Disappointing Affirmations Deck: 52 Affirmation Cards

By: Dave Tarnowski

Published by Chronicle Books, 2025-10-07

National bestselling author Dave Tarnowski, the visionary behind the 2.4-million+ follower @DisappointingAffirmations Instagram account, presents a life-changing* deck of hilariously realistic affirmation cards that offer guidance and sympathetic wisdom for a disappointing world.<br/><br/>*your results may vary<br/><br/>Toxic positivity is a drag. Failure is always an option. Use these affirmation cards to find clear-eyed, realistic inspiration and motivation to cut through the bullshit, get things done, or don't. Select a card daily, weekly, or moment-by-moment as the need arises, for such guidance as: You will get through this, I promise you. / You don’t really have a choice. You are good enough. / Not the best, but you’ll do. Wherever you go, there you are. / The same bundle of neuroses, just in a different location. Need a break but can’t get away? / Go on a spiral. Move the fuck on already.<br/>Why do something today when you can make it future you's problem? Maybe you need to accept yourself for the hot mess that you are? Or hear that the bare minimum is sometimes good enough? These cards are here to help.<br/><br/>WORDS OF WISDOM: Curated to serve as weekly, daily, or moment-by-moment affirmations as needed, these expectation-setting cards acknowledge the sometimes-hidden feelings we all have and make light of a disappointing world. Each card offers a way forward, a way of seeing things for what they are, or permission to sit this one out. Have a panic attack. You’ve earned it.<br/><br/>IT REALLY IS OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY: People say, “It’s okay to not be okay,” but then it feels like they need you to be okay. This subversively funny affirmation card deck is the perfect way to remind ourselves, or anyone who needs it, that it's better to deal with our feelings honestly than fall into the “positive vibes only” self-help trap.<br/><br/>PORTABLE ADVICE AND CONSOLATION: Take them anywhere you feel like you might be disappointed: Work. School. Family gatherings. Class reunions. Camping trips. To the beach. On a date. Everywhere!<br/><br/>HIGH-QUALITY GIFT PACKAGE: Printed on sturdy card stock with a luxe matte finish and rounded corners, these durable cards come in a giftable lift-top box.<br/><br/>WAIT, THERE’S MORE! See also the original, national bestselling Disappointing Affirmations and follow-up Sorry in advance for making things weird. books and accompanying stationery and gift items, including Disappointing AffirmationsPencils, Disappointing Affirmations: 30 Postcards, Disappointing AffirmationsSticker Book, and Disappointing Affirmations: The Game. You won’t be disappointed.<br/><br/>Perfect for: College grads, people entering the workforce, people who wish they hadn’t entered the workforce Fans of the @disappointingaffirmations Instagram account Anyone who isn't always cheerful and doesn't feel seen Fans of satire and sarcastic humor Anyone feeling burnout, empathy fatigue, positivity fatigue, or fatigue in general