Most people in our current day know of affirmations. Simply put affirmations are positive statements or phrases that are repeated to support a mindset or thought. Scientific research even supports it, showing that affirmations can help reduce stress, help with anxiety, depression, boost self-esteem, and even help with medical conditions. There are endless possibilities.
I have used affirmations for decades for all of the above and so much more. Often you will find my mirrors, walls, or refrigerator pasted with stickies, printouts, or pictures reminding me of my personal statements. Using my affirmation statements have helped me through many situations such as panic attacks, depression, and more. They are my daily reminders and goals.
I have learned that the power of an affirmation works best when you set the intention behind it. Example, one of my daily affirmations has to do with releasing guilt for past offenses or events. It reads: “I no longer make the mistakes I made in the past. Everyone makes mistakes. I should not hold onto mine. I am free to let go.” It’s a bit long but it makes sense to me and that’s what matters. I repeat this affirmation every day. I don’t just read it, but I feel it.
In my own research the power of an affirmation should be repeated daily, with your whole heart to make a shift in your mindset, your belief system. It is also necessary to repeat it at minimum for 21 days to get in the habit. I will go longer for some or change up for others.
At first you may not believe what you are saying, and that’s ok, because it is a restructuring of your current mindset. You are setting intentions to change, adapt, feel better, motivate, manifest etc. It can take time. It’s also ok to change it up. Many times, I have an affirmation and it just doesn’t sit right. So, I change it until it feels better and go from there.
Recently I have been working with affirmations to assist with a chronic health issue: “I am happy and healthy. Breathing is easy.” Very simple. When I repeat this statement, I feel it in my bones, in my mind, in my chest. I do feel it has made a difference.
To create your own affirmation:
1. Choose a thought you want to change.
2. Write it down. If you are just beginning, start with “I” or “My” statements. (Example: I accept myself for who I am. My peace matters.)
3. Place your note somewhere you will see it daily. (I even have them as my phone screensaver.)
4. Repeat daily, however many times you want. Aim for at least those 21 days, or longer.
Some examples for different topics:
Anxiety: I am calm. I am safe. I have done this before, and I can do it again.
Self Esteem: I embrace my unique strengths. I am worthy. I am capable of achieving what I want.
Abundance: I am open to limitless possibilities. I attract miracles in my life.
Health: My body is healthy and resilient.
You get the idea. There are tons of videos and websites offering examples. Remember, its ok to change the statement to fit your truth, what you are looking for.
At the end, affirmations are as powerful as you choose them to be. Practicing daily can help you develop a positive attitude which can lead to a healthier you, mind, body and soul.
-Jennifer
*Jennifer Izaguirre is the owner of A Balanced Life. Check out www.ABalancedLife.org for information, courses, freebies, and more.
**All statements presented here are my personal beliefs.
Photo credit: Nathan McBride on Unsplash.com
Comments