Each week we will be sharing a new affirmation. The introductory information will remain 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 “Read 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.
Let’s take a deep breath and get started.
How to Practice Your Affirmation
Here is how to practice today’s affirmation. It is not original – but it is 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 a 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.
Read Today’s Affirmation
The simple things are blessings.
As I sit on my ride home, I am thankful for this time to clear my mind. Simple things like this are blessings to me. They remind me that I require very little to feel accomplished.
There are many things that contribute to my serenity. Having time for heart-to-heart conversations with my partner each day is heartwarming.
I am encouraged by our love because it gives me something to look forward to. Spending a little time each day talking about the future gives me the drive to realize important goals.
Being able to sit in the sun for a while does wonders for my body. I appreciate the natural sources of energy and renewal that the sun provides.
The changing seasons bring a feeling of excitement that comes from newness. I look forward to the switch from one season to another. It is amazing to see how nature transforms yet still maintains its beauty.
Having the love of my family keeps me feeling safe. Being wrapped in their love proves to me that I am special.
When I spend time with my loved ones, I feel free to be myself. I appreciate that they accept me just as I am. Having their acceptance adds value to my existence. There are few things more precious than unconditional love.
Today, simplicity gives my life meaning. I acknowledge the little things that bring a smile to my face. I am satisfied with my life even without frivolities and excess.
I am thankful for enough.
Answer the Self-Reflection Questions:
1. How do I introduce simplicity to my family time activities to make them meaningful?
2. How do I express gratitude for my successes?
3. Where do I like to spend my quiet moments?
Find your purpose – find your joy!
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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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