Do Daily Affirmations Really Work?
It had been a quiet day, the same as most others, the house was clean, the family fed, my work, was almost complete (I still had to put Brooke to bed and do a final clean up of toys before going to bed myself). I headed out, as I often did, for an after dinner walk, alone. I’ve shared this story before, the story of how I started crying and couldn’t stop, of how that night changed my life in so many ways. That night, a wound that had been festering under the surface for most of my life, burst open. I could no longer ignore it, stuff it down, or pretend it didn’t exist. While it was terrifying to have all my demons burst forth at once, I was ready to heal, willing to change, and, luckily, had just started seeing a therapist.
I was one of those souls in need of love, a soul who felt broken, and so alone in my struggles. I was grateful to have found a therapist, grateful to unburden myself, to have someone listen, and be willing to help me heal. I was happy to pay a therapist, so I didn’t burden my friends with all my turmoil and suffering.
After my first visit with Dr. Jo, I purchased a dedicated journal in which I poured my heart, and begged for additional reading material, or anything else that might aid in my healing. Dr. Jo recommended the book, “You Can Heal your Life” by Louise Hay. It was a simple book, with the major focus being self affirmation and learning to love one’s self. Each chapter focused on a different element of our beings, offering an opportunity to reflect, reframe and identify affirmations designed to address core issues.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure whether these daily affirmations would work, but I said them morning and evening, along with my prayers and meditations. I made my own affirmation cards, and an affirmation vision board, opening my heart as best I could to learning to love my broken, battered self.
It’s now been ten years, and my life has changed immeasurably. I rarely do affirmations any more, I’ve come to feel comfortable in my own skin, I’ve learned to love and nurture myself, to find peace, gratitude and joy thanks to my daily affirmations.
This is not to say I don’t have bad days, that I don’t experience anger or hurt, because I’m like everyone else in that regard. The difference is, I now have the tools to work through issues that emerge. When darkness bubbles up, I make time for it, I’m patient with it. I let it show me what it came to teach me. And for this knowing, I am eternally grateful to my beloved Dr. Jo and to Louise Hay for helping me lay the ground work for the healthy life I live today (Louise Hay, 1946-2017).


Nina, thank you so much for sharing your journey! I believe affirmations totally work if you want them to. I was also blessed with 2 amazing therapists and one fantastic psychiatrist in my journey to healing. And I am grateful every day for the lessons I have learned along the way. Fabulous post!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
At the time, I felt so desperate–but I used affirmations to heal my life and to lose weight. In my opinion, they worked. They soothed me, and kept me on track. Hugs! Nina
What an amazingly lovely tribute! Am a strong believer in both affirmations and a daily listing of gratitude’s. They really help me focus on all that is right in life and maintaining focus on the positive has made a huge different in my general mental health and outlook. Thanks for sharing your personal story and for co-hosting this link-up.
Elizabeth | http://nattygal.com
[…] In addition to the link-up below, we are also linking up today with Northwest Mountain Living and Sharing a Journey! […]
[…] In addition to the link-up below, we are also linking up today with Northwest Mountain Living and Sharing a Journey! […]
Inspiring post Nina. I too have been a fan of Louise Hay and I am saddened to read of her death. Gratitude and affirmations certainly help to bring positivity into our lives.
Rosemary
http://www.distinctlysouthernstyle.com
Hi Nina, how wonderful that you are in a much better place. I do believe that our attitude and how we deal with things plays a big part in how we handle things. With age comes wisdom and confidence, or at least it has for me. I do think that affirmations work as they help the seed of positivity to sprout.
Popping over from the #weekendbloghop
I agree! Have been enjoying your blog hop!
I think affirmations help us show thanks – that’s still worthwhile!
https://lizziedailyblog.blogspot.co.uk/
I agree!
I think that Shelbee hit the nail on the head. You have to want them to work, and want to feel better. Although, wouldn’t everyone want to feel good about themselves??
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
For me, they worked, but a lot of people think they are nonsense. Maybe they already feel good enough they don’t need them.