Positive Affirmations

I was first introduced to positive affirmations back in 2011 during my training at CSNN (Canadian School of Natural Nutrition). We were doing a mental health unit at the time and given a list of book titles, one of which was written by motivation author Louise Hay.  Louise Hay believes in the power to heal yourself with different techniques to interrupt your negative thoughts/feelings and change your thought patterns.

Personally I've always been a "worrier." I seem to always be talking myself into a stressful state-of-mind and recently I've noticed the effects it's had on my health. Now attempting to reduce the stress I've  started to use positive affirmations! I've heard about writing them on post-it notes and sticking them all over the mirror at home but I'm not home that often and post-it notes falling down everywhere would drive me crazy!. So what I've done is printed of a list of positive affirmations, cut them out, folded them small and put them into a little jar. I just love it! Every morning when I get in I start the day off on a positive note (literally!) and if I ever feel down it's a great little pick-me-up!  

Some of Louise Hay's Positive Affirmations: 

 -I am in harmony with all of the people, places and things that surround me in this world. I am at peace.

 -I cannot learn other people’s lessons for them. They must do the work themselves, and they will do the work when they are ready.

-I love myself, therefore, I behave in a loving way to all people for I know that that which I give out returns to me multiplied.

-Today is a very exciting time in my life. I am on a wonderful adventure and will never go through this particular experience again.

-I only attract loving people in my world for they are a mirror of what I am.

-I am open and receptive to all the good and abundance in the Universe.

-Today is a delightful day. Money comes to me in expected and unexpected ways.

-I lovingly do everything I can to assist my body in maintaining perfect health

-I choose to believe that it is easy to change a thought or a pattern.               

-I am willing to learn something new everyday                               

-I love stretching my mind, thinking of the highest good imaginable          

-I ask for help. I tell life what I want, and then I allow it to happen.      

*Click HERE for Louis Hay's daily affirmation

The Positive effects of Positive Affirmations:

-Reduced stress

-Improved mood

-Strengthened will-power

-Increased drive and motivation

Personal Power

It took a lot of personal power today to get back on track with my commitment to a healthy lifestyle (Oh boy!). I had to resist the temptation of devouring my whole day’s worth of food, for work, before I even got into my work day!

Last Spring was the healthiest (and happiest) time of my life and I wanted to get back to that place... that sweet spot. The health streak of spring '12 ended abruptly when we went on a two week summer vacation... followed by months of packing the house up for our big house move (took forever due to OCD tendencies). After we moved in, the unpacking and decorate of our new place dragged on (it's 2x the size!). By the time the move quieted down I found myself in the heat of a busy holiday season (and waaaay behind on all my seasonal to-do list!). 

The holiday season was packed full of unhealthy choices which resulted in: regret and self induced stress. On Boxing Day we went to the mall just to take advantage of some sales but something happened. From somewhere deep inside a little voice spoke up. That, seemingly, long ago voice that said "think of your health" and "remember that feeling!" I ended up spending all my Christmas money on: a gym membership, sessions with a trainer and gym clothes/accessories (e.g, gym bag, goggles, etc). 

That voice has always been there but it seemed to be quieted by the consumption of refined carbohydrates and binge eating of sweets. I was a couch potato and my mentality was "it tastes good so I'm going to eat it" and even when I got the idea of switching up my diet I always willingly gave away the proxy of my health to those I ate with. 

Starting in January (and giving it my all) I hated the idea of being considered part of the "new years resolution" crowd and the threat of failure loomed over me like a grey cloud in the beginning days. Now at the very end of February I'm confident about the extent of my commitment (running to the gym 5/7 days a week) but I had a hiccup mentally just earlier this week. 

It's my hope that documenting/tracking my successes and failures will allow me to grow and stay focused on my healthy lifestyle. When my hormones and the “input of others” pushes on me... I need to stay strong... I NEED to do this! 

- Posted on the go