Day 1 of the April A to Z Challenge is here and it is A for Affirmations
I see affirmations as powerful positive self-talk. Energizing, motivating, inspiring me to be my best self. Making me feel I can do anything I set my mind to. Especially on low days when there is no one around to talk to, affirmations stand me in good stead. As with most of the good, solid things that make up my mind’s foundation, I owe my belief in affirmations to my Mom. For a very long time, the simple affirmation of “Yes, I can” has been my constant friend. Just saying the words fills me with strength and I visualize my outcome and find myself ready to go!
Did you know that constantly practicing positive self-talk can change you significantly as an individual? It can! “practice” being the keyword here because it matters how you talk to yourself. Make it a point to repeat statements that uplift and watch yourself improve your physical and emotional health. Of course, self love plays a huge role here!
Why are affirmations powerful?
Logically, we become what we think about. If we insist on dwelling on all the negative stuff in our lives, we open the door to stress and we all know stress is a great disease-trigger. What if we chose to focus on positive things, our own positive qualities? Here is what we can enjoy:
Better moods
Greater confidence to tackle any situation
Improved health
More hope
Less anger and stress
It is worth it, eh?
Affirmations are powerful because they have a huge impact and can change the course of our lives, and our behaviors. Rather than focus on our failures and weaknesses how about looking at the silver lining? Example? “Oh gosh. I do not have a single post ready for the A to Z Challenge! What am I going to do?” – and spiral deeper and deeper into the negativity, wasting time that could have been used to write the post.
Using affirmations
Affirmations tide me over stressful times, because they help me handle any disappointments better. They give me the flexibility to see things from different perspectives especially on days with hectic schedules. It is like a pinch of salt.
One thing though – while it is nice to think positive and look through those rose colored glasses, it is good to have some negative thoughts. It is good to be realistic and worry a little bit.
Creating Affirmations
I remember, decades ago, before I was about to attend my first work interview, my cousin gave me a pep talk. He said, remember that if you don’t get this job, there’ll be several others. Not every job is the perfect fit for the person and not every person is the perfect fit for the job!
I managed to apply this to almost every situation in life. Affirmations help me improve my chances of success when I move towards a goal, reminding me my contribution is valuable. When I need motivation, I use affirmations to remember my capabilities, my strengths, to give me a pat on my back. They help me be kind to myself and give my inner critic a kick. And of course, I have affirmations that make me smile.
A special round of applause to Arlee Bird of Tossing It Out for creating the A to Z Challenge!
64 comments
Great start to A-Z!
‘Yes, I can’, ‘Yes, we can’, ‘We’ll do it’ are affirmations that I use.
Proactive Indian recently posted…Appreciation
Beautiful, I have been reading affirmations lately to get me through some rough times, thanks for the reminder. Great post!
//constantly practicing positive self-talk can change you significantly as an individual// motto of my life… our thoughts, even subconscious one way or other affects our actions. A brilliant start to the challenge.
Rajlakshmi recently posted…The Animal Acquisition
Wow…what a start ! Yes, affirmations are the best boosters at all times…. and this is another way of manifesting 😉 My favourite is a statement from the Bible, slightly tweaked 😛 ” When God is for me, nothing can be against me ” 🙂 Great start, Vidya 🙂
Sreeja Praveen recently posted…# 1. Ashes…..
I use affirmations on a daily basis as well 🙂 Lovely post and a fantastic start to the month! 🙂
Gauri recently posted…A – Aprons DIY (A to Z April Blogging Challenge 2014)
What a great way to start the A-to-Z challenge, Vidya! Thank you for reminding me that yes, positivity and self-affirmations are so important in lessening our stresses and creating serenity in our lives! Mary
That’s so thoughtful and useful!!! Sharing it, especially with my niece!
S(t)ri recently posted…Achilles’ heel – Day1 AtoZ Challenge 2014
Affirmations are healing. Affirmations are strong and they make you feel positive! Loved the post Vidya. I believe in these affirmations because they have helped me change my life.
Pratibha recently posted…How to make Lotion Bars at Home {DIY, Skin Care}
Great A for A/Z! Affirmations really are needed sometimes to get us through the days or hard challenges! I don’t do a lot of affirmations, but do quote scripture when I need a bit of a “pep talk”.
One letter down, 25 to go!
betty
Great affirmations…the one’s I usually use is ‘let’s do it!’ yes, it works!
Kajal recently posted…About Time (2013)
Yes, it is a good thingto stay and and be positive in life especially when take on challenges like this one. :-)p
A wonderfully positive start to the blogfest, Vidya! At times when it feels so easy to fall into a cycle of self-pity and negativity, it becomes important to remember that at the root of this destructive cycle lie acute laziness and ill-will toward oneself. Affirmations and positive self-talk can really help!
Beloo Mehra recently posted…Homecoming
Affirmations are a great way for manifestation, motivation and manoeuvering your life to the path that you want! Lovely post as usual Vidya! 🙂 Lv
Aditi recently posted…The Amethyst Ring
Powerful post Vidya. I agree a positive attitude…a lot of yes I can does a lot of wonder! Loved it!
Great words of advice. I totally agree. Self affirmations are energetic and are much needed!
Beautiful pics by the way. You made all of them?
Sivakarthik Dasari recently posted…The Arguement!
I believe in affirmations too. You can if you think you can is one of my favourites and one I often tell my son.
Suzy recently posted…Life’s Jigsaw – Ask and it is given
Thanks for the precious advice.
Ananya Kiran recently posted…A – Another Fairytale ? Ananya’s Fairytale ??
Great start to the AtoZ challenge. I am trying to apply it to me for sometime now.. Hoping to be able to keep at it..
simple girl recently posted…AtoZchallenge – A for Amloki
Affirmations send positive vibrations through the body and at this juncture lets all say that we will rock the AtoZChallenge together!
Bhavya recently posted…Address
I so believe in the power of affirmation. I’ve got them all over my work space and on my laptop!
Let me tell you how much I like that header – again. Great choice. ♥
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…The Alphabet Is Fine
“Affirmations are powerful because they have a huge impact and can change the course of our lives, and our behaviors.”
So very true.
Damyanti recently posted…Why Do You Blog? #atozchallenge
YES MA’AM! Affirmation by Savage Garden is also a fav number. But you are so right, and this sunshine post is just what the doctor ordered. BTW loving the little guy on the header. (Y)
Rock AtoZ 2014
Those are some beautiful affirmations Vidya…I used several when I was trying to get through uni…
Psych Babbler recently posted…A is for Acceptance #atozchallenge
Last night I was telling my daughter something along these lines. She had had a bad evening with kids and had come home crying because they’d called her a ‘loser’. You put it really well. Must remember to reinforce it to her as well as to me. Thanks.
obsessivemom recently posted…A is for Austen
Hugs to you. I needed this so badly this morning and your post was so loving and it touched all the right chords. Couldn’t comment then but I say it now with a full heart- You make everything seem better. Love you.
Shailajav recently posted…Awareness
“Affirmatively” Inspiring post Vidya 🙂
Amrit Rukhaiyaar recently posted…Amores Perros [2000]: Loyal dogs, disloyal people
A post which screams Vidya Vidya…you are a very positive and inspiring person, I never leave your blog empty handed. Every post has a life lesson, some motivational message, feel-good thoughts and lovely sentiments. Bravo, lady.
A powerful one to start the A-Z Challenge. I do believe in affirmations and use them regularly as part of my yoga practice. Thanks, Vidya – this is a wonderful thought to hold on to.
Monica Deshpande recently posted…Avocado-Tomato Bruschetta
Very true! My favorite inspiring mantra is: “If they kick me out the door, I’ll climb in through the window.” 😀 Happy A to Z!
Tarkabarka recently posted…A is for the Azure Lion
What a great word and post to start off this month of cjallenge.
I do try to stary everyday with positive affirmations. You are so right it does take practice but eventually becomes habit and life changes for the better.
I was looking for something and found it in your blog… Some things are not going as planned and I have been feeling a wee bit down but thank God I read this…Yes, this is something I can apply 🙂 Thanks Vidya !
nabanita recently posted…A is for Alone in Agony
Affirmations…….very inspiring Vidya
Would try to inculcate an affirmative attitude in my life also…..
Loved the word self love
What a beautiful and inspiring post. I’m glad I’m following your blog. I’m going to share this post on Facebook. I have a sister who would enjoy your article as much as I do.
Best,
Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com
debi o’neille recently posted…A IS FOR APRICOTS
Right now there’s a lot of change in my world and with change too often comes fear so my affirmation is Let it go, let the winds of change blow.
This is a great way to start this blog challenge looking forward to more from you!
*~MAJK~*
A-to-Z Challenge 2014
Mighty Minion of Co-Host Nicole Ayers
@Safireblade on Twitter
MAJK (@Safireblade) recently posted…Antemortem: Fiction ~ Day 1 #AtoZChallenge
I too feel that saying I can help negate a lot of demotivating emotions, i am undergoing a very weird time perhaps need this..
You have started on a right note and many contestants who have fears of failing to keep to the schedule and who read your post would be charged with new energy to achieve.A nicely written article.
KP recently posted…The button
I love this post! Affirmations are powerful. I am actually starting to practice using them :). I have found they definitely instill confidence and a positive attitude (which is what I am trying to cultivate more of!!).
Erin @ The Five Dog Blog recently posted…A is for Attitude!
It seems you wrote this post for me! Thanks so much! I’m struggling to think positive all the times, but I’m trying hard lately, because I realized I owe it to my child and my partner and whenever I’ll manage to admit that, even to myself! I think I’m going to print your post sooner or later and stick it to the wall in front of the computer!
frannystevenson recently posted…A as Ame Village
***Logically, we become what we think about***
YEssssssssssss.
Luv you more than 5 snow white kittens snuggling in quilts. xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted…The Sun Shines Differently Without You
Great one and so true 🙂 Love the little happy monk right on top Vidya.
sunila recently posted…Anatomy Asana Alignment and Yoga
Amazing start to the A-Z! I am going to try to do more of this. Such wonderful advice for a happier, healthier life. ♥
Kathy Combs recently posted…A is for Adultery
Inspiring thoughts, you have the sort of positive outlook I need to imbue.
Urthwild recently posted…“A” Is For Anxiety
Thumbs up to Affirmations!
well I keep hoping my affirmations come true n the world conspires to give me What I so desire 🙂
Inspiring post! I try not to be negative, but sometimes it does creep in. Thanks for the reminder Vidya!
Debbie recently posted…#AtoZChallenge: “A” is for ACROPOLIS in ATHENS
Great start! Trying to be optimistic is a big challenge at times, but I do try… 🙂
Loved the topic, the post and the quotes used 🙂
Sheethal recently posted…A is for …
Yes I can! Good reminder for us to strive for the best we can be. If we think we can then just maybe we can.
If we never try, we never can.
Mary Stephenson recently posted…What Life Can Offer By Manifesting
Great post!
I believe in the power of positive thinking! It DOES work!
Michelle Wallace recently posted…A is for Autographs/Atlas
I love affirmations, Vidya! I suffer clinical Depression, so it is very important I take positive action to keep myself from slipping into the pits of despair. My #1 Personal Commandment is “Happy is a Choice” — that means it’s up to me to work toward finding a fix when I can feel that something is wrong. I use affirmations to remind myself everything will be okay.
Andi-Roo (@theworld4realz) recently posted…Art for Art’s Sake – #AtoZChallenge
Andi-Roo, I’m glad you found Vidya’s blog and I’m glad you do have a positive statement to keep with you every day. We all need these little reminders.
Best,
Deb@
debi o’neille recently posted…A IS FOR APRICOTS
Andi-Roo, I’m glad you found Vidya’s blog and I’m glad you do have a positive statement to keep with you every day. We all need these little reminders.
Best,
Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com
debi o’neille recently posted…A IS FOR APRICOTS
I have never ventured into using affirmations, or self talk, as a motivator. But, I really enjoyed the graphics you posted, so maybe I should reconsider! What a fun post idea. ~ Angela, A to Z participant from Web Writing Advice (http://www.webwritingadvice.com/) and Whole Foods Living (http://wholefoodsliving.blogspot.com/)
Angela Tague recently posted…Analytics Reports are Bloggers’ Best Friends
I need some work on my self talk. I am working on it. Thanks for some suggestions and good luck on the rest of A to Z.
Sydney Aaliyah Michelle
2014 A to Z Challenge
Nicole’s #atozchallenge Mighty Minion
The thing for me is to take the words ‘I’ll try’ out of my vocuabulary. I even wrote it into one of my stories as advice – try means you don’t think you can; say you will, and you have a greater chance of succeeding.
It works particularly well for golf. (lol)
Jemima
#TeamDamyanti
Blogging from Alpha to Zulu in April!
Jemima Pett recently posted…Tuesday haiku – Alpha
Jemima, A big hug to you for saying this. I never use “i’ll try” or “i think …” and “maybe..”in relation to my capabilities. It feels like I have doubts. 🙂 I love you especially more now! 😀
I use my name Katy Did:
Know
All
That
You
Dream
Is
Doable
Loved this post 🙂
Katy Did at:
Life’s Ride In Between
Katy Did recently posted…A ~ Alameda
that was hugely motivating….lovely post!
I believe in the power of affirmations!! They are like our mental vitamins helping us have positive thoughts and negate the negative thoughts that cloud our mind!!
Shilpa Garg recently posted…B is for Balance
“I CAN and I WILL”, is my favourite! Lovely read! 🙂
Nibha recently posted…Best Friends Forever
Thank you for this wonderful, uplifting post. It was just what I needed today and I’m so happy I chose your blog to look at 🙂
“we become what we think about”–I couldn’t agree with you more, Vidya! Believing in yourself is the first step to becoming the person you always imagined.
WriterlySam
A to Z #TeamDamyanti
WriterlySam recently posted…Architects of Illusion (Echoes of Olympus, #1): Bowling Night
A great way to start Vidya. Thanks for reminding. I will start using affirmations right away
Wow! Sorry I’m late here but awesome post!
Affirmations are sometimes what helps us move forward in life and while personal affirmations often serve as reminders n boost us up, affirmations coming from close friends, family and co workers even serve more!
When it comes from someone we look up to, I think that
s what makes a whole lot of difference altogether!
Danny Simon recently posted…E for Encouragement
Vidya, thanks for the powerful injection dose of affirmations.
‘Yes, I can do it and I’will do it’ should be said to one-self every morn along with prayers and pooja.
Am going read all the A to Z challenge posts.
Kalpana Solsi recently posted…Body parts Idiom