Write Yourself a Vow: A Daily Practice That Changed How I Talk to Myself
Many a years ago, I took a solo trip to Austin to spend time on my own inner work. While I waited for an acai bowl at a little shop, I kept glancing at a single book on the shelf. I couldn't stop looking at it. I knew it was meant for me.
I was in a mental battle at the time. My mind was full of negative thoughts, and I was holding tight to ideas of how my life was supposed to unfold. Things weren't going the way I'd pictured, and I felt stuck and frustrated.
The book was Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It by Kamal Ravikant. One idea stood out: write yourself a vow, a heartfelt promise to yourself. I figured, why not try it.
One idea stood out: write yourself a vow, a heartfelt promise to yourself. I figured, why not try it.
What I did
I sat down and wrote my first vow, pouring in my love, hope, and intention. Then, every day, I stood in front of the mirror and read it out loud.
It felt awkward at first. Over time I noticed something shifting. I felt more confident and more at peace, and the fearful, intrusive thoughts started to quiet down, leaving more room for kindness toward myself.
It's now part of my daily routine. Every few months, when I feel I've taken in the last one, I write a new vow.
How to write your own
Start with how you want to treat yourself. "I promise to be kind to myself." "I promise to trust myself."
Write it in your own words. It should sound like you, not like a poster.
Use present tense and real language. Choose things you're willing to grow into, not only things you already believe.
Read it out loud, ideally in front of a mirror. A minute or two a day is plenty.
Update it when it starts to feel like part of you.
It's okay if it feels strange at first. Give it time.
Below is the first vow I wrote to myself. Looking back, it’s powerful to see how far I’ve come since then:
1/16/23
A vow to myself,
From this day forward, I vow to love myself. To love each and every piece of myself. I am beautiful, amazing, kind, loving, genuine, and courageous. I’m a manifestation of Divine perfection. I am worthy and deserving of love. I love myself, fully and completely.
I let go of what others think I should be and unleash my full power and potential.
I am lovable, powerful, strong. I am worthy. I am enough. I will magnetize all that is needed into my life at the perfect time and in the perfect way. I dedicate myself to be a clear, loving, open channel for the Divine.
I invite and receive all assistance, intervention, protection, and inspiration, so that I may bring to life my soul business and be of service to all those who need my light.
I choose to be a big, bold, bright, brilliant, shining star, open to receive all the guidance of the Universe. I give the Universe permission to guide me into the fulfillment of my sacred gifts, talents, and destiny. I am open and ready. May all that was originally intended for me be released into being. I am protected and blessed through Divine protection.
I trust myself. I trust my higher self. I trust my magic. I trust my life. I trust myself to be guided by the wise voice of my higher self. I open to the guidance of my spirit team. I trust myself and allow myself to be guided.
It is safe to be seen and to be powerful. I will show my unique beauty to this world. I am received with love by myself and by others. I am worthy. I am magic. I believe in miracles and call all miracles to me, as I am open and deserving of them. I am deserving of greatness.
I love myself unconditionally. I love myself. I love myself. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And so it is.
This practice has been a game-changer for me, and I hope it can be for you, too. Start small—write a vow, say it out loud, and give it time. With consistency, you may find yourself rewiring your thoughts, growing your self-love, and embracing your own light.
