For Mental Health Awareness Month I am taking a little more time to focus directly on the mental health of people. In the black community, mental health is one of the biggest things we do not discuss and probably because we all feel we are going through our own things and it would be a burden to take on anyone elses. So in those times when you can’t find someone to talk to, or can’t make it to therapy IF you have one. Affirmations are a great way to help ease your mind and try to regain your power.
I truly feel life will never be completely blue skies, but if you’re prepared for the storms it can make them a lot easier to get through. But some storms can last longer than others and the one’s that pertain to how you see yourself can take a huge toll on your life and health. Your self-esteem should always be high. I could care less what society tells you to be. But when it comes to how you view yourself, the last thing I feel you need to be is humble. Having a high self-esteem can allow you to do things that many will say is undoable, but will be the one’s on the sidelines saying that was, UNBELIEVABLE!
But having low self-esteem can do the complete opposite. Low self-esteem can have you falling short on completing task, passing up amazing opportunities because you feel you aren’t qualified, or don’t deserve them, plus can actually take a toll on your physical health. To boost your self-esteem, affirmations can be used to give yourself that encourage that you need to slowly get YOU back on track. A simple “My life is a blessing” stated each morning can be that little phrase that starts your day off in a positive light. Or “I am attracting positive healing energy to myself” can be phrase used throughout the day when sometimes things just doesn’t feel to be going your way.
I will never forget that when I was 15 years old. My mom had to take me to get my learners permit and I was on my THIRD TRY with taking the test. Honestly, I knew all the information, but I have never been a very good test taker, but could tell you every rule when driver. Also, I knew how to drive, but that TEST a whole different thing for me. It wasn’t a steering wheel, it wasn’t a break, or accelerator, I’m sitting down and being asked questions that looked like Arabic when trying to interpret the situation.
Before taking the test this time my mom stated to me to repeat this:
I’m glad that you’re here.
I’m glad that I’m here.
I know what I know.
And I can do this.
I swear I looked at her like she was crazy, but I promise you! My mom has the patience of an angel and just smiled and told me to repeat after her. I looked down like whatever (like many all knowing teens) and started stating the info. At the time, I felt nothing, but when they called me to take that test and sat by myself…. I felt I needed all the help possible at that point. At that moment as my nerves got the best of me and self doubt as I have already fail the test twice (and it isn’t like they give you the same questions), I took it serious. Closed my eyes, took a deep breath and state:
I’m glad that you’re here.
I’m glad that I’m here.
I know what I know.
And I can do this.
3X to myself. One thing, I promise you, that I instantly noticed was that my heart felt to be beating slower, my focus came clearer and my confidence was higher. At that point, I took the test and completed it and scored in the 90’s. In those days they actually printed your learners permit on the spot and it was nothing like walking out of there and people seeing your face lighting up and asking, “Did you pass?!” and being able to reply, YEAH and showing your horribly lit learners pic to people. LOL!
Affirmations aren’t gonna make everything in the world better, but like in my situation. It can help you refocus, help to you understand your power and face your problems head first so that you can continue to live your life the way you need to to succeed in it.
If you need to boost your self-esteem, remember a few of these affirmations:
