Affirmations are positive statements that describe a desired situation or state of being. For example, “I am healthy, I radiate well being.” “I am a good and honorable person with a loving heart.” “I am capable beyond all measure.” Etc.

Affirmations can help you to transform your life by reframing your internal Self talk. By stating what you want to be true in your life, and describe it in the present tense, you are able to envision it and feel it as being true. So you begin to really believe in positive possibilities and in your own capabilities.

Affirmations are meant to be repeated like mantras. The more you say them, the more you believe them. The more you believe in your intentions being real, the more able you are to direct your energy toward the actualization that you desire.

Women often have self-limiting expectations because we memorized and internalized all of the negative messages that we grew up hearing in our families, in school and in the media. Constant repetition has caused us to internalize negative attitudes.

Words and statements work both ways, to build or to destroy. It is the way we use them that determines whether they are going to bring good or harmful results.

If you keep telling yourself that you cannot do something, that you are too lazy, lack the requisite intelligence or inner strength, or that you are going to fail, your spirit accepts what it keeps hearing as being true and attracts situations to prove its veracity.

In order to ensure their effectiveness, affirmations should be repeated with attention, conviction, interest and desire. The repeated words form a mental image that helps you to focus your mind on your aim and to trigger you into taking positive actions to realize your goals.

It is important to understand that repeating positive affirmations for a few minutes, and then thinking negatively the rest of the day, neutralizes the effects of the positive words. You have to refuse thinking negative thoughts, if you wish to attain positive results.

This is my most popular empowerment mantra/affirmation. It is very simple and incredibly affective. Sing it in the shower in the morning to start your day with confidence and intention. Repeat it while walking, while running, while on the treadmill. It will keep you going. Chant it to yourself anytime you are unsure, insecure or scared. It will give you courage.

I AM.

I CAN.

I WILL.

I AM.       (I am perfect just as I am.)

I CAN.      (I can do whatever I set out to do.)

I WILL.     (I have faith in myself.)

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Donna Henes is the author of The Queen of My Self: Stepping into Sovereignty in Midlife. She offers counseling and upbeat, practical and ceremonial guidance for individual women and groups who want to enjoy the fruits of an enriching, influential, purposeful, passionate, and powerful maturity. Consult the MIDLIFE MIDWIFE™

The Queen welcomes questions concerning all issues of interest to women in their mature years. Send your inquiries to thequeenofmyself@aol.com.