Words of Affirmations

Words of affirmations, or simply affirmations, are fundamental self-management tools that you activate simply by choosing the right thoughts and words. These are messages that you can repeat to yourself every day to help you care for, and feel good about, yourself. You can also make up affirmations that you send to other people to let them know that you care about them.

The best method to practice your words of affirmation is to say them a minimum of three times a day at the outset. If you can do it more often, say, every hour or even every ten minutes, that would be even better. When you frequently repeat them, you block out the negative thoughts. Frequent repetition also helps to reduce anxiety, distress, guilt and fear. Perhaps the most important time that you make use of an affirmation is the moment you notice that your mind is once again entertaining some negative thoughts. Remember, saying your affirmations is similar to exercise: it should be done regularly to stay fit.

Guidelines for Creating Your Words of Affirmation

* Make sure that each affirmation is short and simple.

* Use only the present tense. For example, "I am a strong person" instead of "I will be a strong person."

* Phrase the affirmation in a positive manner. There are certain words that evoke feelings of negativity and shame. They are often considered as junk food for the mind. Some of the most common words to be avoided are: have to, never, can't, impossible, don't, won't, should, always, only, put-downs, not enough, and name-calling. Your computer-like brain will input negatively phrased words of affirmation as disaffirmations. Thus, phrase your affirmation as "I am a good person" rather than "I am not a bad person."

* When creating your affirmation, be clear and specific with what you want. "Today I feel great running four miles," rather than "Today I feel great running."

* Keep saying the affirmation to yourself, repeating it when you feel comfortable and for as long as you feel like doing it.

* Continue to repeat the affirmation to yourself. You may also begin to act as if your words of affirmation are true, even though you may not believe them at first. These are not gimmicks or acts of egotism, unless you (negatively) consider them as such.

Any positive action to anchor the affirmation will do, even if the action is different, or uncharacteristic of you, or feel peculiar and uncomfortable at the beginning. Just dig in and have faith in the process. As you keep practicing the words of affirmation, your belief will strengthen.