I’ve always believed in the power of words. I’m a writer, after all, it kinda comes with the gig. My life is filled with hand-written inspirations of yellow sticky notes in my home, in my car, in my office. In my purse.

For no apparent reason yesterday, everything was going well when suddenly, I felt uninspired and overwhelmed. I wallowed in it for a moment before quickly deciding to change my own mind.

That’s really what affirmations about, right? Using the power of positive thinking and positive speaking to reshape your mind, body, and soul.

The Real Black Carrie Bradshaw

Affirmations are a powerful way to improve your mindset. And because these are typically short, positive phrases, we can use them on a daily basis. Research has even shown long term benefits of using affirmations to increase our feelings of self-worth and overall well-being.

I woke up this morning, unsettled. For whatever reason, he was on my mind. My thoughts almost held me hostage again until I said this aloud, “If it brings you happiness, then it brings me peace.” I like the idea that whatever is bringing joy into someone else’s life brings me a sense of peace, despite the fact that it may hurt or inconvenience me. I’m choosing to put my feelings aside for someone else’s happiness, creating a peace within that. To some people, that may sound extreme. It may seem like I’m choosing them over me. But I find profound strength is choosing to be at peace regardless of someone else’s choices even if it hurt you.

Do you believe that affirmations can be transformational? What affirmations work best for you?