The Affirmation Challenge

What if a simple shift in your way of thinking could radically change your life? A subtle change that will invite more acceptance, appreciation, and happiness into each and every day. Sound too good to be true? It's not!

So, what am I talking about? Positive affirmations, of course! Now, now, before you roll your eyes and think I'm full of it, read on...

There's no doubt that words hold an incredible power that can both tear us down and lift us up. If we choose the latter, sparks will fly, magic will happen, à la the law of attraction. (The idea that what we give our attention to, we will attract in our lives.)

If you're anything like me, you've got shiploads of inspiring quotes saved and scattered everywhere - your inbox, Pinterest, spare post-its, the bathroom mirror. In that same way, I've recently invited positive affirmations - powerful words that help us manifest what we want in our lives - into my world.

But first things first, we've got to quit with the self sabotage. As soon as we begin to feel a hint of self-doubt and insecurity, that inner critic is all too eager to pipe in. "But I'm not good enough." "I can't do this." "I look so fat in these jeans." "What's the point? I'll never be as good as _________." We would never say that to our best friend, boyfriend, sister, brother... so why are we saying it to ourselves?

Replace that snarky voice with an affirmation. These sparkling bursts of positivity renew our passions, fuel our success, and guide us as we transform into the most brilliant versions of ourselves.

THE CHALLENGE
Embark on a journey with me! A 30-day challenge, if you will! This is something I've never done before, so we're in this together!

For the next 30 days, I'll be using affirmations to guide me in my day to day life. From the moment my alarm sounds off in the morning, I'll start my days off right by reciting it in my head before I even hop out of bed. Throughout the day, I'll keep the good vibes going, replacing those negative thoughts with positive ones. I'll become more aware of my thoughts and teach myself how to shift my perspective.

Woop woop! I'm already fired up about it! Here's some tips to get you going...

THE "HOW"
1. Use present tense. There's no "what-ifs"! If your affirmations are always in the future, that's where they will stay, rather than be invited into your life right now. Instead of "I will become success and fulfilled." say "I am successful and fulfilled." or "I am a great success! My life is incredibly fulfilling." Better yet - visualize what you want. If it's happiness, picture yourself where you're most happy, maybe it's on a gorgeous beach, white sand for miles, with the sunlight shining down on you. Or maybe it's financial freedom, imagine yourself free of debt, driving that fancy new car.

2. Be positive. This one is huuuuge! If we're talking the law of attraction (and, we are), whatever you focus on will grow. So, let's say, you're saying "I am going to get out of debt.", or how about "I am not fat." What do you think the focus will be on? You got it - debt and fat. It is better to say "Money comes to me freely and abundantly." or "I am fit and love my body."

3. Write it down! Don't just keep that gold bottled up! Write it down. Say it out loud. Make some art out of it! Post them in a place that will be highly visible to you, like a computer screen, or bed side table.

4. Repetition is key. The more you repeat these loving words, the more they'll be ingrained into your pretty self! Deal? Deal.

NEED MORE EXAMPLES?
I feel a divine sense of well being, high self esteem, and confidence.

I believe in myself and my ability to do anything

I eat healthy foods that nourish my body and soul.

I feel appreciative and grateful for everything in my life.

My positive energy creates a powerful presence and confidence.

Anything that comes up is meant to be handled, healed, learned from and released.

Does that have your heart racing yet? Good! Let's get going! Let these words encourage you to take action! Whatever it is that you want, that desire deep in your soul, do it! You want to get in shape? Build a business? Make X amount of money? Learn a new language? Pick up an instrument? Now is your time. This is your sign. You can do it! I believe in you.

Do you already use affirmations in your life? Have any tips for me? Hook me up! :)

P.S. I made that lovely little graphic up there just for you. Save it, pin it, share it! Heck - print it out, cut it up, and paste those little photos anywhere you see fit - your phone case, computer, alarm clock, or just hide them in places to find later. xo

The Affirmation Challenge Follow-up can be found here.

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