By Yasmen AhmedDid you know that according to research a person has 80,000 thoughts a day?
But here’s the surprising part…90 percent of these thoughts are actually recycled from the day before, and 80 percent of these are negative. Crazy right?
So it makes sense why change can be so difficult, right?
It is easy to live life on autopilot and go on your day without noticing the thoughts traveling through your mind. This is why affirmations are extremely helpful and powerful.
Affirmations allow us to grasp a vision of what we can achieve and who we can become. So why do they work?
There is something in our brains called the reticular activating system (RAS). This is a filter that allows the information that we need through and filters out information that we don’t.
Why is this important?
Simply put, without this system we would be overloaded and overwhelmed with the amount of information we would take in. This is why our brain allows us to only focus on our own needs, interests, and desires.
We see this in our day to day lives when we find ourselves focused on something. For example, if you are looking to buy a new car, and you have a specific model in mind…don’t you end up seeing this car everywhere?
This is because the RAS in your brain registers it to be important, so it allows this information in.
This same effect occurs with affirmations when you say them over and over. It sends a message to your RAS that this specific goal, desire, or feeling is important to you. So your brain focuses on ways to make this happen. It then begins to rewire your neural pathways towards achieving this goal and feeling. Isn’t that incredible?
So allow me to share with you the following affirmations that are guaranteed to change your life today. Are you ready? Fantastic! Let’s begin.
1. I am in charge of how I feel every day, and today I choose love.
This is powerful when said in the mirror daily, especially in the morning. Empowering affirmations such as this one are great opportunities to practice mirror work. This is when you say affirmations whilst looking at yourself in the mirror. Stating this affirmation in the morning is the best time to set how the rest of your day goes.
You can easily substitute the word “love” for anything else you want to feel and embody on a certain day. Examples can include peace, acceptance, or strength.
2. I am learning to treat myself with the respect I deserve. I am learning to do better.
A reason why affirmations might not work for some people is due to the unrealistic expectations they place on themselves by saying and expecting change right away. Simply saying “I respect myself” isn’t enough to automatically make you drop your bad self-sabotaging habits that show otherwise; this is why your mind rejects it.
Using the above affirmation — specifically the verbiage “learning to do better” — is a realistic approach to allow your brain to accept that you are learning to do better. This type of affirmation is honest, and allows you to approach yourself with more compassion and kindness, too.
3. My self-esteem is high because I honor who I am, and have healthy boundaries with those around me.
This affirmation is powerful, as it already provides your brain with a solution on how you will achieve high self-esteem. This will act as a powerful reminder for when you find yourself acting in a certain way that may not align with your values or goals. The more you embody this affirmation, the more you will begin to recognize behaviors or choices you make that go against your own sense of self and personal boundaries.
4. Every experience I have is perfect for my growth as I am growing stronger and stronger every day.
This affirmation allows your mind to call upon the strength you have within and seek the lessons and growth opportunities within any challenges you may be faced with. This statement will allow you to feel empowered and grounded when difficulties do arise.
5. I am always guided. I trust my path and journey will lead me to where I need to be.
This is a personal favorite of mine. This allows you to step into trust and complete surrender to God that ultimately He will guide you towards the right path, even if it may not feel like it at the time. This thought alone can provide you with great peace, protection, and ease.
6. I am energetic, fit, and strong.
For many, being healthier or losing weight is a common desire we seek. However, rather than focusing on an affirmation such as “I am losing weight” or ‘I am no longer unhealthy” it is important to focus on the positive outcome you want to achieve instead. For example, wanting to be more energetic and strong for yourself, kids or family.
This affirmation serves as a powerful catalyst in helping you positively shift your mindset and take action towards your health goals with a stronger sense of motivation.
7. I am resourceful and creative. I see opportunities everywhere I look.
When we are in a stressed state, our resourceful and creative center in our brain shuts down, limiting our ability to think creatively and clearly. Using this affirmation will allow you to enter a state of resourcefulness by inviting your brain to seek new and improved ways of doing things rather than feeling stuck. You’ll be surprised how creative you can be when you believe in the power of your mind!
8. It is safe to be me as I allow my light to shine. My uniqueness makes me who I am.
Affirming this statement to yourself is such a beneficial to-go hack for those moments you may be feeling down, insecure, or small. Trust me, it is not just you who feels like this at times. Allow this affirmation to remind you of the light you have, and inspire you to embrace who you are with confidence.
9. I release the past, and allow myself to step into the future with ease. I approach myself with forgiveness and patience.
How many of us hold onto the past and feel resistant to forgiving ourselves?
This affirmation is incredibly healing, as it allows you to cultivate this sense of self-forgiveness as well as a positive future outlook. Self-forgiveness does not happen overnight, but this affirmation will add an element of self-compassion and courage, helping you on your healing journey.
10. I can find peace at any point in my day, and let go of what I cannot control.
Affirming that you can “find” something such as peace within your day will allow your brain to subconsciously focus on finding ways of making this happen.
This affirmation is extremely helpful during times of uncertainty. Why? Because it reminds you of the power you hold over the way you feel, no matter the external circumstances.
11. I, and I alone, can control my inner state. How empowering is that?
So from my heart to yours, I truly hope these affirmations inspire and support you into stepping into your brightest and empowered self!
And on that note, allow me to leave you with the following quote:
“Your mind is your greatest power. Use it well”- Aneta Cruz
Yasmen Ahmed (BSc, MPSS, CBT, DHP) is a U.K.-qualified cognitive behavioral therapist & clinical hypnotherapist. She is the founder of Inspire with Yas—an online platform for souls seeking more. She takes an integrated approach to well-being, supporting individuals on her platform, in private practice, and offers one-on-one online sessions. She believes that everyone deserves to be reminded of their light, feel valued, and inspired to become their best selves.
Join the Inspire With Yas community to be inspired daily and access FREE inspirational resources on her website, Instagram and Facebook.