Positive affirmations have always been close to my heart. There are times when I suffer from negative thoughts that are magnified by overthinking. These are times when my mind becomes my worst enemy. In my search for a solution I discovered that I could use positive affirmations to create a more positive thought pattern for myself and even to attract positive outcomes. 

In today's world, filled with stress and uncertainty, the concept of affirmations has gained significant attention. But what exactly are affirmations? Simply put, affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself with the intention of shaping your thoughts and beliefs. They can range from simple phrases to more elaborate sentences, all aimed at instilling positivity and motivation in your mind. 

Positive affirmations use the power of words and suggestion to determine what your mind should focus on. When you repeat a positive statement or belief, it triggers a region in your brain called

the reticular activating system (RAS). This system is in charge of sorting through information and determining what is significant enough to focus on and pay attention to. By repeating positive affirmations, we can train our RAS to prioritize positive thoughts and beliefs. What you focus on you shall attract or manifest. 

Examples of Positive affirmations 

"I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to." 

"I believe in myself and my abilities." 

"I am worthy of love, success, and happiness." 

"Every challenge I face is an opportunity for growth." 

"I am surrounded by abundance and opportunities." 

"I choose to focus on the present moment and let go of worries about the past or future." "I am grateful for all the blessings in my life." 

"I radiate positivity and attract positivity into my life." 

Affirmations have a rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations where mantras and prayers were used to evoke positive outcomes. In modern times, the popularity of affirmations has increased due to their association with the law of attraction and self-improvement movements. People believe that by consistently affirming positive thoughts, they can attract success, happiness, and abundance into their lives. 

Understanding the Power of Positive Words 

The effectiveness of affirmations lies in the power of positive words to influence our subconscious mind. Science has shown that our thoughts have a profound impact on our emotions, behavior, and overall well-being. When we repeat affirmations, we are essentially

reprogramming our minds to focus on the positive aspects of life, thereby attracting more positivity into our reality. 

Research in neuroscience has revealed that our brains are constantly seeking validation for the beliefs we hold. By repeating affirmations, we are reinforcing positive beliefs and rewiring our neural pathways for success. Moreover, the emotional resonance of affirmations activates the limbic system, which governs our emotions, leading to a greater sense of well-being and fulfillment. 

Incorporating Affirmations into Daily Routine 

To harness the full power of affirmations, it's essential to integrate them into your daily routine. Start your day with a positive affirmation session, setting the tone for a productive and fulfilling day ahead. Throughout the day, reinforce your affirmations whenever negative thoughts arise, replacing them with positive affirmations instead. 

Get creative with how you use affirmations. Place sticky notes with affirmations around your home or workspace, create a vision board with images and words that reflect your goals, or record affirmations and listen to them during your commute or before bedtime. The key is to make affirmations a natural and effortless part of your daily life. Put them everywhere, have them everywhere, on your phone’s wallpaper, your laptop, the wall in your bedroom. 

How to Practice Positive Affirmations: 

• Practice affirmations upon waking, before bed, or during moments of reflection. Consistency is key to reinforcing positive beliefs and rewiring neural pathways. 
• Repeat Regularly: Incorporate positive affirmations into your daily routine by repeating them regularly. 
• Embody Belief: Cultivate a sense of belief and conviction in the truth of your affirmations. 
• Imagine yourself possessing the characteristics or achieving the goals that you have stated in your affirmations. Picture yourself living out those affirmations in your daily life. 

Using affirmations to attract what you want and to deter negative thoughts can be hard. My journey towards positivity hasn't always been easy. There were times where I would internalize positive affirmations, repeat them to myself several times, only to have something happen during the day that throws me off my wagon. Personal development is not easy, so is adopting a positive lifestyle through the use of positive affirmations. Be patient and persistent, acknowledging that change takes time and effort. 

Whenever you are in doubt always remember that you have power over your thoughts, therefore you have power over your life. You have the power to manifest a beautiful life through

the power of positive affirmations. Never give up and make it a habit to incorporate positive affirmations in all areas of your life. 

In conclusion, affirmations are a powerful tool for transforming your thoughts and beliefs, thereby shaping your reality. By harnessing the power of positive words and consistent practice, you can unlock your full potential and manifest your deepest desires. Remember to be patient and persistent on your affirmation journey, and trust in the process of personal growth. 

Weekly Challenge 

Think of one area of your life where you need change. Write down your intentions on a piece of paper. Frame the affirmation in the present tense. If you can't make your own you can find one on google/youtube/pinterest that resonates with the change you want to see in your life. Once that is done repeat the affirmation every morning when you wake up, before you go to bed or during the day when negativity tries to creep in. You can add as many affirmations to your everyday practice just as long as they help you manifest what you want in your life. Remember to believe in the words you are speaking and visualize yourself already having whatever it is that you want.