Affirmations

With the start of the new year, everyone comes up with resolutions: people want to change or improve on themselves. Or to stay more committed to their goals from last year.

Let me share my New Year's Resolution with you: I want to give myself more positive affirmations.

No one is harder on me than me. Everyone hears judgments and opinions from those around them when working towards something they want in life. And those people, whether it be family, friends, or a random person, can be the harshest critics. But for me, and I assume for some of you as well, myself is the harshest critic of them all.

Part of it is worrying about other people's feelings and inputs on decisions that do not affect them and having their voices play a role in my output. I find myself doing that a lot. But another reason is I second guess myself a lot in thinking and planning about what I want to do or what is the right decision for me.

I hate how I tend to get in my way. It has stopped me from doing things that I know I can be good at, learning that this is more for someone else rather than me, thinking that I'm not making progress in life, or taking a risk. And I could be scared taking that next step. But to overcome that voice in your head, all it takes is to turn that negative into a positive. Cliché, I know. But give yourself some credit. You worked hard to get to where you're at in life.

There are many ways to go about it. I received a suggestion to write five things I am grateful for today or in life. Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself how you will conquer the day or the strides you will make to get to your goal. Put on an outfit, say how good you look, and have a private photoshoot. Do whatever is best for you. Remember to take small steps if you need to, and that this is a process. Build up to it and gain that confidence. Manifestation and affirmation are vital. Take that next big step.

I do a great job of uplifting others, and I am happy to see them succeed. But now it's time that I start doing the same for myself. If you are like me, cut yourself some slack. You are doing great. Give yourself more positive energy in the things you do. And watch how your mood and perspective changes over time. As always, you got this.