Using Affirmations and Positive Self-Talk

Day THREE

Recovery after stroke can sometimes feel like an uphill climb. Progress may come slowly, and frustration or self-doubt can grow louder than hope. That’s why affirmations and positive self-talk are so important.

They may seem simple—just short, encouraging phrases—but they are powerful tools. By repeating them, you can help retrain your brain to focus on strength rather than struggle, and confidence rather than fear. Over time, these small words add up to big change.

A Turning Point in My Recovery

One of the most important turning points in my own recovery was deciding to set intentions each morning. I started with one thing I would do for myself and one thing I would do for others. That simple practice gave my days purpose and focus.

As part of this, I began saying affirmations—positive statements that reminded me of who I was and what I was capable of. Even on the hardest days, affirmations helped me believe in myself again.

For those of us living with aphasia, apraxia, or dysarthria, affirmations can be especially meaningful. Speaking affirmations out loud doubles as daily speech practice, while also training your mind to focus on encouragement instead of self-doubt.

What Are Affirmations?

An affirmation is a positive statement you tell yourself. Repeating these statements—out loud, in writing, or even silently—helps to rebuild self-esteem, strengthen resilience, and reframe frustration.

Why They Work

• They rewire the brain. Just like practicing words, practicing positive thoughts strengthens new pathways.

• They reduce frustration. Repeating calm, gentle phrases helps quiet discouragement.

• They build confidence. Encouraging words remind you that you are still capable, strong, and valuable.

  
  

How to Use Affirmations in Daily Life

1. Start Small Begin with 2–3 affirmations. You can always add more later.

2. Record Yourself Say your affirmations into your phone. Play them back at the start or end of the day. Listening not only reinforces the message, but also gives you a record of your progress.

3. Write Them Down Post them on sticky notes, add them to your phone, or keep them in a notebook. Seeing them often helps them stick.

4. Practice Out Loud Read them for speech practice. Even if the words feel difficult at first, repetition makes them easier.

   
   

Examples of Affirmations for Recovery

Here’s a list of affirmations I’ve used in my own journey. Choose a few that feel right for you—or create your own.

• I am a special person. There is nobody else like me.

• I am strong and capable.

• I am still smart.

• I have many skills.

• I have done difficult things in the past and I can do them again.

• I don’t compare my progress to others’.

• I will achieve my goals.

• I am still ME.

• I am enough just as I am.

• I love myself.

• I am worthy of love and happiness.

• I believe in myself.

• Nothing can stop me from achieving my dreams.

• My voice is important.

• Everything is possible.

• I am perfect just the way I am.

• I am whole and complete.

• I am worthy of compliments I receive.

• I am grateful for my body, my health, and my life.

• I love who I am.

• I am proud of myself.

• I live in the present and am confident in the future.

• I love and accept myself unconditionally.

• I can do this.

  
  

✨ A note: Some affirmations might make you uncomfortable at first. That’s normal. In fact, the ones that feel hardest to say are often the ones you need most. Keep saying them—you may be surprised how, over time, they start to feel true.

Positive Self-Talk: Your Inner Voice

Affirmations are like anchors you choose in advance. Positive self-talk, on the other hand, is what you say to yourself in the moment—especially during challenges.

Instead of:

• “I’ll never get this right.

• Try:“I’m learning. Each attempt makes me stronger.”

  
  

Instead of:

• “This is too hard.

  ”Try:“This is hard, but I’ve done hard things before.”

  
  

By shifting the way you talk to yourself, you reduce stress, increase patience, and give yourself room to grow.

✨ Takeaway Tip

Choose one affirmation today. Write it down, say it out loud three times, and—if you can—record yourself speaking it. Listen back tonight and notice how it feels to hear your own voice affirming your strength.

Closing Question

What is one affirmation or positive phrase you can say to yourself today to build strength and hope?

#blogboost #livingwell #aphasia #apraxiaofspeech #affirmations #PositiveSelfTalk

NOTE: I used ChatGPT to organize and to make sure my thoughts were cohesive. Having aphasia can affect speaking, reading and writing and using tools especially technology help.