Affirmations are a wonderful way to manifest into your life what you really want. They are based upon Neuro-Linguistic Programming, which basically says that our thoughts wear grooves into our brains. The more we think a particular thought, the deeper the groove. Thus, old beliefs from childhood that we revisit again and again (“I don’t deserve good things”, “I’ll never get what I really want”, etc.) are very ingrained, and that’s why they’re so hard to overcome. Affirmations help you to create new thought-paths (grooves) through repetition. As you wear a groove deeper and deeper, the thoughts will tend to use that groove and the old belief groove falls into disuse and eventually goes away. In other words, you replace an outworn, destructive belief with a new, positive belief that serves you much better.
In order to wear the new groove, the affirmation must be said 50 times a day for at least 21 days straight. This is easier than it sounds. You can think it or say it to yourself as you drive, counting on your fingers. You can record yourself saying it, and replay it daily. You can write it down (this becomes a chore after the first time, though). The trick is to make it positive. As you say your affirmation, really feel like it is true. Believe that it is true. Attach an emotion to it (gratitude, elation, joy), and imagine that it has already happened. If you do this, you will actually look forward to saying your affirmations every day.
Affirmations should be powerful, positive, personal and present tense. “I will lose 10 lbs this week” is not a good affirmation (“lose” is negative), nor is “My husband will be more positive” (not personal – you can’t control your husband’s moods). Better: “I’m so happy that my body is slim and trim!”, or “I love my husband’s positive attitude”. Best: “I’m so grateful to be full of energy and joy!” or “I’m so thankful to have everything I need and want at this point in my life!” Gratitude is the most powerful emotion of all, and attracts good things into your life.
Try it – you’ll be amazed at the result!