Affirmations and Intentions

For the last few years, I’ve had a goal of writing a monthly blog. For the most part I’ve achieved that but there were times when I didn’t and times when it was written the day after it was due. I haven’t been perfect but when I set my intention, I told myself, I will write a monthly blog, and it will be published on the last Friday of the month. I didn’t say, I’ll do my best to write it. I didn’t say, I’ll try. I stated what I wanted as if it was already a fact, something that was not negotiable. I concentrated on believing myself and I didn’t feed any niggling doubts by voicing them or dwelling on them.

Which brings me to the point of this blog. Affirmations. Do they work? Have you tried saying any? To me, affirmations are like intentions. I will write a monthly blog is a statement of my intention as if there was no alternative, but it is also an affirmation in that it is positive reinforcement, a message to my adaptable and receptive brain that I can do it.

Our brains have the ability to change and adapt to different circumstances in our lives. This is called neuroplasticity. They can also confuse reality and imagination, which is why affirmations help. Regular repetition of affirmations coupled with the belief that they’re true, can turn those intentions into facts simply because we know our course, our direction is clear, and we’re far more likely to take action that brings about what we want. Of course, the action is the final step and without it, affirmations may help us feel better, but they won’t help us achieve our goals.

Avoiding self-sabotage is critical. Don’t dwell in doubt. Catch those negative thoughts and imagine throwing them out like weeds in a garden. Plant healthy, achievable, sturdy seeds and imagine them thriving. Believe it. Create the mental and emotional world you want to live in. Take action in line with your intentions and the affirmations you have in mind. Your world will be a much happier place.

I have a list of spiritual affirmations written a number of years ago when I needed them. I thought them up, wrote them, typed them (I’m a Word person) and printed them out. To be honest, I didn’t say them over and over, but I did process them, believe in them, and practise them. They obviously stuck in my head and in my heart because reading them now, I can say they’re still valid and the way I try to be every day.

So, affirmations are personal and how much you need to put into them is dependent on you and your circumstances. The science is there to say they help so why not give them a go? Write your list. Make your intentions clear. Repeat them and believe them as if they’re already achieved. No-one will be perfectly successful so when you’re not, just let it go. Infuse your life with positivity and watch how you grow.

Here’s my list. What’s on yours?

AFFIRMATIONS – How I want to be for the rest of my life.

I can steer the course of my life.

I am full of energy.

I am courageous.

Everything that happens is taking me one step closer to where I want to be.

My intentions are clear, and the Universe works with me to help me reach my goals.

I am brave and will realize my own great capacity.

I can and will write my story.

I will explore and discover.

Whatever happens, I can handle it.

I have a healthy assertiveness.

One step at a time is enough for me.

I reach out and invite others into my life.

I let go and I trust.

I am loving and generous and patient and non-judgemental.

I focus on my many blessings.

I know that I count and I act as if I do.

The quality of my life depends only on me.

I am drawing to me all good things.

I am powerful and I love it.

I am impeccable (honest and respectful) in my thought, word and deed.