3 Ways To Encourage Yourself

As we enter in to the new year, I think it's important to prepare yourself. Not just with resolutions or goals, but with affirmations. How can you achieve your goals if you don't first believe in yourself and all you can be capable of?

Today I felt like giving you a little pep talk, something to encourage you as the 2017 year unfolds. So pour yourself a cup of coffee, wrap yourself in a blanket, and listen up!



You are capable. You are strong. You are important. You are valued. You are loved.

Some days, you wake up and feel as if you can conquer the world. Then other days seem like you can hardly motivate yourself to get anything done. On either type of day, it's important to start out with a bit of positivity. Most of my life I've struggled with mild depression and anxiety so I can tell you that the days which start with positivity + encouragement are the better days.

One way that I find encouragement is by making a list of things I'm thankful for. Starting January 1, 2017 I decided to write down one thing each day that I am thankful for and when I'm having a rough time I go back and read the list. It's really nice to look back and see how life surprised me, how God provided for me and my family, or what good thing I was able to experience that day. Some days it can be hard to find a particular thing to be thankful for, but on those days I try and change my perspective. I have a family who loves me. I have money for food. I'm able to paint and draw and create. I have an adorable kitten, Fern. I was able to watch my favorite movie today. I have a husband who's love never waivers, something I can hardly understand. God always provides, even when I don't see it.

The second thing that I do to find encouragement is listen to positive music, read inspiring books, and read my Bible. Below I've shared a couple of my favorite bands, books, and verses that bring my heart encouragement and joy.



A few of my favorite books that I've just read/in the process of reading that are perfect to encourage your heart, your passions, and your ambitions are:

Let's All Be Brave by Annie Downs
Becoming Myself by Stasi Eldredge
Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst
#Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:22-23


The third way that you can encourage yourself is with positive self talk. This one sounds easy but it takes some practice if you don't already naturally do this. It took me a little while, but when things go wrong you can easily become your worst enemy so speaking positively to and about yourself helps a whole lot. Self-love starts with a positive thought. It starts with believing that you deserve happiness. Once you believe that, you can start feeling like you deserve other things, like opportunity and love. Something that I’ve also started to realize in my journey towards self-love is that with each moment we truly love ourselves and believe in our capabilities, we can love others more and more.


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