“Talk to Yourself Nicely”: Daily Affirmations as an act of Restoration and self-preservation

Introduction 

Yesterday evening, I revisited my affirmations from 2022 and revised them so that they are in alignment with my vision for 2023. No one can convince me that the power of life and death doesn’t live in the tongue; thus, I choose to speak powerful words over my life and encourage myself. Talking to myself nicely ensures that I’m emotionally and psychologically equipped to tackle the day; it also ensures that I prioritize my well-being, which is inextricably connected to self-preservation.

Words are restorative. They nourish our souls, like a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup.

Tips/Best Practices  

• Begin your affirmation with “I” or “my.” These daily affirmations should center you. 
• Write in the present tense and in the active voice.
• Choose guiding words so that your affirmations are organized and purposeful. My guiding words for 2023 are EASE, LUXURY, and ABUNDANCE. I revised my affirmations with these words in mind. Please note these words mean different things to different people. 
• Affirmations should be reviewed/revised at least once a year (but check in with yourself every 4 months to see if your affirmations are still serving you). If not, change ’em! You’re never locked in! 
• The adjective “daily” is there for a reason. Look at your beautiful self in the mirror and chant these affirmations everyday. Daily affirmations should be a part of your routine (they are a part of my morning routine). 

Resuscitated Affirmations:

• My God created me with intentionality and purpose. I honor God’s generosity by walking in my truth. 

• I transform systems and institutions everyday. I disrupt, upset, and defy the dominant social order through my candidness and authenticity.

• I am in control of my decisions and choices. I have the power to change things that do NOT work in service of my physical, emotional, and psychological wellness. 

• I routinely choose love, light, liberty, serenity, stability, humility, and joy. 

• I author the story of my life. My pen writes infinitely and with so much conviction. 

• I refrain from using noxious words to communicate my feelings, thoughts, and experiences.

• I release my suffering and welcome opportunities, blessings, and abundance.

• I seek and aspire to excellence in ALL that I do

• I am deserving of love; subpar treatment and struggle love are NOT a part of God’s plan for my life. I deserve to live a fulfilling life.

• I am the manifestation of God’s love.

• I am who I purport to be.

Conclusion

Part of living a successful and fulfilling life is being cognizant of the words you speak over your life. Words often transform into self-fulfilling prophecies. Why? Because our beliefs influence and sometimes determine our actions. With that being said, I implore you to speak to yourself nicely.