My Inner Self Healing

When I started my healing journey, one of the first things I kept seeing was affirmations. Social media posts, reels, and stories all told me I needed affirmations because they are powerful tools. Affirmations are positive statements aimed at influencing one’s mindset. But I struggled with affirmations. I would wake up, look in the mirror, and repeat these positive statements, only to feel annoyed over time. They simply didn’t work.

I wrote a poem using an affirmation for self-love in the hopes that it would resolve my inner critic and dilemma:

Uhmm… well that didn’t work either. I knew it was what I wanted, but when I didn’t see any positive changes, I just didn’t think they worked and thought they were nonsense. What I couldn’t let go of was the idea that so many people used affirmations, shared their stories, and it worked for them. What was wrong with me? I laid in the hospital for several weeks, repeating these affirmations, and all it did was …nothing. I was still sick and kept getting sicker. Why was I getting more sick? I was in a negative space.

With all the time I had in the hospital and the weeks/months after for recovery, I started looking into it more. I had the time, so I researched the reasons why affirmations weren’t doing anything for me. Below are the 5 main reasons they didn’t work (for me):

Why Affirmations Sometimes Don’t Work

1. Lack of Belief: If you don’t genuinely believe in the affirmations you’re repeating, they can feel hollow and ineffective. Your subconscious mind can resist statements it perceives as false. As I mentioned earlier, I was in a negative space. I believed my fate was sealed, that I would be forever sick. The medications weren’t working, so what good were words going to do?

2. Superficial Use: Simply repeating affirmations without emotional engagement or taking actionable steps can render them ineffective. They need to be part of a broader strategy that includes real-life actions. Often, I realized I would get fully distracted, focusing instead on how old/swollen/tired/scarred I looked and losing my train of thought.

3. Misalignment with Core Values: Affirmations that contradict your deeply held beliefs or values can create internal conflict, making them less effective. I didn’t love myself. It was too hard to when my body and mind were in this constant battle.

4. Neglecting Underlying Issues: Using affirmations to mask deeper psychological or emotional issues is not effective. Addressing root causes through therapy or other methods may be necessary. Haha (I laugh now, but I remember thinking I could do this on my own. I didn’t need help—boy am I glad I left this closed-mindedness behind). What I realized through all the courses I did and books I read is that you don’t get sick for no reason; you get sick when your body is out of balance. Seeking help is not a weakness—something I needed to learn. Instead, seeking help is the most loving thing you can do for yourself.

5. Inconsistent Practice: Inconsistent or infrequent use of affirmations limits their effectiveness. Regular repetition over time is crucial for influencing thought patterns. Let me be honest, I would practice this for a couple of days, and then simply forget. My heart wasn’t in it. And besides, they just don’t work—was my belief.

How to Write Your Own Affirmations

1. Identify Your Goals and Values: Reflect on what you want to achieve or change in your life. Your affirmations should align with your core values and goals. “My goal was to not be sick.“

2. Use Positive Language: Frame your affirmations in a positive manner, focusing on what you want to achieve rather than what you want to avoid. “I wish to be strong in mind, body, and soul so I could be healthy.“

3. Be Present and Specific: Write affirmations in the present tense, as if they are already true. Be specific about what you want to achieve. “I am strong in my mind, in my body, and in my soul so that I can be healthy.“

4. Keep Them Concise and Clear: Make your affirmations short and to the point, making them easier to remember and repeat. “I am strong and healthy.“

5. Include Emotional and Motivational Words: Use words that evoke positive emotions and motivation. This helps to reinforce the affirmation. “I am growing stronger and healthier each day.“

Examples of Effective Affirmations

• General Well-being: “I am healthy, energetic, and optimistic about my future.”
• Career Success: “I am successful in my career and continually growing in my profession.”
• Self-Confidence: “I am confident in my abilities and trust myself to make the right decisions.”
• Relationships: “I attract positive and supportive people into my life.”
• Personal Growth: “I am constantly learning and growing, becoming a better version of myself every day.”

Step-by-Step Process

Now it’s your turn. Set some time for yourself to follow these steps:

1. Reflect on Your Goals: Write down your main goals in different areas of your life (career, health, relationships, personal growth).

2. Draft Your Affirmations: For each goal, write a positive statement in the present tense. Make sure it is specific and includes emotional words.

3. Review and Refine: Read your affirmations aloud and see how they make you feel. Adjust the wording if needed to make them more powerful and believable.

4. Write Them Down: Write your affirmations on paper, in a journal, or on sticky notes. Place them where you can see them regularly, such as on your mirror, desk, or refrigerator.

5. Repeat and Visualize: Repeat your affirmations daily, ideally in the morning and before bed. As you say them, visualize achieving the goals and feel the positive emotions associated with them.

By following these steps, you can create powerful affirmations that support your goals and help you cultivate a positive and proactive mindset. Affirmations can be a transformative tool when used effectively, enabling you to align your thoughts and actions with your deepest desires.

I hope you found this useful. Why not share your affirmations in the comments below? Feeling stuck or want some assistance drawing up an affirmation? Why not book a session for a coaching service with me? Simply send me an email for an appointment.

Thank you for reading! Remember, the power of affirmations lies in your belief and commitment to them. Stay positive, stay persistent, and watch as your words transform your reality. Believe in yourself—you’re capable of amazing things!

Keep affirming and keep shining!

Affirmatively healthier and stronger,
Amisha