: Erica M. Ponder
Growing up, something that I used to find corny or unnecessary was the idea of using affirmations. As I grew older, I realized that it was common for people to actually listen to affirmations on a voice recorder throughout their day, or to write them on a sticky note and put them on a mirror to read while getting ready in the morning. Once I began to see the growing number of friends and family using this tactic, I became very interested in the results that affirmations could give. To affirm is to declare, state as a fact, assert strongly and publicly, and pledge, according to the dictionary. The more mature I have become, I’ve grown to like the idea of affirming the things that are of importance to me everyday. What is even more amazing to me is the actual results one can gain from using affirmations as a way to stay motivated.
Affirm only the best. Oftentimes, we tend to affirm the negative without even realizing it. An affirmation can be as simple as “I can’t do this today, because I’m not in the mood,” but there is so much power in these simple, yet negative thoughts. These thoughts and ideas can be fulfilled, and as a result, they break our confidence and diminish our abilities. Instead, trade these thoughts for ideas such as “I can do this” or “I have the power to control how I feel, and I choose to feel victorious.” Those thoughts will eventually dictate your actions.
The great thing about affirmations is that they are statements that can dictate your behavior. Just as you can believe yourself if you think you aren’t good enough, you can also make yourself believe that you are beautiful and strong if you affirm it enough. In a study published in the Journal of American College Health, it was found by researchers that women that practiced positive and inspiring affirmations had a decrease in negative thinking and depressive symptoms. The proof is in the pudding!
If you are a woman that has a hard time with having a healthy and balanced self-esteem, it is important to affirm the the best over your life. Try writing notes that specifically speak life into anything you may be dealing with. If you believe you aren’t pretty enough, affirm that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. If you are having a hard time at your job, tell yourself that you will do the best you can do to ensure a positive work environment. If you are sick, tell yourself that you will be healed. It’s time to start believing you deserve the best!