To affirm means to ‘make firm.’  Using positive affirmations by speaking or thinking them to ourselves can literally reprogram our subconscious mind by telling it something that we wish to make true, or firm, in our lives.  Our minds have been programmed by the old and often negative thought patterns of our parents, past experiences, and the society around us.  By giving concentrated thought to new positive beliefs, our mind becomes familiar with the feelings associated with these new thoughts, so when a situation arises where there is potential for an old thought pattern to reestablish itself, there is now another option presented…the positive reaction.  Repeating affirmations is most effective when it is done with feeling and conviction, so that this positive mindset has already been experienced by you on some level.  Repeating your affirmations with feeling, even if your ego is telling you that you really don’t feel that way quite yet, creates a bridge between what may be now and what you desire something to be.  The gap between old and new thought patterns may not seem so wide if you take that first step in your mind toward a new belief.   Professional athletes are a great example of using positive thinking and visualizing a desired outcome.  Many gymnasts will go through routines in their mind before performing them, and there’s no denying the power of the “I AM” mindset. If you wish to be calm and focused while working, when you repeat that affirmation let yourself imagine these feelings.  What other positive outcomes may arise by you feeling calm at work…Would you be more productive?  Would you have a renewed sense of enjoyment for the job that you do?  Would you respond better to difficult coworkers? 

Affirmations can be practiced anywhere, at anytime, without anyone even knowing you are be doing it.  Here are some ways to jump start this process to make your use of affirmations most effective.

~Always use the present tense and positive, constructive words.  “I don’t want to act impatiently towards my family.” would be stated in an affirmation as “I am patient with my family and enjoy their company.”

~Try keeping your affirmations short and easy to remember.

~Include feelings to bring life to your words.

~Be specific in your goals.

~Repeat your affirmations for several minutes each day.  Try upon waking, before sleeping, or before a situation that may be challenging. 

~Try writing your affirmations down and keeping them in a place you will see them often.

One of my favorite affirmations to use is, “I am calm, confident, and connected to my Divine Spirit.”  I’d love to hear what affirmation you choose, and look for future blogs for more affirmation suggestions!