The Power of Affirmations

We have all heard that the power of positive thinking and affirmative thoughts can "help improve your quality of life." I believe that to be a highly generalized statement. It fits in with the rest of the vague, half-assed assertions spread around in magazines and quotable quotes. Phrases like "fresh start to your day" and "improving health" and, my personal favorite, "improving and promoting wellness," which is about as generalized as you can get.

Affirmations are not a drug, with side effects and a molecular structure that is far more dangerous to your immune system than the original problem. They are not passive, "it will help you along the way" statements meant to have a psycho-sematic effect upon you.

Affirmations are tools to help you reprogram your subconscious and conscious mind. There is very little in addition to them which you will need to change your perspective, way of thinking and entire lifestyle. The reason why affirmations are so effective is the same reason why you need them in the first place: programming.

Since the first mother told the first best friend that "Little Suzy just doesn't seem to like going outdoors," we have all been programmed, starting with infancy, ripping ruthlessly through adolescence, and continuing on into our adult years. We are programmed that we don't like broccoli, that we love football, and that we hate homework.

Programming is one of the reasons why kids hate school, teens act up and parents turn into children when dealing with difficulties. We are programmed that it is not only socially acceptable to behave a certain way, but that we are different, outcasts almost, if we don't. One of the ways we fit in is by bitching about your parents, spouses and jobs. However, think about yourself from an objective point of view. Are you living your dream life, under your ideal situation? My guess is that you're not.

Affirmations reprogram thousands of people by affirming a statement which you would like to be true as if it is already true, thus convincing your entire mind, body and spirit that it is true. This convincing will lead to a change in thought process, behavior and, sooner than you really think, lifestyle.

Write down positive, present-tense statements which you would like to be true, things like "I am strong. I am beautiful. I am a good parent." and so on. Stand in front of your mirror, smile and repeat the entire list loudly ten times. The seemingly ridiculous nature of what you're doing may make you smile for real, and this will only improve your programming. Take a deep breath and do it all over again. You're on your way to a better life.