In 7th grade, my home economics teacher would always make us say, "It's a great day to be alive," before starting class. I remember thinking that saying this daily affirmation was super strange, weird, and anything but cool. My class repeated "it's a great day to be alive," with as much vigor and excitement as you have when you go to the dentist for a root canal.
Affirmations have now been a huge part of how I move through infertility, my grief, and trauma from my multiple pregnancy losses. If only I could help my awkward and insecure 13-year-old self to realize how powerful affirmations can be!
Look back on your day... How many times did you talk to yourself? What did you say? Was it kind, hopeful, or empowering? Our mind is constantly thinking and that self-talk shape our attitudes, how we process our emotions and move through our lives.
I quickly realized my self-talk was taking me down a swirling drain. I kept circling in darkness, and not moving anywhere. Once I started to become aware of my thoughts I could change the story I was telling myself. Affirmations don't take away the emotions of grief, confusion, anxiety, and depression, but affirmations do help me move through them. Affirmations have helped me not be so angry with my body that I felt like had failed me. Affirmations have helped me stay present instead of being terrified of the future, stay in a place of gratitude, grow my faith, and feel more peace.
My affirmations sometimes change daily, or weekly, & some I cling to for months. Write them on post-it-notes to cling to your mirror. Add them to your phone screen. Say them aloud repetitively. Use them in morning meditation. Write them in your journal. Put them somewhere you can see them and think of them often, and especially first thing in the morning. Pray for the ability to let go of thoughts that no longer serve you.
Here are 4 affirmations that I use to help me stay grounded & heal. Which ones resonate with you? Screenshot them to use as your background, tag friends below, or share them to spread some light! ✨
