Sunday Serenities – A New Affirmation to Start Your Week
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 treasure life’s little moments.
I feel joyful and content. I appreciate small pleasures and everyday miracles. Luxury goods and exotic destinations sound nice, but I have what I need close to home.
I decide what is worth cherishing. I listen to my heart instead of chasing after status symbols or comparing myself to others.
I delight in the company of my loved ones. I take my friends out to dinner and plan outings with my family. I hug my children and hold hands with my spouse.
I nourish my body and mind with delicious whole foods. I savor a bowl of hot vegetable soup with a slice of crusty sourdough bread. I snack on toasted almonds and kale chips. I quench my thirst with pure water or green tea.
I relax in a warm bath or soft hammock. I remove my shoes and spread my toes out wide. I play gentle instrumental music while I am cooking or commuting.
I take time to laugh and play. I remember that it is okay to be silly sometimes.
I am enchanted by the sights and sounds of nature. I watch squirrels play and listen to birds sing. I work in my garden or take a walk through the local park. I bask in the warmth of the morning sun.
I know that simple things can be magnificent.
Today, I am attuned to the ordinary pleasures and experiences that surround me. Each happy and rewarding moment adds up to a satisfying life.
Answer the Self-Reflection Questions:
1. What are three things that are more important than money?
2. How does slowing down help me to appreciate each day more?
3. What is one beautiful thing I tend to overlook?
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!