On Friday morning, I sent Takia an email congratulating her on all the work she did for the Well City Challenge. Although she did not win the judges pick, there was still so much I wanted her to acknowledge and celebrate including the creation of Strides, energizing the City Fit Girls community, and conquering fears of being in the spotlight. Not to mention, she's still in the running for the People's Choice Award for
$7,500.
Later that day, I read the email to my therapist and she replied, "way to affirm her!". I didn't realize that's what I was doing but hearing those words put a lot into perspective for me.
Why did I feel so good about rooting for Takia and her accomplishments but I'm normally much harder on myself in similar situations?
, do you find yourself rooting for others more than you root for yourself? You send encouraging messages if your friend is bummed or feeling down about something but would fill your own mind with negative thoughts if the same scenario happened to you?
You're not alone. I don't spend nearly as much time affirming myself the way I do others and I want to change that.
What would it mean to affirm yourself, ? If you're unsure, start by listing out all the ways you are powerful, creative, strong, adaptable, courageous, etc. - giving specific details and believing what you are writing. When it comes to saying kind things about ourselves we don't believe them. Let's change that starting this week.
If you're up to it, pick a situation or challenge that you overcame recently (or whenever) and write a letter affirming yourself and the actions you took before, during, and after. Use this affirmation resource as a guide if needed, and feel free to send me a note if you plan to do this with me!
