I recently enjoyed the blessing of attending the Godspace Following the Star Retreat led by Christine Sine and Lilly Lewin. It was facilitated with such hospitality and inclusion, a gentle creative approach to what can be a somewhat daunting feeling at the beginning of a new year, with all of the expectations we tend to build up about what we are finally going to achieve.
We were encouraged to make New Year’s intentions instead of resolutions, which felt like more of an invitation towards contemplating possibilities and encouraging a more focussed awareness of what is truly important to us, to guide the way forward. It was wonderful to hear from Christine and Lilly as well as the sharing of participants in such a way that we felt as though we were in one room, not separated by continents and borders.
Afterwards, this got me to thinking about affirmations for the year ahead and as I got started I almost couldn’t stop writing! In South Africa we have been having ongoing load shedding (blackouts) which can last for 2 and up to 4 hours at a time where we live. And this can go on throughout the day depending on which stage of load shedding we’re in, with sessions in the morning, afternoon, evening and on and off throughout the night. I particularly felt it would be helpful to go back to affirmations in the light of this situation (or lack of light!) in our country. It is that one extra thing that can cause me to feel tired when I can’t do the things I need electricity for and must come up with another plan! As my husband Karl says, we need to practice the Serenity Prayer at this time. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” I can practice peace and gratitude, learning to rest in Jesus, knowing he has our lives in the palms of his hands. And one of the ways I can do that is by making a list of affirmations to help me centre myself in God.
May this list of 101 Joyful Affirmations be a blessing to you and may you be inspired to write your own affirmations for the year, keeping them in sight together with your New Year’s intentions and words for the year. These all help us to keep our true north in Spirit as we continue abiding in the heart of God for us, guiding us faithfully through it all.
- I abide in the centre of God
- I shed the weight of the past
- I practice the fine art of being and becoming
- I belong in God’s love
- I live intentionally
- I make time for positive movement
- I eat mindfully in support of health
- I release what hasn’t happened yet
- I embrace what God is doing
- I love myself supportively
- I come up with good ideas
- I intercede for my family, friends, my nation and the world
- I am curious to learn new things
- I make space for reading
- I take time to appreciate nature
- I am aware of God’s creation
- I make room for God to move
- I am open to miracles
- I listen to others carefully and with presence
- I listen more than I speak
- I am not in a hurry to get somewhere
- I spend, save and give money wisely
- I am thoughtful of others
- I do not try to fix what’s not mine to fix
- I laugh often and heartily
- I do not partner with depression
- I am open to new ways of doing things
- I am not rigid in my ways
- I release past offenses and regrets
- I forgive and let go
- I hold sacred my precious memories
- I nurture all forms of hope
- I am available for God’s desires
- I listen to the Holy Spirit daily
- I breathe deeply and well
- I worship from my heart
- I don’t do things out of obligation
- I make wise choices and decisions
- I enjoy the simple things of life
- I make time for what is important to me
- I celebrate the beauty of life
- I ease into the day without striving
- I sleep deeply and well
- I receive wisdom from my dreams
- I am open-hearted
- I live in a clear space, free of clutter
- My friendships are fulfilling
- I make room for creative expression
- I am calm and peaceful
- I trust in Jesus
- I step out and take risks
- I am not easily angered
- I lean back into grace
- I am open to receive
- I am self regulated
- I am present to the now moment
- I will not worry about the future
- I live more slowly and mindfully
- I come to Jesus for rest
- I listen to sound wisdom and advice
- I am confident and capable
- I am well-balanced
- I make room for connection
- I take a step back before responding
- I follow inspiring mentors
- I encourage as a daily practice
- I bless others generously
- I engage in joyful prayer practices
- I do not restrict myself by past expectations of what is possible
- I am open to enter new doors of opportunity
- I accept myself graciously
- I depend upon the goodness of God
- I am close to Jesus
- I share my gifts and talents without restriction
- I embrace a teachable humble spirit
- I learn from others
- I grow in wisdom and grace
- My paths are ordered by the Lord
- I look forward to God’s best plans for my future
- There is no obstacle holding me back
- God is generous towards me
- I have more than enough to give generously
- I do not fret for it leads only to evil
- I live in harmony with God’s purposes
- God has plans to prosper and not to harm me
- I live a blessed life
- I belong in the kindness of God
- I live in alignment with God’s heart
- I practice daily rhythms of grace
- There is more than enough time for everything
- I see from a broader perspective
- I live in God’s best plans for today
- I will see the puzzle pieces come together
- People’s intentions towards me are good
- I live from a joyful centre
- I delight in small and delicate things of beauty
- I make time for silence and quiet
- I listen to inspiring uplifting music
- I connect deeply with my family
- I look forward to surprises
- Anything is possible!
Watch 101 Joyful Affirmations for 2023 on my YouTube channel here.
A free printable of 101 Joyful Affirmations for 2023 is also available here.
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