Positive Affirmations Pt. 1: The Power of Thought
“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything.
What we think we become.”
~Buddha
Positive affirmations, love them or hate them?
Personally, I love them. If you are unfamiliar with positive affirmations they are simply positive statements that can help you overcome or diminish cognitive distortions. Cognitive distortions are simply exaggerated or irrational thought patterns that contribute to one’s beliefs about themselves or the world around them. These distortions or “lies” can be self-sabotaging, degrading, harmful, and cause stress or overall mood complications.
Our thoughts are easily one of the most powerful and influential aspects of ourselves. Too many people are dictated by their thoughts rather than dictating their own thoughts. Ultimately, you are with your thoughts 24/7, how do you want them to treat you?
Your thoughts control your emotions which influence your behaviors. Every thought you have causes a reaction. When you think you are worthless and don’t deserve love, your emotions will mirror that thought. Further, your behavior will put the thought into action: sabotaging relationships, not putting yourself out there, settling for mediocre or hurtful partners, and so on.
If you believe yourself to be one way, your emotions and behaviors will mirror that.
If you believe you are worthless why would your emotions or behaviors say otherwise? Simply put, you are what you think you are. Your thoughts and beliefs about yourself, your job, the world, and your relationships can develop from a number of sources. Maybe your parents did not provide love and comfort and therefore you believe you are unlovable. Perhaps your teacher said you would never amount to anything, so you stay in a job you hate. Maybe the kids in your grade poked fun about your shirt size so now you never allow yourself to enjoy your favorite snack. Our beliefs about ourselves are not always our creation. Instead, they are messages we have held onto for years from people or experiences.
However, we do hold power in changing our thoughts and beliefs. It can take a while but the first step is committing to ourselves. You are worth it.
Whether you are in a relationship that is not serving you, a job
you hate, a stressful living situation, or you question your worth, P.A. can be used to shift your mindset on how you perceive and engage with your circumstances. If you struggle with body image, negative sense of self, anxiety, depression, or just want to uplevel your mindset and interaction with life, positive affirmations are key. Here are some general examples that can be really powerful when applied to a number of situations:
I am loved and valued I am capable of achieving my goals
I am worthy I am excited for the work I do
I am abundant I accept myself as I am
Whether you resonate with the ones above or you write your own, use them daily.
Give it a chance, you never know what may come of it.
Morgan Riley
Counseling Intern
