I talk about affirmations quite often, here on the blog. I have a few of them taped to my mirror, I write them out in my journal, read them in the morning. It’s something that has helped me overcome things like self-doubt and also played a huge role in my journey to self-love and acceptance.
Although, I don’t know. “Acceptance” is such a …. neutral word. I like “love” a lot better.
Growing up I often heard things like “try harder” or “not good enough” on daily basis. Words that I often told myself, long after I was done “growing up.” See, things that you repeat to yourself, over and over again, eventually become things that you believe in.
They eventually start limiting you.
Affirmation… what’s that?
Affirmations are short, but powerful statements which describe a goal, in its completed state. That’s probably one of the easiest ways to describe what an affirmation is. Some of the most powerful affirmations follow these two words: I am.
Think about it, how many times a day, do you use these two words: I am? How often is your “I am”, followed by words like beautiful, strong, smart, courageous, brave, healthy?
Nope.
Usually, it’s things like: I am so stupid for doing that or I can’t catch a break or I am so tired of all of this, or I can’t do this. We put so much energy into things we don’t want, things we don’t like. We do the same when it comes to those little inner monologs- we constantly pick on ourselves, put ourselves down. By introducing affirmations into your life/routine, you can start “working” on your self-esteem daily.
How do you use affirmations? However you want. You can read them out loud, you can tweet them, write them out in your journal, use them as a wallpaper on your laptop. I love making my affirmations a part of my morning ritual. You don’t have to necessarily use the affirmations I listed here, you can try creating your own.
-MY LIFE IS FULL OF PURPOSE
-I LIVE MY LIFE ON MY OWN TERMS
-MY POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS
-I AM LOVED, I SHINE BRIGHT
-I HONOR MYSELF IN EVERY DECISION I MAKE
-MY CHALLENGES HELP ME GROW
-I AM UNIQUE, NOTHING CAN REPLACE ME
-I DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THINGS I CANNOT CONTROL
-I AM THANKFUL FOR ALL THAT LIFE HAS GIVEN ME
-I HAVE THE POWER TO CREATE CHANGE
-I AM LETTING GO OF EVERYTHING THAT DOES NOT SERVE ME
-I AM MEANT TO HAVE AN AMAZING LIFE
If you’re a skeptic- I get it. I used to think that this whole meditating, staying positive, gratitude and affirmation exercising, smoothie-drinking lifestyle was for people who don’t have a thing to worry about. People who are already well-off and have everything figured out. Until I realized that when you actually start paying attention to the way you talk to yourself, when you stop focusing on what you don’t want, but instead, put your energy into the things you do want in your life when you appreciate what you have and take a little responsibility, everything changes.
Can affirmations alone, change or transform your life? Probably not, but they will help you shift and define your focus and raise your awareness of things like your thoughts or feelings. They will help you pay attention to the way you talk to yourself. That, is the first step to making a change.
Are affirmations a part of your routine?