One-Line Affirmations for Moms
If you’re anything like me, you probably have trouble turning off the voice in your head. From the second your alarm blasts in the morning to the moment you collapse in bed at night, your mind is chattering away faster than preteen girls at a slumber party.
What’s worse is that a shocking amount of that chatter is in the form of negative self-talk—a continuous loop of thoughts about how you’re not smart enough, not pretty enough, not a good enough mom, how you’re screwing it all up, how much therapy your kids will need, and on and on it goes.
Just for today, I’m going to try to bisect that loop. I’m going to intersect the negative self-talk not by turning off my brain—since that will never happen—but rather by replacing each and every defeatist thought with a positive mama-mantra.
Want to join me?
Here are 20 affirmations to get you started. And since you’re undoubtedly pressed for time, they’re each only a single line.
20 One-Line Affirmations for Moms
1. If I do nothing today besides hug my kids, then I’ve done enough.
2. I’m not the perfect mother, but I’m exactly the one my children need. Tweet this!
3. Today I will see the best in my child and the best in myself.
4. The decisions made by other moms do not need to dictate mine.
5. I have been called to motherhood—the most powerful calling in the world.
6. I respect my children; I respect myself.
7. Being a good mom takes courage, and today I’m feeling brave.
8. My mothering body is beautiful.
9. Today I will be the type of person I would like my children to become.
10. There’s value in showing my kids my vulnerability.
11. Not loving every moment of motherhood doesn’t mean I don’t love being a mom.
12. I will teach my child by example more so than by advice.
13. There is no such thing as “just a mom.” Tweet this!
14. I accept my children just as they are.
15. I love my kids even when I don’t particularly like them.
16. Today I will be an intentional parent.
17. I am a blessing to my family.
18. As I teach my kids today, I’ll also be open to the lessons they can teach me.
19. I’m grateful for my life as a mom.
20. I love my kids, which means I’m doing just fine.
Which of these mama-mantras stands out to you today? Do you have a positive affirmation you use to get through the tougher days as a parent?
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Jul 07, 2014 @ 08:08:42
I love, “Today I will see the best in my child and the best in myself.”
Jul 07, 2014 @ 08:51:30
You had me at #1, ” If I do nothing today besides hug my kids, then I’ve done enough.”
I love this list! So encouraging. Thank you for these.
Jul 07, 2014 @ 09:05:39
So glad you appreciated them! And many thanks for sharing this post with others.
Jul 07, 2014 @ 09:03:53
When we moved across the country with a UHaul and auto transport our key phrase was, “we didn’t hit anyone and no one hit us.” It helped for scary moments.
When pee leaks everywhere, I go to two, “it wasn’t explosive poop” and “we were too busy having fun to notice.”
Overall I just try to focus on love, compassion, laughter, and the Rs. Laughter gets us through most moments, along with gratitude.
Jul 07, 2014 @ 20:31:19
Laughter and gratitude make everything better!
Jul 07, 2014 @ 09:24:06
11. Not loving every moment of motherhood doesn’t mean I don’t love being a mom. —–> YES.
I think this is probably the most important thing moms need to hear. Great list!
Jul 07, 2014 @ 10:09:12
I agree! So glad you stopped by, Sarah!
Jul 07, 2014 @ 10:49:47
You really are a genius – I am convinced. I love all of these! Wow – I want to print all of these and hang them all over my house! I especially love “intentional parenting” – and living IN the moment – being present – which is why I “live in the Now”! 😉 or at least try to!
Jul 07, 2014 @ 11:17:30
You are too kind. 🙂 Printing them out and hanging them up is a great idea! I think I will do that so that whenever I need the reminder they are right there.
Jul 07, 2014 @ 12:41:41
I have a teenager so for today I’m really loving #14: ” I accept my children just as they are.” But each one is wonderful, thanks!
Jul 07, 2014 @ 13:23:37
I’m sure many of these will change and evolve as my son gets older, too. Glad that particular one is relatable at all ages and stages!
Jul 07, 2014 @ 12:42:49
Really loving 6 and 9 on this list. I’m thinking of printing this list out and posting it. These are affirmations all of us moms need to say out loud! As I navigate being a single mom, I find myself reassuring myself a lot. One of my favorite affirmations is simply “I am enough.” Thank you for this, Katie.
Jul 07, 2014 @ 13:22:50
Ohhhhh that is a great one! I bet you could write your own version of this post specifically for single moms.
Jul 07, 2014 @ 12:53:25
Number 2 is my favorite!! My rock musician son could not live with a NORMAL mom. 🙂
Jul 07, 2014 @ 13:45:49
I love this idea! My favorites today are #14 and #16.
Jul 07, 2014 @ 14:26:42
Not loving every moment of motherhood doesn’t mean I don’t love being a mom. Yes! So true. I love this list, Katie. These are truths that every mom needs to hear.
Jul 07, 2014 @ 14:29:03
Thanks, Abby! It seems like a lot of moms can relate to that one.
Jul 07, 2014 @ 16:47:20
Love this! I need to work on number 12, hehe.
Jul 07, 2014 @ 20:30:03
Me too, Lauren!
Jul 07, 2014 @ 21:50:50
I just love these Katie!! You have such a gift of encouragement!!! These are all affirmations we need to repeat over and over again…
Jul 07, 2014 @ 21:56:11
Agreed 100%, Chris!
Jul 07, 2014 @ 22:11:35
I need to bookmark this, because seriously i do have trouble turing off the noise of my “to-do” list which is never ending!
Jul 08, 2014 @ 08:57:35
Mine is never-ending as well! It can get way too overwhelming.
Jul 07, 2014 @ 22:47:56
I love the first and last ones best! 🙂 When my son was younger I’d have days where I got NOTHING done. When my hubby would get home I’d say “there’s dishes in the sink, laundry everywhere, and I haven’t showered… but I did keep the baby alive, so I’m counting it as a win” haha! So I guess that is my mantra “I can keep the baby alive!” Sometimes that keeps you busy enough!
Jul 08, 2014 @ 08:57:03
Agreed! There are many days where that. is. enough.
Jul 08, 2014 @ 08:17:23
Thank you writing this! I’m going to bookmark this page and come back whenever I need a pick me up.
Jul 08, 2014 @ 08:42:22
All of these are so perfect. #10 helps me through many a day. And #20 is one we all need to remember every single day. Thank you for these!
Jul 08, 2014 @ 08:56:17
Glad you could relate to them, Tricia!
Jul 08, 2014 @ 09:51:08
“I am a blessing to my family” is the one I most needed to hear. Sometimes I fear I hold them back because sometimes I’m anxious and not up for fun.. or whining.. or getting up before 8:00 am! However. The good times far outweigh the bad. And I needed this today. (even though you posted it yesterday. I’m behind!)
Jul 09, 2014 @ 12:43:27
I hear ya. Sometimes I’m not up for any of it, but other times I am – gotta focus on those moments instead!
Jul 08, 2014 @ 14:28:34
Hi Katie, I know I can always count on your blog for a moment to reflect on myself and how wonderful life is for me. My first year as a mom was the hardest, and I think that was because I am an older mom. If you have a kid after 35, I seriously believe you start to get set in your ways.
#19 really stood out for me and that’s because I think those very thoughts every day. My husband and I fortunate enough that – without a whole lot of planning, just circumstance and a little luck – I don’t have to work AND we can afford to send our 3-year-old to Montessori school. I don’t feel guilty about sending him to school because I think he gets more out of being with his peers a few hours a day than being home alone all day.
Thanks for the reflections!
Jul 09, 2014 @ 12:42:22
That’s wonderful, Marnie! It sounds like it’s working out great for you and your little guy!
Jul 08, 2014 @ 17:08:51
We all need a list like this, Katie. We are all guilty of some pretty cruel self-talk. I love how we think alike. I’ve had an article on this subject in my drafts that I’ve been working on off and on for a week or so…letting it peculate. Even writing on the subject myself, it still feels good to hear someone else say it. Thanks for sharing!
Jul 09, 2014 @ 12:41:18
I love that we’re on the same wavelength! Can’t wait to see your post!
Jul 08, 2014 @ 17:25:39
My favorite? #19. It’s so easy to compare our past lives and see the grass is greener: I could sleep in! I could have so much more money!
But I’m truly grateful for the life I have as a mom. I’d be happy either way (childless or mom) but this road of mine is so exciting and good that it’s all I need to remind me during those days when it’s not always so peachy.
Jul 09, 2014 @ 12:40:14
I love this comment. I also think I could be happy no matter what, and yet I really do love the way my life is unfolding now.
Jul 08, 2014 @ 22:39:34
#18…that one was a good one to hear. I think sometimes we forget.
Jul 09, 2014 @ 12:38:08
Yep, I know I do!
Jul 10, 2014 @ 09:06:23
Katie, I was going to pick out my favorite, but these are all awesome! I am going to bookmark this and read it over and over again! Love it!!
Jul 10, 2014 @ 20:17:38
#11.
Definitely #11.
Jul 11, 2014 @ 06:26:23
YES!
Jul 12, 2014 @ 11:22:54
Katie these are wonderful! #16 is my favorite, but I pinned #4. Sometimes if I know I’m going to have a really busy day I tell myself “today, I’m going to be awesome”
Jul 12, 2014 @ 18:08:01
Oh my! I love what you said, Jennifer…
“Sometimes if I know I’m going to have a really busy day I tell myself “today, I’m going to be awesome.”
What a great thing to tell yourself! I am working on a post on self-talk and would love to quote you. Do you mind?
Jul 14, 2014 @ 14:20:09
I also LOVE that mentality!
Jul 12, 2014 @ 21:42:41
Perfect! I think which one I need would depend on the day. My kids are 16-23 now, so the one about loving them even when I don’t like them so much kind of stuck out to me. Lol.
Thanks for sharing. Happy Sharefest. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Jul 14, 2014 @ 14:19:47
Thanks so much for stopping by! Glad that particular one spoke to you!
Jul 17, 2014 @ 17:40:21
I love #18. I often think about how one my kids is much more like me (personality-wise) and the other is much more like my husband. My oldest and I are much more cautious, logical and interested in learning facts and details. My husband and youngest are much more interested in living life to the fullest, jumping in every mud puddle and doing (rather than learning from a book).
Neither personality is better than the other. However, when I find myself thinking that I “understand” my oldest much better than my youngest… that is when I realize just how lucky I am to have my youngest in my life. I love them both and will learn from both… but I think I will learn more from the one who is least like me.
Jul 17, 2014 @ 19:15:56
That is such a beautiful perspective. I think you’re right that we can often learn the most about life from those children whose personalities and outlooks differ from ours.
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 07:24:36
Thank you for this post. I really needed this today.
Sep 03, 2014 @ 14:00:12
Love these especially this one “I will teach my child by example more so than by advice”. Sometimes I try to get my point across to my daughter and I think it’s going in one ear and out the other. Not because she’s not listening, I think it’s because I am talking too much because I’m worried she didn’t get what I’m trying to teach her. lol
Sep 04, 2014 @ 21:07:21
I love that one too. It really helps me to remember that, in the long run, what I do is way more important and influential than what I say.
Sep 15, 2014 @ 08:11:46
Today I will be the person I want my children to become.
Or possibly all of them!!
Sep 26, 2014 @ 10:29:53
Love this! Glad to connect through Shine blog hop!! 🙂
Sep 26, 2014 @ 13:16:06
Thanks for stopping by and sharing, Lauren!
Oct 13, 2014 @ 17:53:31
This post was fantastic! I loved the not loving every moment of motherhood doesn’t mean I don’t love being a mom.
Oct 14, 2014 @ 12:27:51
Glad that one resonated with you, Stephanie!
Oct 16, 2014 @ 11:05:56
I love these, just what I need on a stressful day.
Thanks for linking up to our #MondayParentingPinItParty and sharing these with everyone x
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Oct 26, 2014 @ 09:14:55
This too will pass!
Usually said through gritted teeth when your toddler is having a full scale mega tantrum at the grocery store.
Nov 17, 2014 @ 15:33:52
I am a blessing to my family. I need that one every day. Thanks Katie, these are lovely.
Nov 25, 2014 @ 14:29:10
I love these. I just discovered mantras to help my business but these are perfect to help my personal life. I plan on posting a number of these around my house so I remember them daily.
Jan 10, 2015 @ 10:04:52
This is the one that spoke to me the most today:
:The decisions made by other moms do not need to dictate mine.”
AMEN!
Jan 17, 2015 @ 13:20:29
I just shared this on Pinterest because I ALWAYS need a reminder that life as a mom is a blessing — even when it can feel as a burden. I am currently dealing with a toddler, and although he is such a sweetheart, he has moments when he can be very needy.
Jan 18, 2015 @ 13:51:36
I’m right there with you! Many thanks for sharing!
Mar 12, 2015 @ 19:34:48
aw, i love all of these!
Mar 16, 2015 @ 16:56:23
This is what my post was all about yesterday! I don’t mean to spam but really…
http://ronisweigh.com/2015/03/nothing-and-everything.html
#1 is spot on for me!!
Mar 16, 2015 @ 20:27:32
Great minds think alike, Roni!
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May 25, 2015 @ 09:16:19
Hey girl! I just found you, and I SO resonate! I love the “my mothering body is beautiful.” I love writing mama affirmations as well, so I am stoked to find another positive mom online! YES! Your whole “pick any two” philosophy–OMGoodness–is EXACTLY what I feel like God has been trying to tell me the last couple of weeks. Here it is being confirmed again! It was from my boss: “Do a few things, but do them well.” It was from Essentialism, “You may think you’ll be able to do everything, but you can’t do them at your highest level of contribution.” (paraphrased.) It was from my husband this morning, sharing his his desire for a life of simplicity. It was from the Kris Vallotton sermon I listened to yesterday: “You can do everything, but you can’t do it well.” THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR! Thanks for being a sound voice in this lesson. I think I know what I need to do.
May 25, 2015 @ 15:07:45
So happy you stopped by and commented! Sounds like we have a lot in common. Thrilled to connect with you!
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