Affirmations

Just a few weeks ago I wrote and started reading some daily affirmations.  It was like the universal message of the week. At my individual, group, nutritional AND physical therapy appointments, each therapist talked about affirmations. When that happens, I take it as a sign and do something about it.

To be honest, affirmations have always felt a bit silly to me.  I had an uncle that swore by them. When I visited their house when I was younger, I noticed that in every bathroom, on every mirror there were a series of cards taped that had, what I thought, were silly things to say to yourself.  Stuff like "You always close the deal" and "Everyone is interested in what you have to say". Now, of course, I realize he was in sales.

To help with my new task, I reviewed several websites about how to write and use affirmations effectively.  It was enlightening. Using one of the techniques, I narrowed down four particular areas I struggle with: feeling good enough, anxiety, feeling healthy, and loving myself.  I then came up with three affirmations in each category that spoke to me about particular things I struggle with. 

When I first started reading them I kind of felt weird, but they have had almost an immediate effect in my life. "I am calm and relaxed in every situation" has been particularly helpful. As I drive or when I find myself in stressful situations or in circumstances I don't feel capable of handling, I repeat it in my mind several times. Putting a little bit of distance between myself and the emotion allows me to think more clearly and it truly does allow me to feel calm and relaxed. 

"I am a physically active person and that helps me reach and maintain my ideal weight".  I have lost 6 lbs in the first two weeks of this month. Not because I'm dieting or am crazy about exercise or anything like that.  Just because I am more physically active and because everyday I tell myself "My body is healthy and functioning in a very good way."  Seriously -- this feels like magic sometimes.

When I find myself being judgemental, "I am worthy and so is everybody. I love all." comes into my head. I don't try to remember these affirmations at moments when I'm critical, they just come into my head. When you read them enough times they start to become part of your thinking. I've known that, or that has at least been told to me, but I have never experienced it like this before. 

My personal favorite:  "All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ." (Preach My Gospel, pg. 52)   I feel there is a lot of things that are unfair about life. A lot. Life was never intended to be fair, I get that. But that doesn't make it any easier to deal with.  What has made it easier? Feeling connected to my Savior.  Just this morning I said during prayer, "I don't want to feel lonely today, please stay with me." He did. All day. And for that, I am grateful.

Affirmations have made a huge difference in my life in just three short weeks.