What are Affirmations?
Positive Affirmations are a self-help strategy used to promote self-confidence and belief in your own abilities. You've probably affirmed yourself without even realising it by telling yourself things like: “All I can do is my best.” “I've got what it takes.” “I believe in my ability to succeed.” These statements are usually intended to help shift thinking from negative to positive, motivate an action, reduce stress, persevere through difficult times, and increase self-confidence and well-being.
When you repeat positive affirmations, either out loud or to yourself, you can really start to shift negative thought patterns and promote positive thinking. Affirmations do this by replacing negative self-talk. For example, if you made a mistake and then think, “I’m so stupid,” you’re unintentionally using a negative affirmation. But if you can spot the negative affirmation, there’s an opportunity to change it to a positive one. In this case, you might tell yourself: “I can learn from my mistakes.”
The way you talk to yourself matters.
The idea behind positive affirmations is that they are short phrases you can repeat to change the way you think and feel about yourself.
Choosing a positive affirmation is a personal thing, it can relate to a goal, a positive attribute you see in yourself, or a simple positive statement that resonates with you.
There are no set rules with when you should say affirmations, or even a set number of times to say them. Just go with what feels right for you.
As an example, for me, I like to do them in the morning when I am in the bathroom getting ready for the day. In the shower and then when I am brushing my hair, putting my make up one etc. I also like to incorporate mirror work, though this is not necessary, it is extremely powerful. I will look myself in the eyes and say out loud, “I am loved, I am lovable, I am whole”. This can be hard to do at first but the more you do it the more comfortable you become with it and the barriers within yourself start to come down so you can really work on your self love.
Below is an exercise you can try to come up with your own positive affirmations and change your current mind set.
I’ll start you off with my very first belief change when I started my self-love journey all those years ago. A negative belief about myself was, I am worthless and unlovable. My new belief, “I am loved, I am worthy, I am whole”. This was what I said to myself on a daily basis until it felt natural, and I could see my belief change.
Below are just a few examples to get you started on your way to self-reflection and self-love. You can always add more for what resonates with you and your journey.
