191 Good Mantras to Live By (+ List of Mantras PDF)

Choosing a few mantras to live by can help you understand your values and what’s important to you. Repeating those mantras regularly can help you keep your focus on the things that matter to you. By going through this list of mantras, you can find the ones that resonate with you most — and take action on them.

It’s easy to get distracted and end up living your life on autopilot.

That’s what mindfulness is intended to prevent. By noticing when your mind drifts away from the present moment, you can consciously bring yourself back. By doing this repeatedly, little by little, you can change your life. 

Mantras can help with this process. By cultivating a set of short mantras to live by, you can choose a few themes that are important to you, and then repeat them on a regular basis.

With regular repetition, you remind yourself of these themes or values you hold dear, and become more likely to live them in your daily life.

Without further ado, let’s get into the mantras to live by.

191 Positive Mantras

Here’s how to navigate this list of the best mantras to live by:

First, scroll through them, keeping an eye out for life mantras that resonate with you. 

Then, write down a handful of the mantras for life that feel most meaningful to you, or that help address an issue you’re going through currently. 

Finally, make it easy to repeat them on a regular basis. Try writing them down and putting them somewhere you’ll see them often: on the bathroom mirror, for example.

1. My life deserves to be full of peace and love.
2. Happiness and joy is a part of who I am.
3. There is power in what I pay attention to. I choose to notice what’s good in me.
4. My life is for me, not for others. I deserve to make decisions that make me happy.
5. When I fail, I choose to be gentle with myself.
6. I allow myself to release all guilt, shame, and regrets.
7. Every day, I see myself grow wiser. Every day, I change for the better.
8. Who I am is exactly who I need to be. 
9. When I feel stressed, I remind myself that my natural state is joy and love.
10. I choose to trust myself deeply.
11. Rather than worry what others think, I choose to live my life for me.
12. In every way, I am already enough.
13. I choose to cultivate positive thoughts about myself.
14. I’m allowed to have needs and express them. 
15. I choose to be kind to myself.
16. Rather than follow the expectations of others, I choose the path that’s right for me.

18. I love who I used to be, who I am, and who I’m becoming.
19. When I look back on past versions of myself, I feel warmth and gratitude.
20. Sometimes, I feel emotionally turbulent. That’s okay. I allow myself to feel all feelings.
21. I know that courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s taking action in the face of fear.
22. My own approval is worth more than the approval of others.
23. When I look at my life, it’s incredible how much I’ve grown.
24. My life is full of harmony. 
25. I walk through the world feeling loved, by myself and by others.
26. I don’t have to change in order to love myself.
27. I’m allowed to set boundaries and expect others to follow them. 
28. My voice deserves to be heard, and my feelings deserve to be shared.
29. Today, I choose joy. 
30. I deserve happiness and inner peace.
31. All people make mistakes. I’m a good person.

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32. Good things are coming for me. 
33. I am calm, happy, and content.
34. I’m allowed to say “No” to protect my energy and time.
35. Perfection isn’t possible. All I expect from myself is to try.
36. I am proud of myself.
37. I deserve everything good coming my way.
38. I send unconditional acceptance to myself.
39. I’m striving to be my best self, but I accept all versions of me.
40. I aim to be as kind and tender to myself as I would to a dear friend, or a child.
41. I allow myself to take time to heal.
42. I release myself from stress.
43. Not everything in life goes according to plan, but through it all, I love myself.
44. I give myself permission to choose what’s best for me.
45. I accept every part of myself – the good and the bad – unconditionally.

47. Today, I feel light and at ease.
48. Everything I need is already within me.
49. Today, right now, I choose to believe in myself and love myself.
50. I am worthy of respect. I treat myself with respect and expect others to do the same.
51. I am worthy of love without accomplishing anything. Just existing is enough.
52. My vision for my future is powerful, and I deserve to expect the life of my dreams.
53. My past doesn’t define me. I’m defined by who I’m becoming.
54. An incredible transformation is happening within me.
55. Every day, I grow into a better version of me.
56. I choose to release myself from destructive thought patterns and negative thoughts.
57. I am worthy of forgiveness. I choose to forgive myself.
58. I notice what feels like an obligation in my life, and release myself.
59. Although I’ve made mistakes, they don’t define me.
60. I have something of value to give to the world just by being me.

61. I choose not to compare myself to others.
62. Happiness is within me, waiting for me to choose it.
63. Every mistake I’ve made and every difficulty I’ve faced has made me who I am today.
64. I’m capable of change.
65. I’m excited to see where my life takes me, and who I become.
66. This is my one and only life. I deserve to make decisions that make me happy.
67. I’m comfortable being myself around other people.
68. My choices in life are within my control. 
69. I have within me the power to handle any situation. 
70. I am worthy of having whatever I want in life.
71. I respect myself. When others make me feel small, I choose to stand up for myself.
72. The people around me enjoy spending time with me.
73. I approach each new situation with confidence and a belief in my own abilities.
74. I am not afraid to take risks, because I believe in my ability to adapt.
75. Being myself is a privilege.

77. Each minute, I’m becoming stronger. 
78. The process of life has twists and turns. I trust each step. 
79. When setbacks happen, I have the power to overcome them.
80. Everything I need is already inside me.
81. Each morning when I rise, I’m filled with motivation.
82. I’m allowed to ask for help.
83. Whatever I envision for myself, and my life, is possible.
84. I bring focus and strength to each day.
85. Obstacles only motivate me to keep trying.
86. I am smart, persistent, and capable.
87. Leaving my comfort zone is hard, but I know growth is on the other side.
88. My mood isn’t dependent on the opinions of others.
89. Every day, I grow in confidence. Every day, I trust my intuition more.
90. I’m grateful for everything that made me who I am today.
91. When I receive compliments, I accept them with gratitude.

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92. My inner confidence is just waiting to be unleashed.
93. My intuition is strong. When I have an instinct about something, I listen to it.
94. As I inhale, confidence enters my body. As I exhale, fear exits my body.
95. My reserves of strength are endless.
96. The strength I have inside me is greater than I realize.
97. What sometimes seems hard for me to handle can, in fact, come easily to me.
98. I feel comfortable in my own body.
99. When I achieve difficult things, I become even more confident.
100. The things that make me “me,” are entirely unique in this world.
101. Meeting people and making friends comes naturally to me.
102. I choose to release my insecurities. 
103. I choose to express the emotions I feel, rather than hide them.
104. Each day, I get closer to reaching my goals.
105. When I look back at the version of myself from a few years ago, I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

107. I alone choose the goals I pursue, without influence from the expectations of others.
108. My confidence attracts people to me.
109. When difficulties arise in life, I am resilient.
110. I judge my own success by my dedication and willingness to keep putting in the work.
111. I am capable. When I set my mind to something, I can do it.
112. With practice and training, there is no skill I can’t master.
113. As I get more confident in my abilities and comfortable in my own skin, my fears of failure and judgment are fading away.
114. Validation from others doesn’t matter to me. I only need validation from myself. 
115. I choose self-support over self-deprecation.
116. I am comfortable and confident being my true self.
117. I choose to say what I believe without worrying about judgment.
118. I’m confident enough to let go of people who don’t make me happy.
119. Each time I make a mistake, I learn and grow.

120. I deserve to feel strong and confident. I deserve to believe in myself.
121. Every part of me is worthy, even my flaws and imperfections.
122. My confidence is contagious.
123. I am seen in this world. I matter.
124. I am capable of doing amazing things.
125. When I’m true to myself, I’m also the most confident version of myself.
126. I can visualize the best version of myself, and I’m getting closer every day. 
127. I’m grateful for how far I’ve come in life, and for everything I’ve accomplished.
128. Who I become in life is under my control. 
129. I deserve to celebrate wins in life, no matter how small.

131. My voice deserves to be heard. My opinions matter.
132. When I follow my intuition, I know I’m making the right choices in life.
133. Each day, I feel myself radiating strength and confidence.
134. Perfection isn’t my goal; I can be confident while being flawed.
135. I feel proud of myself for each small way I’ve improved my life.
136. I choose to accept myself, the good and the bad.
137. I compare myself with the past version of me – not with other people.
138. When I make a decision, I have conviction and stand behind it.
139. Confidence comes easily to me.
140. Everything I want is on its way to me.
141. I express my true self with ease.
142. For all the good in my life, I am grateful.
143. I’m grateful for the support I receive from those who care about me.
144. I’m grateful to my body, for being my home. I commit to taking care of it.
145. Each day I’m able to wake up is a blessing. 

146. Today, I did the best I could. I’m grateful for the effort I was able to give.
147. I am grateful for the opportunity to love myself and show compassion to myself. 
148. I am grateful to love, and I am grateful to be loved.
149. For the relationships that make life richer, I am grateful.
150. I’m grateful for reminders that life is short; they remind me to truly live.
151. Today, I’m grateful for the chance to grow in whatever way I choose. 
152. For food, water, and shelter, I am grateful.
153. I’m grateful for animals and children, who remind us to be playful and joyful. 
154. I’m grateful for having my voice heard and for the ability to express my thoughts.
155. I choose to look at the world through eyes of gratitude.
156. I commit to noticing the beauty of nature each day. 
157. Each and every day, I feel more grateful.
158. I commit to cultivating a light, playful, joyful approach to life.
159. With each experience I have, I’m grateful for the lessons I learn along the way.
160. When I cultivate gratitude and happiness, I not only have an impact on myself, but on those around me.

162. Although I’m working towards the life of my dreams, I’m grateful for what I have now.
163. Everything I am, and everything I have, is already enough.
164. Every experience in the past made me who I am today. I am grateful for all of them.
165. I’m committed to a life focused on joy and appreciation for what I have.
166. I feel connected to every plant, animal, and human.
167. The water I drink and the air I breathe are gifts. I’m grateful for each sip and each breath.
168. For all the love and support shown to me by my partner – I am grateful.
169. As I open my eyes each morning, I feel a sense of gratitude. Each day is a unique gift.
170. I believe that everything will work out.
171. I am happy for everything I have.
172. For the progress I’m able to make each day and the small steps I’m able to take, I’m deeply grateful.
173. As I breathe in, I’m breathing more gratitude into my life.
174. I appreciate the chance to contribute to the world.
175. I recognize that my life is meaningful. I’m grateful for the chance to have an impact on others.
176. For the moments when I’m able to release tension and stress, I’m grateful.
177. I trust that when I do something kind, it comes back to me.
178. I know that everything that’s happening in my life will lead me where I need to go.
179. I’m grateful for the obstacles in life. They’re a chance to strengthen my resilience.
180. Every day, I choose to take a few moments to be grateful.
181. For every laugh, smile, and moment of joy in my life – I am grateful.

182. Each day, I move further into a state of gratitude.
183. As I walk through the world, every tree, flower, and bird is a reminder to be grateful. 
184. Life is a constant chance to learn and grow. I’m grateful to be a lifelong learner.
185. Gratitude compounds. The more I express gratitude, the more I see the world through the lens of gratitude.
186. Gratitude is a choice. I choose gratitude each and every day.
187. For each moment of kindness shown to me by others – I am grateful.
188. For every meal I eat, I am grateful for the farmers, workers, and drivers who got the food to me.
189. My attitude is changing from one of constriction to one of abundance. With gratitude, I know I have enough.
190. For my happy, positive emotions and my sad, heavy emotions, I am grateful.
191. I’m grateful for the unique spirit and way of being I bring to the world, just by existing.

Short Mantras to Live By

Sometimes a full sentence is too much to hold onto in a stressful moment. Short mantras are easier to remember, easier to repeat, and easy to come back to in the middle of a busy day.

These short mantras to live by are just one to five words long. Try pairing one with your breath: say the first half silently as you inhale, and the second half as you exhale.

Short Mantras for Calm and Presence

Use these when your mind starts racing ahead or replaying the past.

• Breathe.
• Be here now.
• Right here, right now.
• This too shall pass.
• Let it be.
• Slow down.
• Begin again.
• I am safe right now.

Short Mantras for Self-Love

Use these when your inner critic gets loud.

• I am enough.
• Be gentle with yourself.
• Progress, not perfection.
• Rest is productive.
• Feel it, then let go.
• Not mine to carry.
• I deserve kindness.
• I’m allowed to change.

Short Mantras for Confidence

Use these before something that scares you, or when you’re tempted to give up.

• I can do hard things.
• One step at a time.
• Just begin.
• Keep going.
• I’ve got this.
• Trust the process.
• Small steps count.
• Do it scared.

Short Mantras for Gratitude and Joy

Use these to shift your attention toward what’s already good.

• Choose joy.
• Notice the good.
• Gratitude first.
• I have enough.
• Stay curious.
• Choose love.
• Be kind.
• Live on purpose.

Because they’re so short, these mantras fit almost anywhere: a sticky note on your laptop, your phone’s lock screen, or the first line of your journal each morning.

Choosing Your Mantras to Live By

You don’t need all 191 of these mantras. In fact, you’ll probably get more out of three or four than you would from trying to remember dozens.

Go back to the ones that made you pause as you scrolled. Those are usually the mantras that speak to what matters most to you right now, or to something you’re working through.

Write them down, put them somewhere you’ll see them every day, and repeat them until they start to feel like your own. Over time, the words become a quiet reminder to come back to the present moment and to the values you’ve chosen to live by.

Your list can change, too. The mantras that carry you through a hard season may not be the ones you need a year from now, so revisit them whenever your life shifts.

If one theme stood out to you more than the others, you can go deeper with these mantras for confidence, these gratitude mantras for every part of your day, or these affirmations for self-love.

Frequently Asked Questions