An affirmation is a declaration of the way we are choosing to experience life. In other words, affirmations are anything and everything we may say or think. Some of our affirmations may be positive and some may be negative.  In either case, an affirmation is a prayer or a request- because life always reflects back to us our beliefs. And beliefs themselves are nothing more than affirmations.

Our thoughts may be critical or they may be praiseworthy; we may constantly talk of the good in life or moan endlessly about what’s wrong with the planet. We may compliment our body and offer it words of kindness; or we may berate it. We may believe life is a struggle or we may believe life is a joy. We are using affirmations all the time whether we are consciously aware of it or not. And life is always matching our affirmations with experiences.

Renowned author Louise Hay, well known for her work on deliberately using affirmations, says that “an affirmation opens the door. It’s a beginning point on the path to change” and I agree. Positive affirmations are a very effective way to focus your mind on what you want and begin to create the life you desire. Deliberately using positive affirmations will attract the people, places and things to assist you on your journey. And, you will feel better.

Some people may not be aware of what they are affirming, having a vague awareness of a ‘random’ buzz of thoughts spinning around in their minds as if they have no say in it. We do, however, have a say in it. We are in control of our minds- not the other way around. But this requires practice.

How to use affirmations deliberately

We have been trained to look for a problem and then focus on it and try to ‘figure it out’. However, this is not the way a solution comes. Deliberately making statements about what you want is a good way to quickly get your mind off the problem and onto the solution.

Example: I easily allow good to flow into my life. I relax and trust knowing that everything always works out for me.

Repeating statements over and over can be done anytime of day in your mind- when walking, in the car, as you are lying in your bed. Make sure that whatever affirmation you are using- it feels good when you say, think or write it.

Remember that in every moment our words and thoughts are being answered by the Law of Attraction- so it is a good idea to be conscious of our affirmations throughout the day. This may seem like a lot of work at the start, but soon it will become automatic and you will find yourself becoming a naturally positive thinker. The secret is discipline and consistency.

Example: I attract only good into my life. My life is constantly changing for the better.

People talk about ‘gratitude’ and writing down all the things you are grateful for. This is a wonderful process, but if we are a person who mostly feels depressed or afraid (or one of those other powerless-feeling emotions), then writing things to be grateful for is too big of a jump; we can only start where we are.  So we may want to start with a softer approach such as “I am willing to allow my life to change for the better” or “I want to feel good”. When writing “I am grateful for…” does feel good to you, then now is the time to go for it.

Example: I am willing to allow my life to change for the better.

However- the purpose of deliberate affirmations is to take you beyond where you are now- so be prepared for a little bit of a stretch; “I enjoy perfect abundance” may not be true at the moment but with consistent chanting it will become true for you. Only you know the right affirmations for you to use right now. It’s all about how it feels to you. Experiment with different statements and choose what feels better for you.

Example: I become more vital, beautiful and youthful every day. I feel good and I look good.

If you keep this up you will feel better, happier, healthier and more fulfilled. The added bonus is all of those things you have been affirming will start showing up at your door!

Example: My life is always getting better. I begin to expect my life to get better.

You don’t need to worry about how your affirmations will manifest- that’s not your work. Your work is to focus on what you want and then trust that the Universe will deliver.

Example: Things are working out. All in good time. I will relax and trust in the process.

I have personally found deliberately using affirmations to be an incredibly effective tool. It does take practice, but it is worth it. As you practice, as I’ve said, it will become easier and easier to choose better feeling thoughts.