Imagine going through storms that feel like you've been tossed around by a tornado. That is how life feels for most of us, especially since 2020. My latest whirlwind hit hard in 2022 with my mom passing away. As a caregiver since the age of 18, her departure plunged me into an abyss of grief, triggering an existential crisis that unveiled a deeply ingrained negative thought pattern. Now, when I first heard about positive affirmations, I thought it was as futile as trying to convince my smartphone's autocorrect to stop turning "ducking" into, well, you know… I mean, really? Can saying nice things to yourself over and over actually change anything? Well, I'm here to share my journey on how I went from being a skeptic to a "Beleafer" in positive affirmations.

In the wake of loss, my perception of the world turned bleak. I was convinced everyone had a hidden agenda, and the universe decided to make me its personal punching bag. Someone showing kindness? Nah, that person was putting up a front for something shady. Panic attacks became routine reactions, reducing me to tears over minor setbacks that were once inconsequential. It felt like my body would just over react to every little thing, even if my mind felt “this is fine,” my body would say “no this is not,” and act according to its whim. I felt helpless sometimes in my own vessel.

Surely no one would want to be around someone so sad and down all the time. I became the ultimate recluse. Social events? Forget it. I was convinced I'd be the party pooper. It was like a rain cloud was my constant sidekick, making me the misunderstood introvert in the room. Others often thought I didn’t want to be bothered, or disliked them for some reason when that wasn’t the case at all. This is why it is important to be kind to everyone – you never know if they're silently battling a boss level in their own game of life.

I was stuck in survival mode, seeing threats where there were none. Then I had reached my limit – time for a mental makeover. Initially my inner skeptic scoffed at the idea of positive affirmations. Until one day in therapy I was asked "Why are the negative thoughts the truth and the positive ones the lie?” I reflected on this question later that day during a 30 minute meditation session. Why was I so hooked on negative narratives when they only led me down a path of unhappiness? Has assuming something wasn’t going to work, or believing someone wouldn’t help me ever protected me from a harder outcome then if I had just took the chance and asked? Has it ever protected me from all the things I was worried bout?

When I couldn’t answer “yes” to any of those questions I decided to give it a try. The next day I would look myself in the mirror and began speaking positivity over myself for the first time in months.

Using affirmations is like being in an arts and crafts class where you mold your future with thoughts, emotions, and actions. So, now I'm all about inviting health, wealth, and spiritual guidance to my daily activities. The first step towards utilizing affirmations effectively is to identify areas where you seek growth or improvement, whether it's boosting self-confidence, overcoming self-doubt, or cultivating a more positive outlook. My therapist was able to help get me started on some positive affirmations to start off with based on our discussions. Once you've pinpointed your goals, craft affirmations that reflect these intentions in the present tense, using empowering language that resonates with you personally.

Incorporating these affirmations into your daily routine—whether through repetition, visualization, or journaling. Once you get comfortable you can expand your creativity with your affirmations. Leave yourself positive notes around your work area. Make yourself a vision board at home of things you want to accomplish. It could be a trip to an exotic place, taking a cruise, getting that promotion. Its up to you, again, you are molding your future. By doing this you help anchor your subconscious mind, gradually shifting your beliefs and behaviors towards alignment with your desired outcomes. As you continue to practice and refine your affirmations, you'll find yourself embracing a more positive mindset and experiencing tangible progress towards your goals.

After just a month of practicing, I was able to forgive myself of some events concerning my grief. Feel better about my body and health goals. And begin to heal my self worth.

If you would like to try this for yourself here are some affirmations examples to get you started:

For Commanding Health

Overall Well-Being:

"I am vibrant, healthy, and full of energy."

"I am in perfect health, and every cell in my body radiates vitality."

"My body is a temple, and I nurture it with love, gratitude, and care."

Immune System Strength:

"Every organ and system in my body functions at its optimal level."

"I am grateful for the resilience of my immune system."

"I command perfect harmony within my body, promoting overall well-being."

Healing and Recovery:

"My body has a remarkable capacity for healing, and I trust in its ability."

"Each day, I am getting healthier and stronger."

"Wellness is my birthright, and I claim it for myself now."

Physical Fitness:

"I love and enjoy exercising my body."

"My body is becoming stronger, leaner, and more flexible every day."

"Nourishing my body with wholesome foods is an act of self-love."

Mental and Emotional Well-Being:

"I release stress from my mind and embrace peace."

"My thoughts and emotions contribute positively to my overall health."

"In body, mind, and spirit, I am aligned with the essence of good health."

Youthful Vitality:

"I age gracefully, embracing the wisdom and vitality of each passing year."

"My body is a vessel of youthfulness and vigor."

"My body has an innate ability to heal, and I trust in its regenerative capacity."

Gratitude for Health:

"I am grateful for the health and well-being that flows through me."

"I am grateful for the gift of health, and I cherish and respect my body."

"Every day, I wake up grateful for the health and vitality that courses through me."

Body Appreciation:

"I love and respect my body, treating it with kindness and care."

"My body is wise, and I trust its signals for rest, movement, and nourishment."

"I love and accept my body unconditionally."

For Commanding Wealth

Financial Abundance:

"I am a magnet for financial prosperity and abundance."

"Money flows to me effortlessly and abundantly."

Wealth Consciousness:

"I have a wealth mindset and attract opportunities for financial success."

"My thoughts are aligned with prosperity, and I am open to receiving wealth."

Success in Finances:

"I am successful in all my financial endeavors."

"Every day, I move closer to achieving my financial goals."

Abundance Mindset:

"I use my wealth to create positive change in my life and the lives of others."

"My mindset is focused on abundance, and my actions create prosperity."

Financial Freedom:

"I am financially free and living the life I desire."

"My wealth grows day by day, providing me with freedom and security."

Attracting Opportunities:

"I attract lucrative opportunities that align with my passions and skills."

"Wealth and success are drawn to me, and I welcome them with open arms."

Gratitude for Abundance:

"I am grateful for the abundance in my life, and I share my wealth generously."

"Abundance surrounds me, and I appreciate the wealth that flows to me."

Commanding Wealth:

"I command my wealth and direct it towards creating a life of abundance."

"I am the master of my financial destiny, and I attract wealth effortlessly."

Spiritual Guidance

Divine Guidance:

"I trust in God's divine guidance, and I am open to His wisdom."

Faith in God's Plan:

"I have faith in God's plan for my life, and I surrender to His will."

Inner Peace through God's Love:

"God's love surrounds me, bringing peace and tranquility to my soul."

Clarity and Discernment:

"I pray for clarity, and I trust God's discernment in every decision."

Strength in Faith:

"Through faith in God, I find strength to overcome challenges."

Connection with the Divine:

"I am connected to the Divine, and God's presence guides me."

Trusting God's Timing:

"I trust God's timing, knowing His plans for me are perfect."

Walking in God's Light:

"I walk in the light of God's love, and His guidance is my compass."

Surrendering to God's Will:

"I surrender my will to God, trusting His divine plan for me."

Gratitude for Spiritual Guidance:

"I am grateful for God's continuous guidance, leading me to fulfillment."

Spiritual Guidance as a follower of Jesus

Divine Guidance:

"Jesus leads my path, and His guidance lights my way.”

Faith in God's Plan:

"Jesus, guide me on the path of righteousness and purpose."

Inner Peace through God's Love:

"In Jesus, I find refuge and solace, knowing His love guides my heart."

Clarity and Discernment:

"With Jesus as my guide, I make choices aligned with divine purpose."

Strength in Faith:

"Jesus, be my rock, and fortify my spirit with unwavering faith."

Connection with the Divine:

"In Jesus, I find a deep and intimate connection with the Divine."

Trusting God's Timing:

"Jesus, teach me patience as I wait for the unfolding of God's purpose."

Walking in God's Light:

"With Jesus beside me, I navigate life's journey with grace and faith."

Surrendering to God's Will:

"Jesus, guide me as I yield to the higher purpose designed by God."

Gratitude for Spiritual Guidance:

"In Jesus, I find the way, the truth, and the life, illuminating my spiritual journey."

Now it’s Your Turn

The road from heartache to recovery is a continuous ride, but positive affirmations has become like a power-up boost for me. Now, I'm not just rolling with the punches; I'm in the driver's seat, steering my day. Sure, I can’t control every obstacle that comes my way. But I can control how I will view and handle the situation. Those positive words I told myself in the beginning while my mind would mocked, turns out, they were the truth. And the key for boosting my confidence. In the realm of good vibes, I'm not just finding comfort but a roadmap to tackle life's twists and turns. As you dive into your day, pick affirmations that vibe with your soul. When you check yourself out in the mirror, let your words wash away the doubt and lies that unfortunate events have seared into your mind and let the truth give you hope and transformation.

Remember: The power to manifest a brighter future resides within you.