Alice talks to us about Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that you can use to challenge specific negative thoughts that you are having by reinforcing a more positive belief or outcome that you desire to achieve. If you find that you are easily distracted or feel calm when focusing on a source of positive energy, then affirmations could really be helpful to you.
The negative thoughts that we have now are just solidified beliefs that we have repeated regularly to ourselves over time. These ‘stuck’ thoughts need to be counteracted with consistent, positive affirmations to be able to foster new habits. First thing in the morning and last thing at night are two good points in the day to practice affirmations. You can even write affirmations on sticky notes and stick them around your mirror or your bedroom as physical reminders to practice your affirmations.
Affirmations can be very powerful when said out loud or written down. We can use these affirmations during our moment of need to help focus our mind on more positive beliefs. For example, “I am safe” during a period of fear or danger. Affirmations must be unconditional and firm statements. Avoid words such as “should” because these lack the confidence to be as effective. Your affirmations should refer to the ‘you’ in the present, not something you will become. “I” statements such as “I am…” is a good way of starting an affirmation. Below are some examples of affirmations you could use, although coming up with a specific, personalised affirmation may work better.
• I like the person I am growing into.
• I am worthy of love.
• I am talented and kind. Those strengths will take me far.
• I have all the tools I need to succeed.
• I am happy where I am in my life right now.
• I am open and honest with my feelings. I can clearly express to others when I feel hurt.
• I am willing to accept help when offered. I am willing to ask for what I need.
• I love who I am.
• Nothing can stop me from achieving my dreams.
• I am empowered to be the best version of myself.
Affirmations can feel like ‘pretending’ at first and may require some false confidence. After time though, and with repetition and commitment, these beliefs can begin to replace our most painful and challenging thought patterns.
