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I’ll be honest, for a long time I kind of poo-pooed positive affirmations. I tried to picture myself standing in front of the mirror shouting “you are beautiful!” and it just didn’t quite fit for me. Out of all the forms of self-care available I probably put up the most resistance to positive affirmations.
But whether you admit it or not, we all talk to ourselves. When I tune into my self-thoughts I realize that they’re often more negative than they are positive. This is something I’m actively trying to change. It is a practice and takes a conscious effort.
Daily affirmations are designed to alter the beliefs about ourselves so we think more positively about ourselves. In one article I read, affirmations were said to be like the psychological immune system. When something knocks you down, you can use your affirmation to pick you back up.
I truly believe that our thoughts create our actions and our actions create our reality. If we’re constantly inundating ourselves with negative thoughts, we will take negative actions (or lack of action) and this will be the reality we live in. That’s not to say that we all must live in a state of disillusion, but we also don’t need to punish ourselves with every single thought we have.
Besides making us feel better in certain situations, affirmations can:
1. Motivate us– When you are speaking truths about yourself, you are more likely to move in that direction. “I am hardworking” will motivate you to be hard working much more than telling yourself “man you’re lazy”. Your thoughts orient your life actions!
2. Improve our overall quality of life– Studies have shown people that practice positive affirmations to be happier, more optimistic, and have a clearer perspective on life. It makes sense doesn’t it?! When I tell myself positive truths about myself, I’m going to be living a much better life than if I was constantly telling myself negative lies.
Affirmations can be hard or awkward to start. I’ve been told to fake it ’til you make it when it comes to affirmations. Say something before you mean it and eventually you will mean it and believe it.
I also don’t think you need to be shouting them at yourself in the mirror. That’s how I always envisioned it and that’s what held me up from practicing more positive thinking. Try writing them down, thinking them in your head, repeating a mantra while you meditate or even just whispering them under your breath.
I know it can be hard to get started so that’s why I created a weekly positive affirmation email for all of you. Each Sunday evening, I send a note to your inbox with an affirmation to focus on for the week, a journal prompt, and downloadable backgrounds for your phone, iPad, and desktop. My hope is that you look at the affirmation daily and are reminded of your truths. Maybe the truth that week doesn’t speak to you, and if so that’s totally fine! Just replace it with something that you need more of in your life. Just remember, focus on the positive.
Don’t forget to sign up for your weekly affirmation email here!
I feel the same way about affirmations! It’s so hard to get started with them, but if you bite the bullet and do it you really do feel better 🙂
Yes, I do agree with you. I have read several blog posts about positive affirmation and yours is great!
Davida, thank you so much! I really needed this. It was a real confidence booster. I struggle so much with speaking negative things to myself. I know it’s not helpful and it brings negative energy to my life. This is a habit that I’m trying to stop. I know there was a reason that I read this article. I love your vulnerability and your openness. I really appreciated the added motivation.
this could also help some healthy fitness living.
https://bit.ly/2HAnS82
I can’t access the downloads from The Benefit of Positive Affirmations.
Hi Pam! They get sent out every sunday so stay tuned!