The power of affirmations

A few days ago I subscribed to a blog which has spirituality and women at the core of its writings and features. It promotes itself as seeking to “equip women on a mission to build unstoppable momentum, become spiritually confident and to never feel alone on the journey.” This is quite an ambitious mission statement. And one which, if achieved, could help support women to achieve their goals. After signing up I received an email welcoming me to the ‘tribe’. The introductory email also offered one of the brand’s phone wallpapers. The standard wallpaper on my phone since time immemorial has been family photos. The specific photo changes every few months but it is always of the family. The idea that I should change to something else gripped me with a familiar dread. The same kind I felt years ago when forced to give up my old and cracked but faithful BlackBerry. Nonetheless, I rose to the occasion and changed my screen’s wallpaper. Now when I unlock my phone I see words of inspiration versus the bright faces of my children and husband. Two days after making the switch I started questioning my rationale for keeping the new wallpaper. While I am one for a good quote, the constant reminder felt a bit much. Then I remembered that life brings forth good days and ones that crush the soul and cripple the spirit. It is for those days that make smiling hard that the wallpaper is important. I know I am not the only one who wakes up some mornings and just want to pull the covers a little tighter? As an entrepreneur I have certain luxuries. I can choose to sleep a little longer, can periodically work from my bedroom and can sometimes even take unplanned holidays. But there comes a point when one has to surface. Yes there isn’t a boss to whom I am answerable and yes I can refer clients to another agent. What though do I tell myself when my earnings fall and my brand loses its credibility? What do I say to myself when I look in the mirror and my targets are only 35 per cent met? This is when reminders such as the less-than-subtle message on my phone become important. These affirmations act as a nudge on days when doubts kick in and procrastination seems set to form part of my DNA. I can imagine my grandmother rolling her eyes if she ever saw my new phone wallpaper. I can hear her words in my mind, “Natalie, you are a Jamaican and we pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps. We get up every day and do what is necessary”. I am sure that in her mind, poverty and ten children never stopped her from fulfilling her duties – all without the help of motivational quotes and affirmations. So how could I, or other women, ever see the need for that extra push and especially from words on a phone screen? For this I do not have an answer. But I know that affirmations have a place; they often provide inspiration and motivation. These drops of well written wisdom can bring light and understanding to readers. As a friend once said, “Affirmations form a part of my life because they awaken hope. They inspire an inner strength in the core of my being. They remind me why I am alive and how powerful I can be. If my inner strength and energies are channeled in the right direction I am unstoppable.” Life is known for throwing curve balls. It takes its toll and until a magical utopia becomes a reality we all need coping mechanisms. For some of us, the crutch comes from our church, for others it is exercise and social groups. For a growing number it is affirmations and quotes. Whatever it is, let us lean into the crutch and beat the blues while we thrive to build and enjoy audacious lives. My new phone wallpaper reads, “Get up, Dress up, SHOW UP and Never Give Up” The writer is a development consultant as well as owner and operator of Forrest Jackson Relocation Services.

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The power of affirmations