Each week I like to share with you an affirmation that I think will benefit you and those around you. This introductory information will remain basically the same, but if you are new to affirmations, please check out the first two sections on “What is an Affirmation?” and “How to Practice Your Affirmation.” If you regularly read our weekly article or already do affirmations, feel free to skip to the section titled “Today’s Affirmation.”
What is an Affirmation
Many have heard of affirmations, but if you haven’t tried them yet, you are missing out! Simply put, an affirmation is a statement you use to affirm yourself – you know, to say something positive. There are many different types, and as long as they are positive, there really is no wrong way to do an affirmation.
Affirmations can be a simple phrase, a list of related statements, or a focused paragraph. All of these work well depending on the situation you are working on, the time you have, and your intention – your intention being the most important part of the equation.
Do Affirmations Work?
According to an article by Catherine Moore, Psychologist, MBA in PositivePsychology.com “There is MRI evidence suggesting that certain neural pathways are increased when people practice self-affirmation tasks (Cascio et al., 2016). If you want to be super specific, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex—involved in positive valuation and self-related information processing—becomes more active when we consider our personal values (Falk et al., 2015; Cascio et al., 2016).
The results of a study by Falk and colleagues suggest that when we choose to practice positive affirmations, we’re better able to view “otherwise-threatening information as more self-relevant and valuable” (2015: 1979).”
So the bottom line is yes – affirmations work. It’s not a magic bullet. You do have put in the time and effort to practice them regularly. Do some research and find the affirmations that resonate with you, then begin to put them into practice. You can begin your search with the affirmation for today.
How to Practice Your Affirmation
Here is how to practice this week’s affirmation. It is not original – but these affirmations are so good, I had to share (with permission of course and the promise to keep the originator anonymous). If you are comfortable with the idea, I like to recommend that people do this in front of a mirror. Read the affirmation a phrase at at time, then pause after each phrase. Take time to look yourself in the eye and then repeat the phrase back to yourself aloud. When you are finished with the affirmation, take time to breathe and reflect.
Finish your time by answering the self-reflection questions below. You can answer them any way you like, but I prefer to have a journal where I can have both my affirmations and the answers to my questions together. You may be surprised when you look back at them one day and discover the answers may be totally different.
Today’s Affirmation – I’m at my best when I do my best
Doing my best enables me to live a fulfilling and joyous life. I keep pushing myself whenever I know I have a little more in me. That approach brings me the utmost satisfaction.
Relationships are sometimes challenging, but I commit to seeing them through in the best and healthiest way possible. Whenever I feel frustration setting in, I remind myself that I am bigger than the feeling. I ground myself and return to a place of calm, controlled maturity. I do know, however, when to draw the line and set healthy and loving boundaries.
Once I bring the best of myself to a situation, I am content with the outcome. Even though it may not always be what I would prefer, I feel at peace with it.
My family and friends require a lot from me. Although I sometimes feel like escaping from the demands, I reflect on my purpose, and draw on my fortitude. I remind myself that I have enough love to go around. Our family bond strengthens even more when we give each other our best. The same goes for my relationships with my friends.
Difficult tasks when I am working can challenge every ounce of my being. I sometimes consider just setting them aside or passing them on to others. But I choose to do it anyway. I don’t give up because that is not the person I am and there is still more of my ability to give.
Today, I commit to pushing myself to achieve the things that are important to me. I view challenges as encouragement to keep going now matter how difficult they may get. My focus for everything I do is to work my hardest and do my best. I owe it to myself and those I love.
Answer the Self-Reflection Questions:
- How do I know when I am at my limit?
- Do I put too much emphasis on the opinion of others about my decisions?
- What are some of the things that push me to give the tough challenges another shot?
I hope you enjoyed this issue of Sunday Serenities. It is my mission to help provide you with the tools you need to have a more peaceful life so you can:
Find your purpose – Find your joy!
Would you like copy of Improve Your Mindset? Just click on the link – it’s my gift to you.
Did you find a few more ideas of your own? If so, I’d love to hear about them in the comments, and as always please reach out with your thoughts.
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Email: info@SerenitiesNow.com
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