I’ve been thinking a lot about affirmations lately, and “self talk.” One of the most interesting things I found was an anecdote about a French scientist who had his patients repeat:

“Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better,” over and over again.  The anecdote said that there were amazing, amazing improvements.

Of course, I can’t find the anecdote now to quote.  :/ Sorry about that.

But I’ve been thinking about it.  The concept seems good.  As I get older, I notice more clearly that a lot of the automatic thoughts in my head are negative in one way or another.  It stands to reason that I could teach myself more positive thoughts, train those to be automatic, and it might have a positive effect.

Anyway, I’m trying it.  I read a bit about writing affirmations, looked up a lot of examples, and took the ones I liked that fit me, and made up some of my own as well, and wrote them on index cards.  I feel pretty silly reading them enthusiastically at myself in the mirror. 

I’ve only been doing it for a couple of days, so I can’t really report just yet on how effective it is for me.  But I just kind of wanted to open the discussion on it.  Anyone else do this/tried this/have any experience with this?  Did you feel like a dork?  Did it work for you, do you think?

Everything I read says it can be a very powerful tool, which makes perfect sense to me.  Guess I’ll find out for myself after a little while. 

Summer

I’m not so sure about the affirmations you say to yourself in the mirror each morning, but affirmations have gotten me through some physically challenging experiences. I love canoeing, kayaking, hiking and lots of other outdoor activities and there have been several occasions where affirmations have gotten me through some rough experiences. Instead of saying “OhMyGod-I’mGonnaDie!!!” I’ve focused on saying, “I’m Young, I’m Strong, I’m Fit, I can do whatever it takes to get through this” It may be when I’m facing a 10 miles of paddling against a current and headwind, hiking over another mountain, or doing the next 15 minutes on the treadmill. It helps me continue to do what is necessary to continue. Next thing I know, I’m over the hill, back in calm water and in a mental place where I can relax and enjoy the experience.

It also works on the job. When I look at the assignments, I start telling myself that “I’m smart, I learn quickly, I have something valuable to offer”. Then the job becomes easier, people are more receptive to new ideas, and I can enjoy my work. I know most of this is mental, but it is amazing the power of the mind in our overall perception of life.

It’s not just the affirmations, it’s when they are used that seems to make a difference to me.

Sometimes it takes a real effort to bring those positive thoughts into the foreground. Maybe practicing in less challenging moments would be helpful. Don’t just say the words, believe and live the words in your affirmations. That is where the real miracle happens.

Paula

Thanks, Paula.  This was really good/interesting/encouraging to hear.  I’m too tired tonight to say much more than that, but thank you! 

Summer

On several of your posts I hear you say that you are tired.  Try saying something like “My body needs rest to perform at it’s best, but my mind is still alert.  I feel relaxed and at peace.”

I’m amazed at how much changing the words I use to describe how I feel can makes in the way I feel.

Paula

That’s a great idea!  I’ll work on incorporating that.  Thanks!

Hey Summer ,

I heard a podcast addressing this very issue.  I hope you get a chance to listen:

http://fitnessrocks.org/index.php?post_id=148054