Hey Think & Grow Chicks!Today is a quick post (well, "quick" for me...) where I'm sharing something I started up recently: affirmations.I got the idea to start saying morning affirmations at the beginning of this year to keep me focused on my goals, but as time went on, I kinda let them fall by the wayside.But now as I enter this season of stepping out of faith, pushing beyond my comfort zone, and truly going after my dreams, I realize how much mental junk I have threatening to hold me back!Just the other day, I was journaling in a free-write, "stream of consciousness" way after my morning prayer time and the craziest thing came up -- fear.As I was writing about all the big plans I have for my business in the next coming months and all the things I needed to do, out of nowhere I started writing about how my temptation to self-sabotage comes from a place of protection! All the irrational, self-defeating behaviors I am tempted to do every time I get close to my goal is actually my subconscious's way of trying to protect me. Through my most recent journaling session, I realized that somewhere in the back of my head, there is still a very real presence of fear.Fear that my upcoming event will flop.Fear that I will never be able to make enough money doing what I love.Fear that I don't really have what it takes.Fear that I will miss my purpose and end up living an average, unfulfilled life.When there is a part of you, however small, that believes all of the above fears are true, you'll find yourself doing crazy things to prevent yourself from making those fears come true.The sad part is you end up sabotaging yourself for no reason because all those fears swimming around in our heads are not true. They just aren't. We aren't protecting ourselves from something that is real, we are blocking our success for something that is false.So how do you beat a lie? Easy: with the truth. This is why I decided to get serious about saying affirmations everyday (in addition to praying and reading scripture). I want to fortify my mind with the truth!To me, that's all an affirmation is (or at least should be): a compelling statement of truth. I know a lot of people say affirmations to force "the universe" to give them everything they want in life but I think this is incorrect. I don't say affirmations to force my will because I know that God is both the creator and controller of the universe. Whether I like it or not, all things operate according to His will. (Lamentations 3:37)Instead, I say affirmations to remind me of the truth because it is the truth, and the truth only, that sets me free! When you believe something is true, you live you life according to that belief. If you believe lies -- I'm not good enough, I can't do it, I have no purpose, I'm ugly, my life sucks, no one really loves me -- then you will live a lie.Yet if you believe the truth...

My Daily Affirmations

The following are affirmations I now say daily to remind myself of my purpose.Most I came up with on my own, a few I borrowed, but all of them speak to life areas that I struggle with or I'm susceptible to feeling insecure about. I don't know about you, but everyday I'm tempted to believe (and thus live) a lie. The following statement remind me of the truth so I can go after my dreams without fear:

1. This day is my day. I am in control and there is nothing that will overwhelm me. God has given me all that I need, this day, to accomplish what is set before me.
2. I am capable.
3. I expect to succeed.
4. I am an excellent wife.
5. I am beautiful. I am blessed with the way I look. What I look like today is fine. I am beautiful today, just as I was yesterday.
6. I am healthy and mindful of what I eat. I take care of my body.
7. I do not fear this world. I am a believer in the one true God. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
8. I am uniquely equipped and gifted for my mission. God will lead me and supply the increase. I choose to acknowledge and follow Him.
9. I am grateful for my husband. He is an amazing, supportive man. It is my joy to serve him.
10. My home is my sanctuary. I enjoy the freedom and peace of mind my clean house provides me. It is not a burden to clean.
11. I am a creative force to be reckoned with. I have immense talent and ability to create marvelous, unique works that inspire others.
12. I am an artist. I have a creative mind. I see things in a unique way.
13. I am smart, savvy, and possess the skills others seek.
14. I am a disciplined, powerfully effective woman. I make the most of my time.
15. I strive for excellence in all that I do. Because my work is excellent, it is valuable. People acknowledge the value of my work by freely paying what it is worth.
16. I am on this earth to serve God and to serve others. Life is not all about me.
17. I am a generous person. I give my time, talent, and treasure freely. I am uniquely purposed to meet the needs of others and I thank God for the opportunity.
18. I TAKE ACTION NOW!

Feel free to borrow, modify, or otherwise use these to speak some truth in your life!