I’m a big believer in the power of words. Recovery affirmations and positive life quotes can serve as a motivator for those seeking hope. They also give a quick and subtle reminder that no matter what situation you’re in, there is always a way through. Whether it’s simplifying holding fast and coping with it, or pushing past it.
Words are just that, words. They may not change the reality of the situation, but they can change how we perceive things. Just read this wonderful article from Psychology Today. It tells us that while words won’t change reality, they create filters through which people see things. Much like rose coloured glasses they can change our perspective. Quite often our perspective is what can make or break us.
But how does positive reinforcement make a difference?
Over a period of time, people can begin to embody positive reinforcement and affirmations. They can help them think more clearly and change the way in which they think. People can even start to believe these positive reinforcements. Struggling with addiction? By changing the mantra from ‘recovery is impossible’ to ‘recovery IS possible because….’ individuals can successfully feel empowered to move forward.
In the long run and with consistency, affirmations can improve our self-confidence too. Instead of telling yourself that you can’t do anything right, tell yourself that you’re capable of reaching your goals. The change in inner monologue will improve self-esteem and gradually improve confidence over time.
20+ Recovery Affirmations.
Here are some wonderful affirmations to get you started. Use them how you like! Write them on a mirror, put them in your diary, and even create posters for your wall! There are so many ways you can use affirmations and positive quotes in your everyday life!
- My body deserves love and respect.
- I am not a burden.
- I am allowed to ask for help and support.
- My body needs nourishment so I can live a full and happy life.
- Recovery takes time but staying sick will take your whole life.
- I am allowed to love and respect myself.
- I am enough!
- Food is not the enemy. Food is medicine.
- The eating disorder lies. It does not represent reality.
- I am not my eating disorder.
- I am strong.
- Recovery is 100% possible. Even for me.
- It’s okay to feel down sometimes. We all have bad days.
- We are all unique. I do not need to compare myself to others.
- Their opinions won’t pay your bills.
- Food gives me the energy to do things that I love.
- I do not need to and willl not compare myself to others.
- Relapses happen. They are minor setbacks, not complete failures.
- My health is my wealth.
- I deserve not to obsess and worry about food and weight.
- I am allowed to make mistakes. I’m only human.
- I am learning to love myself more and more each day.
- Rest is not the enemy. I am not lazy for taking a break.
- No matter what, it’s better to be kind that seek revenge.
- I am not a doormat to be walked over.
How can we use recovery affirmations every day?
Hang them in your office, workspace, and living spaces!
When I worked in an office I used to have small quotes hidden in my planner or written on post-it notes. Now that I have my home office I’ve got various books, including those above, for quick reference should I need them.
Hanging them around is a great way to encourage yourself on those days when even turning the page can feel like the most difficult thing in the world.
Keep a scrapbook or notebook full of your favourite ones!
I remember distinctly writing quotes on scraps of paper and cigarette packets before sticking them into cheap notebooks for easy reference. When clearing out my childhood room I’d so many books that I didn’t know what to do with them.
Why not dedicate a shelf on or space for all your quote books, bought or created!?
I have a space dedicated to books on my workbench, and at the moment these four quote books dominate that space. I can easily reach for these books if I ever need to add a quote to a handwritten letter, blog post, or social media post!
Get creative!
I recently created a canvas inspired by recovery, and it sits proudly at my workstation. Every morning I’m reminded that recovery is the ONLY way forward. Returning to sickness is not an option.
Have you any other affirmations you’d like to add?
What about displaying or using your affirmations? How do you ensure you’re getting the most out of this method of positive reinforcement?

Definitely worth reading. Everyone’s top priority needs to be self-care. Since the beginning of the epidemic, I have been working in the office and putting in extra hours to cover for those who are optimistic, isolating themselves, or shielding, and by the end of the year, it had taken a toll. I’m now on my own second self-isolation because I am now feeling better.
Sticking them by the front door is a great idea so you can remind yourself of something positive and inspiring every time you enter the world 🙂
This is a great set of affirmations. I am enough is one of the most powerful and can be applied to so many different aspects of life.
Great great post. I just sent it to my sister who struggles with an eating disorder. I hope she find some comfort in your words.
“My health is my wealth”….is the very best of them all! I loved it most!
These are great tips for those in recovery. Such encouraging words.
I love affirmations. Having them somewhere you can see them make such a positive change in your life and general wellbeing.
I absolutely love the affirmation that says ‘I am not a burden.’ Often times, we don’t ask for help because we feel like we’re bothering the people in our lives but we are not a burden. The people that love us always want to care for us and help us.
Great post, Nyxie.
I think positive reinforcements help. It uplifts their mood and morale! Let’s all be kind!
Affirmations can completely change someone’s confidence level
Awesome affirmations, I like the first one about the body. It helps to boost love in our bodies.
Fransic- https://www.querianson.com/
We can get unmotivated from time to time that’s why we need affirmations like these. Words carry power!
Those are all beautiful words. We may think that these are ordinary quotes but to someone who is recovering from an ordeal, they mean a lot.
The way we think and that includes about ourselves is so important. I love the advice to get creative as well. We all have the ability to do that with a little effort.
Love these tips of Recovery Affirmations. Thanks for sharing with us. So useful article.
These are wonderful affirmations, and a great source of inspiration. Good words to help through tough times.
This list is amazing! I wish I had these when I was recovering from surgery a few years ago. I’m going to send the list to my uncle who is recovering right now and could use these.
I love this list. Thse are wonderful! So many great things to keep in mind.
I think putting a dedicated space for the quotes is a nice idea. It helps remind yourself of the good things! Cool!
We all need these affirmations, a great reminder for all of us, and to stay positive. I have a similar affirmation that I stick on my wall near my desk where I could easily read them.
Words are indeed very powerful. Some people have no idea how much these simple phrases can help other people. Sometimes, when i need some motivation, i do search some inspiring quotes online to make me feel better. These are great collection of recovery affirmations
That’s good to remind ourselves that is good to ask for help and don’t be shy.
These are all wonderful affirmations. I mean, a positive mind helps a lot towards the recovery of both the physical and mental aspects of a person.
Indeed, affirmations improve our self-confidence. there is power in words! don’t underestimate it
I am a big believer in affirmations too! I cant tell how much they motivate and inspire me every day.
Love these, definitely need to remind myself of these affirmations x
http://www.nadinealex.blogspot.com
These are some really powerful affirmations. Affirmations can be so beneficial. Thank you for sharing these.
Lauren – bournemouthgirl.com
What powerful affirmations. I think this list would be beneficial also to those who wrestle with other issues other than recovery too.
These are all amazing affirmations! I keep a list beside my mirror and read them while doing my skincare. I always love to add new ones, so jotting down some to add to my list. Love the idea of having a proper shelf with books too, words have such an amazing power! x
Oh, I love these! I am enough is definitely one that I have repeated to myself lots of times. My therapist recommended writing them on little cards for when I was challenging a fear food. I also love the idea of putting them on sticky notes and maybe putting them on your mirror. Brilliant post!! xx
Thanks for these affirmations! I really need them.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Needed these affirmations. I’ve always used positive quotes, but it’s time to up my game and like you, display the books, use them daily and say them out loud.
It does make a difference x
I am trying to recover from somthing. These motivational quotes are inspiring to me. They are so real and thought provoking.
I thought it was useful that you took some time to focus on why affirmations are important to recovery and what the act of affirmation can do for an individual. It speaks to the time and attention you given this post when crafting it and I think that the writing carries itself well too.
People underestimate the power of words, of saying certain things out loud and instead it is important because this is how we attract energies!
I definitely believe in the power of affirmations. Repeating helpful phrases while looking in the mirror, saying the phrases out loud or internally while on a walk, etc. At the very least, they can’t hurt, only help.
These are great affirmations! I’m sure these will be so helpful and encouraging to many people x
Yes I agree with these, particularly about being a doormat.
These are fantastic recovery affirmations — they are so encouraging and intentional and have a sense of focus/purpose that I am sure they will be beneficial to those who need/use them. Thank you for sharing these!
These are amazing affirmations! I’m also a big believer in the power of words and will definitely be adding a few of these to my daily affirmations. thanks for sharing!