What is a positive affirmation?
Affirmations are brief positive statements that we repeat to ourselves; they offer encouragement and help increase confidence and self-esteem.
Affirmations can be used to manifest goals, dreams, or desires. For some people, using positive affirmations provides a way to overcome negative thought patterns.
Affirmations have the ability to allow people to change their mindset seeing things in a new perspective founded on optimism, positivity and unlimited potential.
What does affirmation mean?
The word affirmation comes from the Latin verb affirmare or adfirmo, ad- “to” and firmo meaning “strengthen.” Further meaning something that is present, fixed, firm or true.
Affirmations change the beliefs we have about ourselves, bringing a positive light to our thoughts, experiences and the situations we face.
Positive affirmations are words, phrases, or statements that we repeat to help challenge negative thoughts and promote pleasant life changes.
How to use affirmations?
When you begin using affirmations it is important to choose statements that are meaningful to you and that resonate with your goals.
You must believe the words and act on them as if they were factual. This helps manifest the change or outcome you desire.
You can practice repeating them regularly either at a certain time in the day or repeatedly throughout the day. You may want to write them down, keeping them in a place where you will see them and be reminded of them.
Steps for practicing positive affirmations
Select one affirmation for the day that resonates with you.
The affirmation should be in the present tense
Recite the affirmation in a mirror a few times every day
Write the affirmation down in a journal or place that is important to you
Repeat the affirmation as many times as needed until you feel empowered by the statement
Practicing the affirmations daily has the potential to encourage a more positive mindset and may help you focus on your goals, bringing to light that which you desire.
Positive affirmations are founded on the idea that we as humans have the power to influence change.
How to create positive affirmations
Think about what you're hoping to change or improve about yourself or your life. This will help you choose an affirmation that resonates with you, your thought patterns an the goal you want to achieve.
Make a list of the areas of your life you want to improve
Write a few positive statements for each type of affirmation you selected
Make them short and easy to remember, using 3 to 6 words
Start your affirmations with “I” or “My”
Write them in the present tense
Use statements that declare you already are or have whatever you desire
Make sure your affirmations are reasonable and realistic
Create a space where you can comfortably recite your affirmations.
Recite your positive affirmations daily until they become core beliefs
Examples of positive affirmations
I make good decisions.
I release tension and anxiety.
I am so grateful for life.
I can be whatever I want.
Money flows freely to me.
I am an unstoppable force of nature.
My body is healthy.
I am talented.
I wake up motivated.
I am living with abundance.
I am independent and self-sufficient.
Today is going to be a wonderful day.
Happiness is a choice, and I choose happiness.
Today will be a productive day.
I deserve to be happy.
I am at peace.
I am allowed to feel good.
I am growing and I am going at my own pace.
I invite abundance into my life.
I release the fears that do not serve me.
My life is not a race or competition.
There is something in this world that only I can do. That is why I am here.
I am in control of my emotions, thoughts, and actions.
Peace flows through my mind and body.
I am at peace with myself.
Today is an opportunity to grow and learn.
I inhale peace and harmony. I exhale stress and worries.
Letting go creates space for opportunities.
These are examples and can be modified to better suit you and the desire you with to achieve through practicing positive affirmations.
Benefits of positive affirmations
Motivate us
Improve our inner voice
Promote positive coping
Encourage gratitude
Increase self esteem
Overcome negative thought patterns
Promote self control and empowerment
Improve perspective
Improve mood
Improve decision making and problem solving
Affirmations are just one tool among many that can help to improve mental health and well-being. Pay attention to other factors that can affect your well-being, such as sleep, healthy diet, and regular physical activity. If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns seek help from a mental health professional.
Check out this great Affirmation journal to help you get started on your journey.
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