URBAN WELLNESS BLOG

Have you been working on your affirmation practice?

Last time we talked about affirmations, we went over what they are and how they help us. Here’s a quick review if you’re new to affirmations:

Affirmations are positive statements we affirm to ourselves (or others). This can be about any area of your life: work, self love, relationships, etc. These positive statements, when repeated regularly, can actually start to change your thinking. While before negative thoughts might have been repeated and affirmed in your mind, intentionally affirming those positive thoughts will help them take root! Affirmations help to: 

• Build confidence
• Motivate you to try new things
• Decrease negative self talk
• Increase positive thinking

When you use affirmations, don’t just say them once. And if you can, watch yourself saying them. Sit in front of a mirror and watch yourself as you affirm those positive thoughts. What does it feel like to see someone tell you these positive thoughts? How true do they feel? 

So why affirmations for vulnerability?

Being vulnerable takes an enormous amount of bravery. It is hard for everyone to be vulnerable, especially those who have some sort of relationship trauma. If you are not used to your vulnerability being met with respect and care, then the mere idea of allowing yourself to be emotionally vulnerable might make you anxious. 

But being vulnerable (being honest about how you’re feeling when you’re feeling it, asking for help, letting others know what care you need, being freely yourself without protective “walls,” etc.) is how we form strong relationships. Allowing others to see us for who we are, as well as letting them know what we need and want from them is scary but it’s what makes relationships strong. 

So today, we have 13 affirmations for welcoming vulnerability in those moments where it feels scary: 

1. I have the courage to be vulnerable.
2. Sharing my true self is brave and I’m proud of myself for my courage.
3. I am not needy, I have needs like everyone else. 
4. My needs deserve to be met as much as anyone else’s. 
5. My feelings matter, and those who care about me want to hear what they are. 
6. People love me even when I’m struggling, they won’t love me less for asking for help. 
7. I am proud of myself for sharing my true feelings even when it feels scary. 
8. I do not have to try to be perfect all of the time. 
9. If it’s important to me it’s worth sharing. 
10. I will find the love that is right for me by being my true self, not the version I think others want me to be. 
11. My discomfort deserves acknowledgement.
12. Sharing my feelings allows others to know me better, and in turn love me better. 
13. I am allowed to be flawed and worthy of care.