A positive affirmation is a short sentence that you create and repeat to yourself several times a day. As you repeat this phrase, it becomes embedded in your sub-conscious, much the same way all the negative denigrations did in the past. Instead of tearing yourself down, you are building yourself up - building your
self-esteem.
A negative self-fulfilling prophecy is something you say to yourself and, in effect, bring that thing into existence. You are speaking your belief, and your actions will match your belief. You will live your way into the truth you are telling yourself (truth meaning perception, not fact). The opposite, a positive self-fulfilling prophecy is something you say to yourself, and, in effect, bring into existence. I say, "I
can do this." I express my conviction that I am capable. My actions follow my belief. Whatever it is - I do it.
Positive affirmations create a picture of well-being and self-
acceptance in your mind. Your subconscious mind is hearing these statements repeated over and over. Remember the child's story,
The Little Train That Could? The little train made it up the mountain by saying over and over, "I think I can, I think I can." If I think I can, I can. If I think I can't, I can't. A simple truism.
Find times when you are alone and undistracted for daily practice of positive affirmations. If you practice
meditation, a good time to practice your affirmations is immediately after meditating, when your mind is in a calm, restful place. Also practice them whenever you think of it during the day. When you become aware that your self-talk is negative, talk to yourself with a positive affirmation.
Create your positive self-statements. Make sure they are meaningful to you. Make sure they are positive. Make sure they fit the reality of your life. Here are some examples of positive affirmations.
- I am calm.
- I am healthy.
- I have enough energy.
- I am able.
- I can make wise choices.
- I am doing my best.
- I can have healthy relationships.
- I can influence what happens in my life.
- I can create a happy life.
- I can change my life.
- I can stay calm at difficult times.
- I can quiet my mind.
- I can focus on my child.
- I can eat right and take care of myself.
- I can exercise and be healthy.
- I see stress leaving my body.
- I am loved.
- I deserve to be loved.
- I can handle my problems.
- I love myself and expect others to love me.
- My child will survive this crisis.
- My family will thrive.
- I can handle my life.
- A crisis is an opportunity to grow.
- Challenges make me grow stronger.
- Life is beautiful.
- This too shall pass.
- I can do this.
- I can get through this.