Call to Action: Commit to doing one affirmation and one thing you are grateful for daily for one week.
How did it make you feel?
Mirror work is the simple—but powerful—practice of looking into your own eyes and speaking kind, healing words to yourself. It may feel awkward at first—but for many Indigenous youth and adults, mirror work is a form of reclamation. It helps undo the damage of negative self-talk, colonized beauty standards, shame, and self-doubt. Have fun and enjoy. It's a good process. I can do hard things. I believe in myself. I am proud of who I am. I am real deadly. I am enough. I have a voice. I try my best every day. I can learn anything I set my mind to. I am unstoppable! I am one of a kind. My smile makes the rez brighter. I love who I am becoming. I am perfect exactly the way I am. I don’t need to fit in — I stand out! I am loveable. My feelings matter. I am a masterpiece in progress. I sparkle with positivity. I am enough. Every mistake helps me grow. I can get through anything. I don’t give up — I level up! I bounce back stronger. I am growing every day. I turn challenges into superpowers. My brain is amazing and loves to learn.
Affirmations are positive, powerful statements that help you change how you see yourself, how you speak to yourself, and how you show up in the world. They are more than just “nice words.” For Indigenous youth—especially those healing from trauma, racism, foster care, or low self-esteem—affirmations are medicine for the mind and spirit. Practice looking into your own eyes and speaking kind, healing words to yourself. Do 1-3 daily for best results. I rise when I fall. I am becoming the best version of me. I never stop trying. I am a kind and caring friend. I spread love wherever I go. I help others feel seen and heard. I choose kindness every day. I lift others up with my words. I make friends easily. I am a great listener. I treat others the way I want to be treated. I bring joy to my friends. I belong. I choose to think happy thoughts. I have a positive attitude. I see the good in myself and others. I attract good things into my life. I find the sunshine even on cloudy days. I am full of good energy. I focus on what I can control. I let go of what doesn’t serve me. I choose peace over drama. My vibe is kind, cool, and calm. I am smart and creative. I have great ideas. I think outside the box. I solve problems like a pro. I can do math, write stories, and explore science. My imagination is powerful. I am curious and full of wonder. I ask great questions. I can do anything I set my mind to. My brain is a supercomputer! I am proud of where I come from. My culture is beautiful. My ancestors walk with me. I carry strength in my blood. I honor my roots and my future. I am a future leader.
Why Practicing gratitude Matters: 1. Shift Your Focus Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff—it helps shift your focus from what's missing to what's present. It helps the brain stop looping on stress or fear. When I focus on what I’m thankful for, I feel lighter. 2. Support Healing Gratitude helps release anger, sadness, and hurt by balancing it with hope, connection, and presence—especially after trauma or loss. Gratitude reminds me that I still have good things, even in tough times. 3. Reconnect with Culture and Land Being grateful for the land, your language, or your family connects you back to your roots. It’s a form of ceremony and remembering. I thank the land for holding me. I thank my kokum’s teachings. 4. Improve Mental Health Studies show that regular gratitude practices reduce anxiety and depression, help you sleep better, and boost self-esteem. Gratitude calms my nervous system and reminds me I’m not alone. Gratitude Examples I’m grateful for my voice—even when it shakes. I’m thankful for my kokum’s teachings and love. I’m grateful for the land that gives me strength. I’m thankful for one person who sees me. I’m grateful for laughter—it’s medicine. I’m thankful for my breath when I feel anxious. I’m grateful for my ancestors who protect me. I’m thankful for music that helps me feel. I’m grateful for the chance to start over. I’m thankful for warm bannock and tea. I’m grateful for the sky, the moon, and the stars. I’m thankful for my body, even when it’s tired. I’m grateful for having a safe space today. I’m thankful for my dreams and goals. I’m grateful for cedar, sage, and smudging. I’m thankful for learning to set boundaries. I’m grateful for someone who made me smile. I’m thankful for the strength I didn’t know I had. I’m grateful for my community and culture. I’m thankful that I’m still here, still healing.