What are affirmations?
They are the most straightforward and effective way to have a positive daily mindset. Using simple statements, you affirm something that can give you more confidence and bring you closer towards self-empowerment, love and appreciation.
I used affirmations at the end of a session when I taught yoga. Frequently, I would practice gratitude affirmations for where I was in the world. I was fortunate to be in a beautiful studio above the ocean that looked out into the jungle and sky.
They helped me feel full of love, gratitude, and hope. I look back and know I appreciated it daily because I practised gratitude, and I can look to the future knowing I valued my time there.
Motherhood and meditation
I found being a busy mother, my mindset shifted. It became tough working full-time, being a parent, and finding time to take care of my mindset through meditation, as I once did. I wasn’t able to sit and meditate very often. I lacked the practice that I had used for so long. One that I had become so comfortable with and that helped me feel calm, centred and connected.
Fortunately, I have always maintained daily mindfulness and continually remind myself to move slowly, appreciate moments and be more considerate. A good reminder as I rush and grab everything I can simultaneously, a superpower of many mothers.
A book that helped was ‘Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway’. This book is helpful because you can pick it up at any point. It has some fantastic reminders and affirmations that can be a practical start.
Affirmations for ageing
Turning forty was significant. I felt uncomfortable with the ageing process. So I decided to make affirmations regarding that. They are placed on my mirror to see every day.
I use Post-It notes and have written particular sentences regarding ageing and feeling comfortable to increase my confidence and self-acceptance. I glance at them when I’m putting on makeup or getting ready in the morning. With this simple practice, I have noticed a considerable change in how I feel when I see my reflection.
I also have affirmations placed by my bed to glance at before I sleep, on the coffee machine, fridge and toaster because I sit every morning and have breakfast and look at them.
I let the words wash over me, I glance, or look at them for an extended period.
When I feel my daily affirmation practice wane and I am swamped, I feel disconnected. So I remind myself to go through guided meditations and get back on track by repeating my affirmations or creating new ones.
How to create your perfect affirmation
To find what you need to focus on most and discover what you need to say to yourself daily, sit with what feels uncomfortable. What are you challenged by? This helped me discover what affirmations I needed to shift the blocks I was experiencing.
My current affirmation: I choose courage over comfort
Here are some questions to ask yourself to get started:
- What makes me happy?
- When do I feel most at peace?
- What would I like more of?
Affirmations can be something you want to create or be about how you feel on a particular day.
Things you can do to get started:
Buy Post-It notes: They are the perfect size for one sentence and can stick anywhere! Go classic yellow or neon pink, whatever resonates with you!
Listen to your inner critic: What negative comment does it tell you? The best time to hear it is when you look in the mirror. It will raise its ugly head in response to your reflection.
What positive statement can you change the negative to? e.g. an Inner critic says, “I am fat/ unlovable.”
FLIP IT “I am perfect right now. I am worthy.”
Or try:
‘I am enough.’
‘I am grateful for…’
‘I love…’ (Insert your badass feature)
Write them down: Use some nice pens if you are a stationary geek, or keep it simple. Get the good stuff down on paper.
Put them everywhere: On a mirror, where you eat breakfast, the fridge, front door etc. Look at them ALL the time!
As with everything in life, this is a process which takes time. But, it is a habit to form and with beneficial results.
I hope you can start.
Main photo by Elisa Photography on Unsplash
