12|18|2024Hello, Gem. How’s your heart? I pray it’s thriving. Let me tell you what’s been on mine.
A Love Letter to My Mindset x K.M.
★
Imagine starting your day not by scrolling through emails or Instagram, but by speaking life into yourself. That’s the power of daily affirmations—a simple, free, and surprisingly transformative habit that can shift your mindset, boost your confidence, and help you show up as the best version of yourself.
Or, as the legendary poet Nikki Giovanni once said, “You must invent your own games and teach us old ones how to play.” Affirmations are just that—a personal game you create to remind yourself how truly phenomenal you are.
So, if you’ve ever rolled your eyes at the idea of standing in the mirror whispering sweet nothings to yourself, stick around. It’s not as cheesy as you think (or maybe it is, but it works). Let’s break down the magic of affirmations, how to use them, and why they might just be the mindset glow-up you didn’t know you needed.
Gem, at their core, affirmations are positive statements you repeat to yourself, often daily, to challenge and replace negative thoughts. They can be as straightforward as, “I am capable,” or as grand as, “I am destined to change the world.”
But let’s address the elephant in the room: do affirmations actually work, or is it all self-help fluff?
Research says yes.
According to a study published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, practicing self-affirmation activates the brain’s reward system, particularly the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain is associated with self-worth and emotional regulation, which explains why affirmations can help boost confidence and resilience.
Another study from Psychological Science found that affirmations can improve problem-solving abilities under stress. Essentially, the more you affirm yourself, the better you can handle life’s curveballs.
So, no, you’re not just talking to yourself—you’re rewiring your brain.
They Combat Negative Self-Talk
Think about how often you criticize yourself for small mistakes: spilling coffee, forgetting a deadline, or not looking “Instagram-worthy” today. Gem, affirmations work to counteract that inner critic with words of love, patience, and grace.They Boost Confidence
When you repeatedly tell yourself, “I am worthy of love and success,” your brain starts to believe it. It’s like training for a marathon, except the finish line is self-love.They’re a Free Mood Booster
No yoga class or expensive matcha latte is required. Affirmations are completely free and can be done anytime, anywhere.
Now that you’re sold on the idea, here’s how to make affirmations a part of your daily life:
1. Keep It Simple:
Don’t overcomplicate things. Start with 1-3 affirmations that feel meaningful to you. Here are a few examples:
“I am enough just as I am.”
“I am deserving of good things.”
“I am resilient, and I grow stronger every day.”
2. Say It Like You Mean It, Gem:
Muttering an affirmation with all the enthusiasm of a DMV worker? Nope, that’s helpful. Look yourself in the mirror, smile (even if it feels weird), and confidently say your affirmation.
3. Make It a Ritual:
Make your affirmations a part of your daily routine: brushing your teeth, making coffee, or right before bed. Consistency is key here.
4. Write It Down:
Research shows that writing things down reinforces them in your brain. Consider keeping a journal of affirmations or using sticky notes on your mirror, desk, or fridge.
Feeling stuck? Let the late, great, Nikki Giovanni inspire you. She once wrote, “You do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.” That’s an affirmation right there!
Crafting your own affirmations is as simple as answering this question: What do I need to hear right now?
If you’re feeling insecure: “I am enough, just as I am.”
If you’re overwhelmed: “I can handle whatever comes my way.”
If you’re doubting your dreams: “I have the power to create the life I want.”
Those are just some to get you started, Gem. The goal is to speak more life into yourself.
Let’s be clear: affirmations won’t solve all your problems overnight. You can’t chant “I am wealthy” three times and expect your debts and student loans to disappear; I wish it was that easy. However, affirmations help us create a shift—a mindset that allows us to approach challenges with confidence and self-belief.
In the words of Nikki Giovanni, “If you don’t understand yourself, you don’t understand anybody else.” Affirmations are a tool to deepen that understanding of yourself, nurture self-compassion, and build a foundation of unshakable self-worth.
★
Gem, let’s make this a challenge: Share this blog with a friend and challenge them to uphold this positive standard. For the next week, try starting your day with one affirmation. Just one. Say it, write it, or think it until it sticks.
And when the doubts creep in—and they will—remember this: how you speak to yourself matters more than you think. Because at the end of the day, you’re the one who spends the most time in your head.
Until next time, remember that speaking kindly to yourself is an act of radical self-care, period. You are worthy, you are capable, and you’ve got this. -K.M.
Have you checked out SheIsTreasure’s Pinterest Board yet? We think you should. ♡
Interested in contributing a blog to SheIsTreasure? Our Write for Us Section has all the information you need.
Looking to shine a spotlight on your brand? Our new Partner with Us section is just a click away—let’s grow together!