By Christina, the Authentic Adventurer
5 min read
Repeat after me. I am doing enough. I am enough.
These simple phrases can have a significant impact on our self-perception. But when our world is caving in around us, whether it is from outside sources or from within our own heads, it can be difficult to think positively.
When the thoughts playing on repeat in our heads are negative, our minds and bodies react to that. When this happens, you might notice that you’re feeling worse about yourself and your body, telling yourself “I need to lose weight” or “I am not strong enough to deal with my problems”. By allowing these negative thoughts to take over, you are feeding in to the growth of depreciative thinking. But, I’ll fill you on a little secret. You have the power to change the story lines with positive self-talk and affirmation!
In situations where we have already acclimated to these dark, negative thoughts, changing our thinking and participating in positive affirmation can be really hard work. It will most likely require a daily commitment but guess what? You got this!!!!
Noticing a negative thought and turning it into something positive
Let’s say you are standing in front of a mirror and as you look at yourself, your first reaction is to think negatively about your weight or think something mean about the way you look. Step one is to take a step back and understand what you said. The next step is to remind yourself that you deserve self-kindness. Then, take a minute to give yourself a positive thought or affirmation. An example of this is “I’m doing the best I can with my weight right now” or “I am a beautiful person inside and out”. Even though you may not believe it yet, say it. You can even say it out loud! If you prefer, you can even give yourself a minute to participate in physical affirmation. If you catch yourself thinking negatively, you can send love to yourself by placing your hand on your shoulder, wrapping your arms around yourself like a big hug, or by stroking your arm. Both types of affirmation are a great way to provide yourself with love and kindness and can be powerful tools used separately or together.
Positive journaling
Writing in a journal or even on a single piece of paper can help change a negative mindset. Every morning after you wake up, or before you go to bed, write down five positive things about yourself and/or the day. By doing this everyday it can slowly, but surely change allow for a shift in your thinking and allow you to be a more forward-thinking person.
Here are some examples of things I could include on my list:
I am funny
I love my smile
I am so grateful for my curls
I have the ability to inspire people
I have a kind heart that will never fade
…I feel more self-love already!
Another fun little idea!
Find a quote and/or positive affirmation, print it out and place in somewhere where you can see it daily. Or, think of some on your own and write them down on post-it notes to place all over your house! These are fun little reminders to shift your thinking and keep up the positivity. You can even strengthen the affirmations by confirming them as you read, “Oooh yes, thank you post-it, I am beautiful!!” Make yourself smile and create some funny ones! For example, “I love you with all my butt. I would say heart, but my butt is bigger!”
There was a time in my life where the anxiety and depression really got to me. My mind was filled with self-depreciation. I wasn’t happy with my body, who I was, how strong I was, or where I was in life. Learning to love myself from within instead of seeking things around me to make me happy, is what got me where I am today. I haven’t completely gotten rid of negative thinking and I have my share of bad days, but over time I’ve learned how to cope. I am more patient with myself, I tell myself, “Hey, its okay to have a bad day, let’s try again tomorrow.” Telling myself that I am beautiful, makes me feel beautiful! Positive affirmation and self-talk has changed my life. Now it’s time for you to take on the challenge. You got this!
Christina, the Authentic Adventurer is just an everyday girl who can’t help but experience and explore! She’s dealt with quite a few struggles in life but she hasn’t let that stop her, instead, it has helped her grow! You can connect Christina via her website, follow her on Instagram, and check her out on Pinterest.
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