What is at the heart of affirmations?  Why do we practice them?  We do it because it brings us strength.  Whenever I feel discouraged, I look at my strengths.  This allows me to turn discouragement into hope and to keep focused on my goals.  I know that I am a kind and caring person.  There are things I'm not so good at, but I work on those all the time.  I always want to grow and learn no matter what age I am. 

What do you see when you look at your strengths?  Are you really smart?  Do you tell a good joke?  Can you persevere when things are rough?  Think about all the things you know about yourself and you will find some wonderful qualities.  I realize that it's easy to get into a pattern of finding fault.  If you have trouble thinking of good things about yourself, just go through the list (smart, funny, focused, etc.).  Be objective and look at yourself as if you were outside looking in.  Challenge those negative statements we all have a tendency to tell ourselves. 

One good tool that I have found to work with affirmations is to spend a little time just going over my strengths and forget about the flaws.  There surely are a few things you can list that you are proud about yourself.  Did you overcome a bad situation?  Are you kind to others?  Have you been a role model for someone?  Make this list and read it every day.  Keep adding to it.  Put it where you will see it on a daily basis. 

Refuse to let negativity take hold in your life.  Things that happened in the past made you who you are.  There are things we all wish we didn't have to go through.  However, those things should not rule you now.  If you had a bad marriage, that does not mean no one will ever love you.  If you get into that negative state of mind, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.  So things didn't go so well, but there were good things you added to that other person's life.  Give yourself credit for that.  You may have things you need to work on, but then we all do.  Your abilities deserve praise. 

Affirmations build your inner strength.  That strength comes from the heart.  You need to do something good for yourself every day.  After awhile, it becomes a habit and you will be stronger as you grow. 

Jack Canfield, Co-Creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series said:  “You can invest the next 30-40 years searching for answers or can buy this book now."  You will see why Jack made such a powerful statement by going HERE.