brain took that as evidence that your body's appearance directly relates to your likelihood of attracting the partner of your dreams or dying alone.

But none of these things are actually true. You can live a life of freedom, joy, and fulfillment in your body now, just as you are- it’s just a matter of flipping the script.

Affirmations are a powerful tool for rewiring our brains, essentially teaching that voice in our heads what we actually want and need to hear on repeat instead of the negative self-talk we've come to expect and accept as normal. Hating ourselves isn't normal—it's just a product of our modern society, and we have the power to change that by practicing love over shame and self-acceptance over self-rejection, starting with a simple affirmation practice!

How to use these affirmations

Before we dive into these affirmations, I want you to consider when and how you'll deliver these messages to yourself. I'm a romantic at heart, and I see my affirmation time as my opportunity to love myself and my body the way I deserve. Sometimes it's finding a quiet space to write affirmations in my favorite journal by candlelight, warm cup of tea and beautiful vase of flowers keeping me company as they bring warmth and beauty into the experience. Sometimes it's looking in the mirror as my fingertips dance across different parts of my body, skin slowly exploring skin with each word as I repeat these affirmations with a loving whisper and gentle caress. But also, let’s be real- sometimes it’s in a public bathroom under fluorescent lights as I send myself a text of affirmations to bring me back into my body and away from the stress of taking small children into peopley environments. Whatever ritual you choose to integrate these affirmations into your self-talk, be sure to approach it gently and intentionally, taking deep breaths and remembering that these words are meant to nourish the relationship between your body, mind, and self. It may seem hard at first, but you can do this—I believe in you 🤍

30 Affirmations for Body Image Healing

1. I am worthy of love and respect, regardless of my body shape or size.

2. My body is unique, and that makes me special and beautiful.

3. I choose to focus on my body's strengths rather than its flaws.

4. My body is a temple, and I treat it with kindness and care.

5. I am grateful for my body and all that it does for me.

6. I release all negative thoughts and beliefs about my body and replace them with positive ones.

7. I deserve to feel confident and comfortable in my own skin.

8. I am not defined by my appearance; I am defined by who I am on the inside.

9. My body is constantly changing, and that's okay.

10. I choose to embrace my imperfections and see them as unique traits that make me who I am.

11. I am beautiful and worthy of love, regardless of what others may say.

12. My worth is not determined by my weight or size.

13. I am allowed to take up space and be seen and heard.

14. I am in control of my thoughts and beliefs about my body.

15. I choose to nourish my body with healthy foods and activities that make me feel good.

16. My body is my home, and I love and respect it.

17. I am proud of my body and all that it has overcome.

18. I am grateful for my body's resilience and strength.

19. I am confident in my body's ability to carry me through life's challenges.

20. I choose to let go of perfectionism and accept myself just the way I am.

21. I am deserving of self-love and self-care.

22. I am not my body; I am a whole person with thoughts, feelings, and talents.

23. My body is a work of art, and I appreciate it every day.

24. I choose to surround myself with people who love and accept me just the way I am.

25. My body is deserving of respect, care, and attention.

26. I am more than my appearance; I am a valuable and unique individual.

27. I am worthy of happiness and fulfillment, regardless of my body size or shape.

28. I choose to be kind and gentle with myself, especially when it comes to my body.

29. I am grateful for my body's ability to heal and recover.

30. I am enough, just the way I am.

Remember, healing your relationship with your body takes time. Try to integrate these affirmations into your morning ritual, bathroom breaks, or nighttime skincare routine to help these words become key pieces of the way you speak to and about your body. You can even use these affirmations as journal prompts and write down your thoughts and feelings about your body image! Whatever approach you take towards tranforming your self-talk into an inner voice that offers you the kindness, acceptance, and support you deserve, I’m proud of you for taking this step towards healing your body image and loving yourself as you are meant to be loved. This is how lives are changed- both yours and those around you- and I’m thankful that you’re taking the time and energy to be a part of the change our world needs. You’re incredible, and you’ve got this 🤍

If you’re feeling inspired to connect with your body, sensuality, and self more deeply, explore my self-love-centered boudoir photography sessions, helping everyday women see a new perspective of their ever-changing body and endlessly worthy self as I guide you through the authentic expression of your sensual side. You'll leave your session feeling more sensual, confident, and empowered, with a greater appreciation for your beautiful body and authentic self.

Don’t forget it- Pin it! Here are a few images I made for your self-love and body image healing Pinterest board! Save it so you can come back when you’re ready to integrate these affirmations into your self-love rituals 💕