10 confidence-boosting affirmations for caregivers
Often a thankless job, caregiving can leave you feeling like you aren’t good enough or doing enough. Let’s take a moment to reflect on how much you’ve done for your loved one and how you have changed their life for the better. Then, the intrusive negative thoughts may start to take a back seat.
Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash
You deserve to feel encouraged and validated in your caregiving role.
Have you ever felt like you’re burning the candle at both ends in your role as a caregiver? Does it ever feel like you’re out of time, energy, and resources, yet you still wonder if you’re doing enough to help your loved one?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many caregivers battle a voice that says, “I’m not enough.”
In this article, you’ll find 10 caregiver affirmations to leave you feeling encouraged. Use these mantras regularly to build constructive momentum.
My caregiving role makes a meaningful difference in my loved one’s life.
Every time you make a meal, take your loved one to an appointment, or offer a helping hand down the stairs, you provide an act of kindness that your loved one cannot live without.
I am resilient and capable of hard things.
Think of all the challenges you’ve already overcome. You’ve survived every single one.
I am constantly learning and adapting.
Caregiving today is different from caregiving tomorrow. With every curveball, you’re evolving into an even more capable caregiver.
My instincts are trustworthy and help me make the right decisions.
You are in tune with your loved one’s wants, needs, and habits. Because you know them so well, you can make wise decisions for them that they can’t always make on their own.
I am worthy of self-compassion and kindness.
You are doing your best and deserve to be kind and gentle with yourself.
I have resources and support I can rely on.
Even though caregiving can feel isolating, you have an incredible ability to find and utilize resources. When it feels like you’re all alone, close your eyes and take stock of the resources you know are available. This might include family or friends who have offered to help, online communities you can join, medical professionals you’ve been in touch with, or even books, articles, or forums you can read.
I embrace imperfections and learn from my mistakes.
Aiming for perfection is futile. Every misstep is an opportunity to learn and grow.
I am a better caregiver when I care for myself.
Burnout is a real risk. Taking time for self-care is not selfish, it’s responsible. The more I care for myself, the better I can show up for my loved one.
I am proud of my ability to love and care for those in need.
Caregiving requires an immense amount of skill and finesse. Not everyone can do what you’re doing. Your skills are admirable, marketable, and something to be proud of.
My efforts are appreciated and valued by those I care for.
Even if your loved one cannot express gratitude, they feel it deeply in their gut. They are so lucky to have you.
Our world is in a caregiving crisis. The number of people who need caregivers is growing exponentially while the number of people willing to provide care is falling. The fact that you’re still putting in the hard work is admirable and necessary. The more you can hold on to positive affirmations and encouragements like these, the more you can keep the negative and intrusive thoughts at bay.
If you enjoy resources like this, would like to connect with other caregivers, or would like one-on-one support from a dedicated advocate, try Steadii.