So…I want to give you guys my biggest and best kept “beauty secret” No, it’s not a certain kind of makeup, or special underwear (yeah, I went there), or anything physical. It’s affirmations. I do realize that implying I have a beauty secret implies that I see myself as beautiful. This makes me feel uncomfortable, but it’s kinda part of the process :)
OK so affirmations. What are they? How do they work? Does everyone feel this stupid when doing them? (Most likely) Why are they important? When should I do them?
Affirmations are exactly what they sound like. Affirming yourself. I have several I alternate and I do them several times a day. I started with pretty elementary sentences such as, “I like my arms. They allow me to pick up things” Yeah! Pretty weird, but at that point in my life that was the best compliment I could think of for myself. And even then I didn’t really believe it.
If other people talked to me the way I used to talk to myself, I would consider it abuse. And I bet a lot of my followers are in the same boat. Listening to negative stuff I told myself really brought me down. If me talking myself down could have such a strong effect on me, why couldn’t me complimenting myself? So I had to start reprogramming my brain. Honestly, they have made the biggest difference in my life. It’s amazing how something so small can literally turn your life around. If you base your worth on what others say about you, even if they are complimenting you, the compliments won’t stick. I believe that I have to define my worth.
I’ve found that the times when I feel like doing them the least are the exact times I need to be affirming myself the most. because those are the times when I am most vulnerable to what others say. I’ll be honest, turning this tumblr into a fashion blog of sorts has had it’s downfalls. It has been the coolest, most rewarding experience, but it also has its trials. People feel that they have the right to comment on other people’s exterior. If you can see it, you can critique it. I admit I am also guilty of this. It’s just part of our culture. But because of this blog, I have been getting a lot of comments on my outward appearance and my weight. These are the times I need to be doing my affirmations more, because I define my worth. And I am worthy of happiness. :)
Here are some affirmations for those of you that are interested in trying:
I love my arms and legs. They allow me to pick up things and walk. (haha)
I am beautiful.
I deserve unconditional love.
I am a a fun person to be around.
My best is good enough.
I am funny.
I am worthy of happiness.
I am a good daughter (son, sister, brother, mother, father, friend)
I love my hair. I love my eyes. I love my complextion.
OK well. I really hope this stuck with you guys. Really I can’t tell you how important these silly little sentences have become to me. Yes, it feels stupid and awkward to say them, but as time went on I actually started to believe them.
