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.
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
I am blessed.
I know that I am blessed. I remind myself to be content with what I have. I cultivate a sense of gratitude and thank others for their kindness.
I share my riches with others. I pitch in when a coworker is swamped and take time to listen when a friend is going through a difficult time. I volunteer in my community and extend my hospitality to newcomers and old friends.
I keep my attention focused on the good things in my life. I avoid fretting about past disappointments or comparing myself to others. I realize that I have all that I need to be happy in this present moment.
I acknowledge my potential and accomplishments. Thinking about my victories builds my confidence and inspires me to aim higher.
I treasure my health and wellbeing. With a strong body and sound mind, I can take on challenges and fulfill my dreams.
I value my family and friends. I let them know that they are a vital part of my life.
I appreciate my education, and the opportunity to do meaningful work. My knowledge, wisdom, and skills help me to contribute to society and provide for my family.
I enjoy the beauty that surrounds me. I take a walk around my neighborhood to marvel at nature and renew my energy. I listen to music that eases my tension and cheers me up.
Today, I count my blessings. I treat each day as a precious gift.
Answer the Self-Reflection Questions:
1. How can I spot blessings that initially look like hardships?
2. What is one blessing that I tend to take for granted?
3. How does counting my blessings attract more happiness and good fortune
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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