Getting Started with Affirmations

I’ve posted a lot on here about specific ways to use affirmations. But what about the person just getting started? Someone who has never used affirmations before, at least consciously? That’s what this post is all about.

What is an affirmation?

An affirmation is simply a positive statement that something is true. “I am awake,” is an affirmation.

Why use affirmations?

Affirmations help us change how we talk to ourselves. What negative voices are chattering in your head? Don’t you think it’s time to give them the boot and hang out mentally with voices that want you to succeed, be healthy and enjoy life? Affirmations do just that. They replace the negative with positive.

You see, you can’t just get rid of the negative. Then you leave a void. Nature will seek to fill it. If you don’t take control of that re-filling process, you will end up with more of the same. Or those old voices will simply move back home.

Many of us don’t realize the horrible things we say to ourselves all day long. Each repetition reinforces the idea that those words are true.

“I’m so clumsy.” That is one I still struggle with every time I drop something. Fact is, I am not that clumsy. But if I keep telling myself that I am, I will gradually become what I believe myself to be.

So, spend some time today paying attention to your internal dialogue. Write down these statements. After doing so, write an affirmation to replace each one.

For example:
Negative statement – I am clumsy.
Replacement affirmations – I am graceful. I am surefooted.

Then, each time you hear that negative voice, mentally yell “STOP!” and say the positive replacement statement instead. Over time, those negative voices will become quiet and your view of the world will become a happier, healthier one.