Here are 30 affirmations to help navigate feelings of helplessness, fear, and horror in the face of multiple genocides and systemic oppression, and to cultivate a sense of calm and empowerment:

Also, it’s okay if you may not fully believe some of these statements, yet. You can modify each statement so that it resonates with you better.

You can add,

“I am learning to [insert affirmation]”, or

“I am beginning to [insert affirmation].”

That may feel more attainable for you at the moment.

How to Use:

You can start each day with randomly selecting one affirmation or you can choose the statement you feel resonates with your heart in that moment. You can write down, display it on your desk, mirror, fridge or tuck it in your pocket. Another way, is to write it down in an alarm and set it to repeat throughout the day.

1. I hold space for both my grief and my hope, knowing they can coexist.

2. My voice and actions, no matter how small, contribute to the greater good.

3. I channel my outrage into purposeful action for justice and change.

4. I am connected to a global community of people who care deeply about justice.

5. ​​I reject the colonizer's narrative that tells me to be silent in my pain. 

6. I honor the resilience of those who have survived and resisted oppression.

7. I have the power to educate myself and others about the realities of systemic oppression.

8. My empathy fuels my commitment to be an agent of change.

9. I choose to focus on what I can do, rather than what I cannot control.

10. I am inspired by the courage of those who fight for justice and human rights.

11. I allow myself to grieve the losses imposed by colonization.

12. I cultivate calm within myself to be more effective in supporting others.

13. I refuse to turn away from the truth, knowing that awareness is the first step toward change.

14. I honor the memories of those who have been lost by continuing to fight for justice.

15. I acknowledge the strength and resilience of oppressed communities.

16. I remind myself that change is possible, even if it takes time and persistence.

17. I am part of a collective effort to dismantle systems of oppression.

18. My self-care is vital to sustaining my energy for the long journey toward justice.

19. My compassion is a source of strength, not a burden.

20. I have the power to support and amplify the voices of those who are silenced.

21. I trust in the power of solidarity to create meaningful change.

22. I am not alone in this struggle; we are many, and we are strong.

23. I commit to learning from history to help build a better future.

24. I honor the humanity in all people, and I stand against dehumanization in any form.

25. I use my privilege, where I have it, to uplift and support marginalized communities.

26. I remember that systemic change often starts with individual actions.

27. I give myself permission to grieve, knowing that it is part of the healing process.

28. I focus on the progress that has been made, while continuing to work for more.

29. I acknowledge the pain and suffering in the world, and I do not let it paralyze me.

30. I am committed to being a force for good in the world, even in the face of adversity.