The Little Engine that Could Say Affirmations
Affirmations. According to Dictionary.com: The act of process of affirming something or being affirmed. In case you are wondering what exactly it means to “affirm” something (like…a friend of mine did 😉) it is to “state as a fact; assert strongly and publicly.” Just like the Little Engine that Could got up the hill because he repeated “I think I can” to himself over and over until he could say “I thought I could” in triumph at the top of the hill. (There you go–now you don’t really need to read this particular book if you haven’t yet.)
I’m learning …the things we say to ourselves matter. I’m also learning that I have to be very careful about how I word anything in this particular post. I know my friends read this and they have been hounding me about the way I speak to myself. For a very long time🤦♀️. So let’s say…for most of my life, affirmations have not been my strong suit. Can anyone else relate? I’m fabulous at self-deprecating humor. I’m *currently* working on less self deprecation and more affirmations.
One really awesome thing I’m learning about our brain is that we can reprogram it. It takes some intention, and practice, and determination like anything else worthwhile in life, but it is possible. If you don’t believe me, go down the rabbit hole of neuroplasticity and neurolinguistic programming. I highly recommend Dr. Huberman’s podcasts (on all topics) but this particular one featuring Dr. Alia Crum would be a great one to start with. Also on my list to listen to: Lewis Howes featuring Dr. Joe Dispenza, pretty much all of Mel Robbins‘ podcasts, and Dr. Peter Attia’s podcasts (especially this one with Damon Hill).
In order to reprogram, we need to see where we currently go off the rails. Becoming aware of what my negative thoughts are is phase 1 of my plan for reprogramming. My problem is, these thoughts are so commonplace for me and I’m so used to having them around that I don’t really notice when they pop up. Perhaps phase 1 for me should be the Stuart Smalley school of affirmations…
It might work?
All else fails, my coach sent me other ideas via Instagram! 🤣
You definitely want to check out my dance moves in front of the mirror now. I’ve found more affirmations posts on Instagram and they are in my new rotation…😉
What do you do to change your mindset? How do you incorporate affirmations into your routine? Maybe most importantly, how do you realize what thoughts are holding you back?
Inquiring minds want to know.
