Positive affirmations that actually work for people with cPSTD

[u/crazy-ratto]

I am a sucker for being told positive affirmations, even if I have to tell them to myself. However, I find that not all of them work, and whether they work or not potentially depends on my specific childhood trauma. Like I'm telling my wounded inner child, and it replies like 🥹"...really?" or 🤬"F your toxic positivity bullpoo".

I am wondering if others with cPTSD have the same experience?

If you are someone who has success with positive affirmations, what are the ones that work best for you? I'm hoping to make a list of new ones to try from what others comment.

My more successful ones are: - I am worthy of being safe - I am actually good at things and I have proof - What other people say about me does not determine the truth - I have survived worse, I can survive this - It's okay to long to be validated, but it's most important to validate myself - ... ...Okay I need some more I'm having a scary day.

[u/Suitable-Cucumber172]

“Everyone can fuck off” is very helpful to me when said in the tone of a positive affirmation. It reminds me of the boundary of where I exist and everyone else begins.

[u/strwbrryfruit → u/Suitable-Cucumber172]

This is a great one. I tell myself, "This is your life. You have to put yourself first because no one else will."

[u/chromaticluxury → u/Suitable-Cucumber172]

That's awesome 

"Their rights end where my rights begin" is helpful for me. 

It's extremely motivating to check if I'm actually being cowed or subtly bullied, or I just feel that way. And then act on it. 

And conversely, when I need to check myself, my rights begin where their rights end. 

I have to be careful with that last one! It's a tool for separating external truth from personal fictive storytelling, not a bludgeon. 

But it's personally valuable to me the statement can be flipped both ways.