The Healing Power of Affirmations

Genuine Words of Affirmation

"I believe in you."

Harsh words and criticisms pollute the air.  All too often, criticisms are handed out freely and compliments are stingily withheld.   Spouses, parents and bosses seem to enjoy criticizing and pointing out mistakes.  Some say this is a way to make themselves feel better - noticing others faults.  This negative form of communicating is destructive and creates walls in relationships.  There is a better way to relate.  Giving a sincere compliment, noticing when someone does something well, are ways to build relationships. Too often we may admire someone, yet never tell them. 

We all want to know that we are valuable and good at things.  Hearing affirmations is empowering and healing. 

When you share a genuine compliment, walls come down, the relationship becomes a little closer and self confidence increases.  Friends, family and employees have an on going need for sincere verbal affirmation.  It is unrealistic to expect people to figure out that we appreciate them when we do not tell them in words.  Instead of being sparing in our compliments, perhaps we could adopt a philosophy of being generous in sharing genuine words of affirmation.

Today is the day you can begin to share words of appreciation.  You may not like everything about a person and they may not like everything about you.  However, every person has something about them to like.  I have created a list of 20 affirmation statements that show appreciation and bring encouragement: 

 

Thank you for taking the time.

I enjoy being with you.

You are right.

I am proud of you.

I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

I believe in you.

I appreciate all you do.

You are special to me.

I needed your help.

Together we can make it.

You are important to me.

Your smile is contagious.

You are a good listener.

I appreciate your honesty.

I admire you.

You are my hero.

That is a wise thing to say.

You bring my life meaning.

I am happy when I am with you.

I am glad you are in my life. 

To learn more about recovery or to make an appointment with Susan check out our website at www.stages2change.com

Three Benefits of Developing a Routine

Living a Structured Life 

Summer is over and the school year is beginning.  Parents are shopping for school supplies, considering what to put into lunchboxes and replacing last year's jeans.

The first day of school brings a new routine.

Children and parents are adjusting their lives to a new fall routine.  When a person enters a rehab - one of the first things they are hit with is a daily routine.  Gone are the days of leisurely sleeping in, lounging in pjs until mid-afternoon and watching late night television.  Specialists in recovery have learned that living a structured life brings order and aids recovery.  What are the benefits of having a routine in recovery?

Three benefits of developing a routine:

 

1. Relaxation - A routine teaches boundaries and encourages a simple and relaxed day.  Without a routine, lives are lived without boundaries.  Expectations are unclear. A routine organizes a day and brings a sense of accomplishment.

2.  Values - A routine promotes values. A structured day allows a person to plan and do the things each day that are important.  For example, scheduling a daily quiet time, walk around the block or time to read can promote the values of spirituality, exercise and intellectual stimulation.

3.  Peace - A routine provides peace. During times of drama, reverting to a familiar and comfortable routine will decrease stress. 

Whoever thinks a routine is boring or steals creativity has not experienced the benefits of a daily structure.  Creativity can flourish within a structured and routine life. 

"Idle time is the devil's workshop" is an old English proverb ("Hand-Book of Proverbs" by H.G. Bohn).  Idle time allows a person to imagine problems that may not exist.  When a mind is busy with projects at work or school it is occupied and there is less time to worry over problems.  A routine brings about a healthy and happy life through the predictable structure and daily accomplishment of valued activities.

www.stages2change.com