Moving forward as we work to strengthen ourselves from within, we find ourselves at another crossroads. We are recalibrating our direction as we approach the intersection of Status Quo Lane and Forward We Go Highway.
A new day, a new week, a new post about your “Becoming”. Also today another step.
Affirming ourselves.
The process of not only declaring and supporting ourselves, but also how we’ll arrive at creating our own specific affirmations to strengthen us along our daily paths.
So let’s start with the shared definitions. We’ll begin with the noun, affirmation:
- the action or process of affirming something or being affirmed.: “he nodded in affirmation” “an affirmation of basic human values”.
synonyms: assertion, declaration, statement, proclamation, pronouncement, attestation, assurance, oath, vow, swearing, avowal, guarantee, promise, certification, pledge, deposition, asseveration, averment, confirmation, ratification, endorsement, defense
- emotional support or encouragement.: “the lack of one or both parents’ affirmation leaves some children emotionally crippled”.
Plus there is also the action tense, the verb affirm:
- state as a fact; assert strongly and publicly.: “he affirmed the country’s commitment to peace” “he affirmed that she was, indeed, a good editor” “
synonyms: declare, state, assert, aver, proclaim, pronounce, attest, swear, avow, vow, guarantee, promise, certify, pledge, give one’s word, give an undertaking, asseverate - offer (someone) emotional support or encouragement.: “there are five common ways parents fail to affirm their children” “good teachers know that students need to be both affirmed and challenged”.
So as you can see, an affirmation is more than just a catchy saying. It is you declaring an assertion of who you are and what you are “Becoming”.
The commonality in affirmations is that they need to start with the same two words, “I am”.
Two simple words can hold such power over our lives, internally and among the world. These two simple words give us power, direction and create focus. This week I’ll be referring to a great study on this concept, it’s the book by Joel Osteen entitled “Two Words That Will Change Your Life Today”.
In this simple easy to read and comprehend format I have found it to be a great resource, when working on my own affirmations or sitting others, like you, with developing our own personal, unique declarations.
Words have meaning; and those meanings combined with the tone and the intent behind them, become power. In making affirmations you are asserting who you are, what you are “Becoming” and the fact that no one ( or anything) will stop you or deny you.
This is a fact echoed by Joel Osteen in the book;
“Words have incredible power. Whenever we speak something – good or bad – we give life to it. Out loud, our thoughts and beliefs become entities of their own. Recognizing this allows you to harness that power and change your life. Take charge with two simple words: I am.”
Notice he did mention that the incredible power the meaning of the words you choose to speak work both ways; positively and negatively. So an important part of this exercise is to focus on the good. Improving your self-talk, coming from that place of positive self esteem, make the decision to select the right words and then put them into action.
He also speaks about the Scripture in Romans 4:17: As it is written:( “I have made thee a father of many nations”), in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead and calleth those things which are not, as though they were.
As Joel wrote, “ That simply means you shouldn’t talk about the way you are. Talk about the way you want to be. If you’re struggling in your finances don’t go around saying, ‘oh man business is so slow. The economy is so down. It’s never going to work out.” That’s calling the things that are as if they will always be that way. That’s just describing the situation. By Faith you have to say, I am blessed. I am successful. I am surrounded by God’s favor.”
As Pastor Joel shared in the book, “ If you are going to fulfill your destiny, you have to shake off the negative voices. Shake off the thoughts that are telling you, I am unable, I am unqualified. Don’t invite weakness. Don’t give intimidation an invitation.”
While daily affirmations are simple, positive statements which declare your specific goals as already behind achieved, they are very powerful tools. Tools of focus, strength and clarity. That’s the reason why we’ll be spending several days on this step along the path of “Becoming”
To prepare, you need to be practicing Self-Care ( see our post prior to this one), actively be involved in gentle, healing Self-Talk and be fully Accepting of who you are and where your momentum is aimed. As you know by now, I believe that momentum always needs to be both forward and upward!
Let go of all negative thoughts and release your subconscious to heal itself with new beliefs, foundations and visions which are positive and boldly declared as already taking place right here, right now.
How do you do this? Join us tomorrow as we continue our discussion and begin to share some foundational exercises to writing and sharing your affirmations for who you are truly “Becoming Today”.
The following is a great affirmative prayer that Pastor Joel uses in his worship services, asking all to repeat with him. Try it. You just might like the life it leads you to.
I am blessed, prosperous, redeemed, forgiven, talented, creative, confident, secure, disciplined, focused, prepared, qualified, motivated, valuable, free, determined, equipped, empowered, anointed, accepted, and approved.
Joel osteen
I am not average, not mediocre. I am a child of the Most High God.
I will become all I was created to be, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
This is just the first step along this portion of our journey.
As we further prepare to continue forward by strengthening ourselves from within, tomorrow we’ll take another stride in the affirmation process when you affirm to join us on the next edition of “Becoming Today”.
Becoming Today with Rochelle Jeanette 