The Power of Affirmations
In each and every moment our thoughts are creating our reality. We give our thoughts energy based on how we feel when we are thinking them.
Powerful change can occur simply by changing our thoughts. We can reprogram our minds by repeating consistently a new thought.
This new thought process occurs, when we utilize, and daily practice affirmations.
“Daily affirmations are simple, positive statements declaring specific goals in their completed states. Although they sound rather basic at that level, these empowering mantras have profound effects on the conscious and unconscious mind. ”
By using affirmations we can stop and counteract the negative self talk that plagues our minds. The constant chatter that keep us from realizing our full potential. It sounds too simple, but the results are transformational. Just follow these few steps:
Step 1: Identify the negative self talk by writing out a list of characteristics you don't like about yourself or habits you want to break or change you wish would happen. At this point you may be thinking well this is a terrible exercise...you're right the first step is a downer, but necessary to identify what needs to go from your life.
Look at your list is there a pattern or trend? Is one characteristic or behavior limiting what you want to attract? Is there a change that when you look at the words appears in your mind to be printed in Bold, Italics or all CAPS?
Step 2: We are going to start by choosing one area of change. From your list pick the one that is pulsing with importance or makes you feel a bit queasy. Our discomfort signals the area where the greatest change can occur.
Now the fun part, we are going to create a positive affirmation out of that thought or belief. You may feel some resistance at this point. That's our ego trying to keep us small. Breathe into the hesitation, let it go and grab a pencil and notebook.
Affirmation have a few key ingredients.
- They must be positive
- They must be in the present tense
- They start with the words "I am"
- They contain an action word and feeling word
- They are about you and not others
If your negative thought was "I will never lose weight" your affirmation may be "I'm easily losing weight and embracing my ideal body." Other examples include:
I can't find anyone to love becomes I'm joyfully open to a new love relationship.
I will never have enough money for a vacation becomes I'm sitting on the beach and enjoying the feel of sand between my toes.
Affirmations work best if you can feel them in your body. The feeling needs to be of a high vibration such as joy, happiness, optimism, etc. When you think or say your affirmation, your body should flood with a warm fuzzy. If not, there's a way to get around your disbelief until the time that you are truly feeling it. Simply soften your affirmation by adding a qualifying word such as I'm welcoming..., I'm learning to..., or I'm getting better at...
You can simply faith it till you make it!
Step 3: Bring your affirmation to life. Everyday repeat your affirmation multiple times and at different times throughout your day. My favorites are times are the throwaway times during my day, such as while I put on my makeup, brush my teeth, my commute, waiting to pick up the kids, mowing the lawn...you get the idea. My mind usually wanders during those times, so why not actively engage my affirmation?
Write it out. You can fill your journal by writing your affirmation for 5 minutes a day. Or write it on sticky notes and place them where you can see them-the refrigerator, dash of your car, bathroom mirror, your wallet or purse. Go crazy- create a piece of artwork, embroider it on a pillow case, or better yet tuck into your pillow case and sleep with it!
Step 4: Let it go. As you practice your affirmation surrender the outcome to your higher power. Don't get caught up in the future, but stay in the present with your "I am." The miracle with happen and unfold as you have affirmed.
Originally Published 02-07-2018