Nurses are trained to assess, validate, and document reality. We do not rely on vague impressions; we look for evidence. Ironically, when it comes to self-care practices like affirmations and gratitude, many nurses struggle because the language can feel abstract, forced, or disconnected from real life.
If you have ever thought, “This sounds nice, but I don’t feel it,” you are not alone.
One simple shift can make affirmations and gratitude practices more grounded, believable, and effective for nurses: adding the phrase ‘as evidenced by.’
This approach bridges the gap between intention and lived experience, helping your nervous system recognize safety, progress, and truth.
Why Affirmations and Gratitude Can Feel Hard for Nurses
Nursing culture prioritizes action, competence, and resilience—often at the expense of self-reflection. Traditional affirmations like “I am calm” or “I am enough” may feel hollow when your body is exhausted, and your mind is racing.
Your brain resists statements that feel untrue.
By anchoring affirmations and gratitude in observable evidence, you reduce internal resistance and increase emotional credibility. This is not positive thinking—it is integrated awareness.
The Power of “As Evidenced By”
In nursing documentation, “as evidenced by” connects an assessment to tangible data. The same principle applies to self-care.
- It validates your experience
- It grounds the statement in reality
- It allows progress to be small and still meaningful
Rather than forcing yourself to believe something, you are recognizing what is already happening.
Writing Gratitude Using “As Evidenced By”
Gratitude does not have to be dramatic or life-changing to be valid. For nurses, the most healing gratitude is often quiet and personal.
Example:
I am grateful for my recovery, as evidenced by my ability to show up for myself today.
This statement does not deny struggle. It acknowledges effort. It honors capacity without minimizing fatigue.
How to Write Your Own Gratitude Statement
- Begin with “I am grateful for…”
- Name something internal or external that supports you
- Complete the sentence with a concrete example
Additional Examples:
- I am grateful for my resilience, as evidenced by getting out of bed despite emotional heaviness.
- I am grateful for my support system, as evidenced by reaching out instead of isolating.
- I am grateful for rest, as evidenced by choosing to pause without guilt.
Writing Affirmations Using “As Evidenced By”
Affirmations become powerful when they describe a state you are already touching—even briefly.
Example:
I am at peace with myself today as evidenced by being grounded in the present moment.
This does not require perfection or constant calm. It recognizes a moment of regulation, which is enough.
How to Write Your Own Affirmation
- Start with “I am…”
- Name a quality, state, or intention
- Anchor it with a lived behavior, feeling, or choice
Additional Examples:
- I am honoring my limits as evidenced by saying no without over-explaining.
- I am healing, as evidenced by noticing my emotions without judgment.
- I am safe in my body as evidenced by taking slow, intentional breaths.
Why This Practice Supports Nervous System Regulation
The nervous system responds to proof of safety, not just words. When you pair affirmations and gratitude with evidence, you:
- Reduce cognitive dissonance
- Increase self-trust
- Reinforce neural pathways associated with regulation and self-compassion
Over time, this practice helps nurses reconnect with themselves outside of productivity and performance.
A Simple Daily Practice for Nurses
At the end of your shift or before sleep, write:
- One gratitude statement using ‘as evidenced by.’
- One affirmation using ‘as evidenced by.’
Keep it brief. Keep it honest. Consistency matters more than depth.
Closing Reflection
Nursing asks you to witness others with compassion and clarity. You deserve the same level of attentiveness toward yourself.
Affirmations and gratitude are not about pretending everything is fine. They are about recognizing what is real, supportive, and healing, right now.
Sometimes, showing up for yourself is the evidence.
Be Inspired,
Lisa Marie
Nursing Inspiration 