Everyone has their own mantras for meditation. Words and phrases you tell yourself routinely. Some serve you well…others, not so much.

What about you? How well do speak of and to yourself?

Are you a friend to the rumpled person in the bathroom mirror? Do you soothe your inner employee after a misstep at work? Are you kind and supportive to your inner self when a friend or loved one lets you down or walks away?

Too many of us are complicit in kicking ourselves when we’re down. We automatically, and often unconsciously, undermine our own self-esteem with put-downs, routine criticisms, or everyday disapproval. We feed negative self-talk in our minds so often that authentic self-confidence is hard to come by when we need it.

Fortunately, we don’t have to go on this way.

Self-talk is changeable.

Your self-perception can be bolstered, and negativity overpowered, with some well-chosen words and intentional thoughts. Your personal, internal script can encourage positivity and self-love, which can be called to mind whenever you need them.

What are these magic words? We call them “mantras.” And better than magic, the happiness they can bring you won’t disappear. They do the most mental good when you focus on them, meditating on your own kind thoughts until they drive away any tendency to beat yourself up or question your worth.

How do you know what to say?

Take some time to think about what you want and how you want to experience your life. What matters, what gets in your way? Allow yourself the freedom to say out loud what you long for and what inspires you.

Ready to learn a few mantras and meditation statements? Modify these as you see fit, and then memorize to make your mind your friend again:

8 Powerful Self-esteem Mantras for Meditation

1. I love myself. I am beautiful. My spirit is unique. There is just one me.

2. I am enough, worthy of friendship and love, just as I am.

3. My value is not diminished by my imperfections or the perceptions of others.

4. I am deserving of good things, happiness, and joy. It is okay to want them for myself.

5. I can choose to think uplifting thoughts. I appreciate the power of my own self-talk.

6. My mistakes and failures make me stronger, braver, and wiser.

7. I am becoming the person I want to be. I work toward honesty and authenticity.

8. My decisions are my own. I stand behind my words and deeds. My path is my choice. 

9. I choose the people who surround me. I welcome in those who love and respect me, and respect themselves.
   

Using your Self-Confidence/Self-Esteem Mantras

Over the next few weeks, select one of these mantras for meditation, or create one of your own. Try to make it a part of your self-talk, replacing negative thoughts a little more each day.

Of course, if you sense the mantra isn’t affording you much support or healthy benefits, give yourself permission to change things up. Some mantras fit best at certain times in your life and some won’t match your unique style or personality. That’s okay.  Seek the words that affirm you and make you feel loved. Even a line of poetry or favorite song will do.

Remember, what the outside world thinks of you is just opinion. Often perceptions by others reflect who they are and what is happening in their lives more than anything else. Use your mantras to define yourself and who you know you are. You have that right. Enjoy it!

Finally, if you need help finding mantras that bring you joy and encouragement, you may want to reach out to a therapist for support. Together you can work on ways to treat yourself well and infuse the kind of self-appreciation into your life you’ve always deserved.

The counselors at the Relationship Counseling Center of Austin work with clients to explore their own personal growth and regain a positive self-perception. To learn more about how to create an effective internal script for yourself, give our office a call at (512) 270-4883, or request an appointment with her on the RCC Austin Scheduling page.