“We exercise daily to keep our bodies in shape and healthy. Why not exercise our mind by practicing positive affirmations.”
Positive affirmations are positive statements we create to help challenge negative thinking. Many of us struggle daily with an influx of negative thoughts that feed our low self-esteem and low self-worth. Using positive affirmations helps us practice self-love so we can begin to make positive changes in our lives. These powerful statements are unique to each individual and can continuously inspire us in our journey to healing.
It sounds simple enough and maybe too good to be true. Yet, there is research that indicates therapeutic exercises founded in theoretical orientations such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) work!
The idea behind CBT is simple. Identifying and challenging our negative/harmful thinking patterns through the use of researched techniques. The process of altering these negative/harmful thoughts is called cognitive restructuring and is the process by which we begin to dispute and reframe our negative thought process.
Practicing daily positive affirmation and believing in them, can help us reprogram our thinking patterns and reduce self-sabotaging thoughts.
The act of self-love is having empathy, patience, and compassion for oneself. The goal of the #LoveYoSelf Campaign is to promote self-love which can help reduce anxiety and depression.
6.9% of the U.S. population or approximately 16 million individuals live with major depression.
18.1% of the U.S population or approximately 42 million individuals live with anxiety disorders
Click below if you would like to download our #LoveYoSelf Campaign Informational PDF handout!
When we first set out to spread mental health awareness and promote self-love through the #LoveYoSelf Campaign we had one question in mind, “Who can we reach out to for help?” The following individuals are all amazing influencers, advocates, and professionals who are helping us spread the #LoveYoSelf message!
Alfredo is a Texas native that currently resides in sunny Los Angeles. He is a latinx educator that focuses on the neurologically atypical and a group fitness instructor. He is active in both LGBTQ+ and recovery communities.
A second year pediatric nurse practitioner student, Mayra Flores has dedicated her career on promoting health quality and equity. Ms. Flores received her Bachelors in health education and went on to receive her Master’s in nursing from San Francisco State University in 2015. While completing her Master’s degree, she developed a diabetes program targeting the high rates among Hispanic populations.
I support and advocate for mental health because it is an integral part of everyone. There is no health with out mental health. I advocate for mental health because people from all backgrounds and colors should have resources accessible to them, provided by people who look like them. People who get them, and who genuinely want to support them.
Links:
https://www.mhanational.org/blog/cmhic-2019-6-student-leaders-transforming-mental-health-campus
https://www.teenztalk.org/blog/an-open-reflection-on-the-2019-teen-wellness-conference
https://www.mhsoac.ca.gov/young-californians-lead-way-youth-mental-health?fbclid=IwAR16kgtambMpdMfUEvGdd4mnJE_IrbFYFTwWCAyAodlLWVe7NiHosYpcOjA
https://www.channelkindness.org/woodland-pride-month/
What does this affirmation mean to you?
This affirmation means everything to me. Being Black in America has always made me feel as if I could never be a delicate royal princess. I needed to think about the past when Africa was an ancient civilization. I was an empress, a queen. This is what I want the world to see! But in order for them to know that, I have to declare it and walk it out. Add my obsession of crowns and living in a castle-like apartment, and you got a recipe for the best affirmation that is mentally, physically and emotionally telling /revealing/ true.
When do you use your affirmation?
I use it whenever I need to be reminded of who I am. I may not always walk out the identity of a queen, but stopping to remind myself can bring realignment to what I am declaring. When I need to walk in grace for myself and be kind to myself, I will use this affirmation. Even if I have a bad day, I will speak my affirmation, or just wear my crown and sit in my house and think about my worth.
Why do you think positive affirmations work?
These work because I cannot always depend on someone building me up. I can recall a time asking a client of mine, “You say you are not loved, but what if you were to declare you are love?” You know, why should someone dictate your identity and destiny. She loved this and ran with it. Saying she is love left her feeling secure in knowing she is enough and she is filled with love that does not need to come from somebody else.
Sometimes you are meant to build yourself up, and your mouth is the gatekeeper into your mental well being. You can shift the atmosphere with declaring your affirmation. Just think about it: if someone shouted in a crowded room, it can shift a mood. Imagine what could happen if we speak forth our affirmations out loud. Keeping them in our minds is not enough. Why not speak forth what you want to be in this world, rather than letting others tell you what you should become?
What Does This Affirmation Mean to You?
This affirmation reminds me that I work hard for the good things in my life and that I deserve the success that comes from the opportunities those good things bring. It also reminds me that imposter syndrome is a lie brought about by my self-doubt and that I have the ability to achieve success.
When Do You Use Your Affirmation?
I use my affirmation whenever I experience self-doubt or imposter syndrome. Even though I know I have the skills to do my job, I always question my abilities. My affirmation reminds me that I am worthy of success and the opportunities that arise in my pursuit of it are there for a reason.
Why Do You Think Positive Affirmations Work?
There’s a lot of negative stimuli in the world and in our daily lives that makes it hard to focus on the good things that we’ve done for ourselves and others. Positive affirmations work to remind us that despite the bad things that surround us, we still deserve the good things that present themselves now and again.
What Does This Affirmation Mean to You?
“I shine bright” means I don’t let life’s obstacles bring me down or take my shine away. My shine helps me to reaffirm myself that I will be ok.
When Do You Use Your Affirmation?
I use it everyday to always look at the brighter side.
Why Do You Think Positive Affirmations Work?
Affirmations work because when times are tough you can look to affirmations to lift your spirit and they give people hope.
What Does This Affirmation Mean to You?
This affirmation is a reminder of my raíces. My grandfather told me that I am a descendant of the Chichimeca. We originate from the place of the moon’s navel, Metztli Xictli Co, México; the land of the dreamers and those who remain awake while dreaming. We studied the cosmos, sacred geometry and prophesied the dawn of the sixth sun. Tonatiuh Xochitl, the rebirth of human consciousness, and this shift is now upon us.
When Do You Use Your Affirmation?
I’ve used this quote when I’ve been stricken by grief, (social) anxiety, shame and during other difficulties in my life. And in the past when I’ve danced with suicidal ideations. I’ve reminded myself that my ancestors nunca se dieron por vencer; their resiliency lives in my bones and blood. I am the great great great granddaughter of Cuauhtémoc. You see, I am my ancestors dream.
Why Do You Think Positive Affirmations Work?
Affirmations are an opportunity to reinvent and recreate ourselves! Our subconscious believes what we tell it, whether it’s true or not. Our thoughts are precious because they shape how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. Slowing down and holding an intention of being present with your thoughts is important. And when you come across those weeds you can replace them with flowers.
What Does This Affirmation Mean to You?
This affirmation helps me to keep things in perspective; not only is perfection unattainable, it is unnecessary! I am more than enough as I am and do not need to hold myself to such unrealistic standards.
When Do You Use Your Affirmation?
I use my affirmation each morning while I’m getting ready as well as throughout the day in stressful situations. When I feel overwhelmed I try to step back, take a few deep breaths, and honor my progress rather than dwelling on imperfections.
Why Do You Think Positive Affirmations Work?
Positive affirmations work because they encourage optimism and resilience while decreasing stress. Repeating positive affirmations helps create new, healthy thought patterns rather than feeding self-critical thought patterns.
What Does This Affirmation Mean to You?
This affirmation encompasses the idea of acceptance and my part in it. If I am in acceptance of whatever the situation is then I can be closer to serenity.
When Do You Use Your Affirmation?
I use this affirmation to validate that I am doing the best I can with what I have, in any circumstance.
Why Do You Think Positive Affirmations Work?
Positive affirmations work in a meditative way to get closer to a goal or idea. They’re wonders for motivation!
What Does This Affirmation Mean to You?
My affirmation is a constant reminder that I AM A BADASS WOMAN and can achieve whatever I set my mind to. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize your true potential when you are constantly comparing yourself to others. This affirmation is all about loving yourself and reassuring yourself that you can do anything. Because, you got this!
When Do You Use Your Affirmation?
I use my affirmation when I’m at my lowest and need a boost of confidence. I started using this affirmation post grad life when my anxiety was at its all time high. I allowed negative thoughts to flood my mind and trap me. My affirmation helped me escape the mental state I was in and got me to where I am today.
Why Do You Think Positive Affirmations Work?
Positive affirmations work because they combat those not so good feelings and lead to positive thinking. You don’t realize how helpful they are until you have one.
What Does This Affirmation Mean to You?
For a long time, I held on to a narrative that my truth and my voice didn’t matter. I grew up internalizing messages such as “I am not worthy of being heard or seen.” With this affirmation, I have learned to cultivate a positive internal compass and feel confident to show up in the most authentic version of myself. This affirmation has taught me to reclaim radical self love.
When Do You Use Your Affirmation?
I use this affirmation when I find myself struggling with vulnerability hangover, impostor syndrome or when my inner critic shows up. I have learned to explore these parts and the limiting beliefs, and meet these with self-compassion.This affirmation has taught me to trust my intuition and my truth to guide me in embodying and honoring the most authentic version of myself because doing so, brings healing in myself and my ancestors.
Why Do You Think Positive Affirmations Work?
I think positive affirmations work because they help to dismantle and provide healing from internalized oppression and limiting beliefs that we carry intergenerationally. Affirmations help to liberate ourselves, to step into OUR POWER and express ourselves authentically and unapologetically.
What Does This Affirmation Mean to You?
Having the power to change my perspective means that I can create my own reality in my mind where life feels full, happy, connected, whole, and worth living. My perspective is the only thing I can control in this world, I try my best to notice the good in the world to help my self feel good passing through this life.
When Do You Use Your Affirmation?
Changing my prospective is a constant daily practice. It’s not always easy to see through a posible prospective. Sometimes I totally forget that I have the choice and then have a full on pitty party. But the pitty party ends when I decide to change my perspective. I have the choice every single day every single moment.
Why Do You Think Positive Affirmations Work?
Positive affirmations work because I experience the difference between positive affirmations and negative mental chatter every single day. And let me tell you, when I feel honest with my self about how much I love me, I just feel happier for everyone else! I feel like I’m flying, all my debts, doubts, fears, and problems are still present. But my positive mental chatter helps me get through life upbeat with a can do attitude! We talk to our selves everyday, this is constant work we must do on a daily basis. We can do it!
What Does This Affirmation Mean to You?
It’s a way of tapping into my intuition, embracing my Zapotec indigenous roots, honoring my power and experiencing magical moments. It allows me to slow down, and surrender to the moment.
When Do You Use Your Affirmation?
I use it when I am going through major life transitions or trying something new. This year I created my first altar for the Día de los Muertos dedicated to my dog Nola Papaya and other ánimas (spirits). I remember lighting up the candles, burning copal & sage, calling the ánimas, and they indeed showed up that night.
Why Do You Think Positive Affirmations Work?
We are able to reclaim our power and show up for ourselves. We are able to resist the negative messages that people of color receive growing up, such as that we are not good enough, or that we are not worthy of the same opportunities that white folx are. I disagree, and I think we are worthy, enough, and resilient.
What does this affirmation mean to you?
This affirmation helps me remember that other’s kind words about me and my business are great, but I need to believe in myself and be my own biggest cheerleader. It’s a reminder to celebrate successes big and small.
When do you use this affirmation?
I use this affirmation when I need a little reminder that I am making my wildest dreams come true. My successes are up to ME! For this reason, I need to be my biggest supporter. Sometimes I find myself depending on other people’s praises and confirmations in order to feel good about myself. This affirmation is not only for big moments in my life, I find myself using it at the end of a productive day, when i’ve cooked a delicious meal, when i’ve nailed a tough yoga pose… clearly i’m ALWAYS doing the damn thing!
Why do you think positive affirmations work?
The way we speak to ourselves makes a HUGE difference in our lives. Affirmations give us a moment to pause, regroup, and provide support and positivity to ourselves. Affirmations have the power to pick me up out of a slump, boost my confidence, make me smile, and feel prepared for the day.
What Does This Affirmation Mean to You?
This affirmation is a reminder to trust my process. there are moments when I feel like my music is at a standstill and that I’m stranded out in the ocean. But that feeling is also a part of my process. I have to feel the lows and remember that usually nothing seems to be working out right before everything falls into place.
When Do You Use Your Affirmation?
When I wake up and get dressed for the day I see my affirmation written in dry erase marker on my mirror.
Why Do You Think Positive Affirmations Work?
Positive affirmations work when you establish them for those dark times when they’re hard to believe. They give me the focus and encouragement I need in my moments of weakness.
What Does This Affirmation Mean to You?
This affirmation means the absolute world to me. Being one of the few Latinx professionals in Silicon Valley tech, imposter syndrome is something that I experience all too frequently. When you’re sitting in a meeting and don’t see anyone else of your racial background, it’s very easy to feel like you don’t belong in that room. Whenever I take a moment to quietly tell myself, “I am enough,” it steers me away from tunnel vision and makes me realize that I have accomplished so much in such a short period of time. I’ve worked extremely hard to get where I am today, and I couldn’t have done it without my family and close friends. Telling myself that “I am enough,” brings me great joy because it also feels like I’m channeling positive energy and prayers from my family and loved ones.
When Do You Use Your Affirmation?
I doubt myself a lot, so it’s no surprise that I use this affirmation several times throughout the day. Some examples include: when I wake up in the morning; when I park my car at the office and step outside of my car; when I sit down; when I’m about to lead a meeting; when I’m about to walk into a room where I’m the only Latino present; when I’m about to get onstage and speak in front of an audience; when I’m talking to one of my executives; when I’m in meetings and people are asking me questions about my work. The list goes on and on. My point here is that imposter syndrome is real. To read about it is one thing, to experience it firsthand is completely different experience.
Why Do You Think Positive Affirmations Work?
Positive affirmations work because they force you to think outside of your normal routine. After awhile, life traumatizes us. We get hurt, dishearten, depressed, anxious, etc. After awhile, these negative experiences become our reality, and it’s hard to break out of pessimistic thinking, even if we’re seeing a therapist or taking medication. Positive affirmations are great because they shatter the twisted reality that we sometimes live in (where we think life is hopeless), and it makes us aware of all the positive qualities we possess. (Here’s a small trick: I find it helpful to ask your closest friends for positive affirmations. Take those and write them down on post-it notes. Keep them at your desk to remind yourself of your friends and the love they have for you).
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