Happy Monday, friends.
Editors note: rushed work is seldom successful, as my mom always says. I didn’t change the date to June 5th when I scheduled this newsletter, so here we are on a Tuesday.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the past few years, it’s that we usually stand in our own way.
We want to write the next great novel but doubt our words.
We want to start an online store, but doubt people will like our products.
We want to do so much in our lives, but somewhere along the way, we convince ourselves not to.
Ironically, while we usually find ways out of our own goals and ambitions, we often cheer others toward their dreams.
About a year ago, I realized I was exerting a ton of energy to support others and their goals. Going out of my way to help people with my resources and skills, emptying my cup so that by the time I got to my own projects, I had nothing to give them.
It was more than putting my own projects on low heat and letting them simmer, I simply didn’t have any gas to light the flame. Which caused burn-out, doubt, and jealousy of others following their passions- all while I tried to re-find mine.
Once I recognized that pattern, I started realizing all the ways people-pleasing inserted itself into my life. I never considered myself insecure, or wanting praise, but I subconsciously was trying to fit in, or secure spots in people’s lives. I thought the only way people would keep me around is if I had something to give them.
All because I didn’t talk to myself with positivity. As much as I had overcome throughout my journey of healing, there was still work to be done- that started with how I saw and spoke to myself.
And, that’s when I started adapting affirmations into my morning routine. The moment I turn off my alarm, the first thing I do/see in the morning are my affirmations. It allows me to start my day with a positive mindset. Moreover, it has allowed me to speak kindly to myself, and in the moments where I don’t, I course correct it almost instantaneously.
Affirmations, a word or sentence you repeat, help us release our minds. It allows us to focus, concentrate and absorb the words. Repeating positive words to ourselves is proven to soothe anxiety and create a joyous feeling. They are also proven to boost our awareness and help our overall concentration.
For many, affirmations seem “woo-woo” but think of it this way: how often do you talk down to yourself during the day? An affirmation is a way to speak to yourself with kindness, rather than put yourself down. Mindset is all rooted in habits, so why wouldn’t you want to adopt a way to be positive?
Long-term, affirmations allow you to set boundaries and heal. They allow you to set the tone for your day, and serve as a gentle reminder that you are more than capable to achieve your wildest dreams- you just have to believe in yourself.
Have I convinced you yet?
Hopefully, you’re being swayed.
Here are nine affirmations to help you heal. It’s important to state “I am” with each sentence. The more you say it, the more you internalize it.
I am enough
I am abundant and always have whatever I need
I am grateful for the opportunities opening up to me today
I am filled with energy
Every day in every way, I am becoming more and more successful
I am endlessly creative
I am free to create my own path
I am open to learning and growing.
I am strong and I love myself
I hope you write these words daily.
I hope these words help you find your worth.
As always, I’m grateful you’re here. We’ll see you Thursday for a little bit of Salt.