The Power of Affirmations
An affirmation is a statement which an individual repeats time
and time again. The statement goes on to make a lasting
impression on the individual, whether directly or indirectly.
Many times we have negative, harmful affirmations that we don't
even realize.
Have you ever known someone who repeatedly says, "I am so
tired.", or words to that effect? They, no doubt, are the very
essence of laziness and the picture of lifelessness. That's
because they're practically brainwashing themselves into
believing that they're more tired than they actually are. If
they began to say, "I'm so wired!" in place of "I'm tired.", it
wouldn't be long before you wouldn't even recognize them.
An even more popular scenario is the one in which the person
says, "I'm so down." or "I feel so depressed." - you'll never
find a more depressing individual to be around. However, if they
started saying, "I'm so excited!" or "I feel so good right now."
- again, the make-over would be remarkable.
In each case, the most important thing is the individual's
quality of life would drastically improve. Immediately. Positive
affirmations can even improve our health - doctors have long
known that the mind is extremely essential in healing. By
contrast, negative affirmations are the reason so many
hypochondriacs wind up sicker than they ever bargained for, they
say "sick" until "sick" is a reality, the same way some people
say "depression" until it's a way of life.
Here are a few facts about affirmations:
1. They can be verbalized or written, whichever you prefer. Most
agree that the surest way to benefit from them is to both say
them aloud throughout the day (so you HEAR them) and to write
them several times during the day (so you SEE them). The more
often you do these, the more firmly rooted the affirmation will
become in your mind.
2. The best affirmations are short and simple. You don't want
one that would be a struggle to recall. Keep it short and sweet.
3. Affirmations should be in the present tense. Rather than
saying, "I will feel better.", say, "I feel better!" - you don't
want to put "better" off any longer than necessary.
4. Keep them as positive as possible, no wishy washy,
fence-riding affirmations need apply!
5. Repeat your affirmations often.
6. Believe in yourself and in the power of what you're saying.
7. Be persistent, never give up.
8. Use your emotions, let them work for you.
A few examples of powerful affirmations are...
"I get what I want."
"I like who I've become."
"I'm a great _____________."
"My body is healthy."
"It's great to be alive."
"I feel calm and relaxed."
"Today's a great day."
"I'm a winner."
"I am so excited!"
You can use one of the above or come up with one of your own -
to suit your own personal situation. Just remember the eight
rules. Armed with your affirmations, nothing can hold you back
from getting everything you want from life.
(c)2005, The Mental Fitness Center.