Positive reaffirmation: how to be yourself without hurting others

Positive reaffirmation is a psychological well-being exercise that we should all practice. There is nothing wrong with validating ourselves. No one should feel hurt or upset if we assertively defend our own rights. Likewise, few dimensions reinforce identity, motivation and self-confidence as much as reinforcing what we are and what we are worth.

All of us will agree on these dimensions. However, in a world that sometimes exceeds individualism, it is striking how Self-care is sometimes seen in a bad light. Hence, for example, someone who prioritizes himself in the midst of an adverse and dysfunctional family context is called “selfish.”

Therefore, It is always a good time to open our way without fear to the art of reaffirmation. Although it costs us at first, in the long term the benefit is noticeable. Far from seeming like a simple resource taken from personal growth manuals without much scientific basis, the truth is that there is great academic support behind it. We analyze it.

Keys to practicing positive reaffirmation

Positive reaffirmation is a strategy that is frequently used in psychological therapy. . It is a way to identify many of the negative messages we tell ourselves and change that internal speech. In this way, we can reduce rumination and stress processes (Koole et al., 1999; Wiesenfeld et al., 2001).

It is not enough to tell us that ““I am brave, I can do everything.”. This technique goes much further because it allows us to detect what is unhealthy or functional to activate other types of cognitive and behavioral responses. Research, such as those carried out at the University of Pennsylvania, indicates that reaffirmations activate brain reward systems.

That is, validating and reinforcing ourselves not only strengthens self-esteem, but also raises our perception of achievement. We feel more motivated to achieve things, to strive for what we want and desire. All of this undoubtedly shows us something undeniable. What we say to ourselves has an impact on the neurological universe.

Now, how can we put positive reaffirmation into practice in our daily lives? How to do it without others calling us individualists or selfish for choosing to validate ourselves? We analyze it.

I trust myself, I take other people’s proposals into account, but the last decision is always mine

Reaffirm ourselves to position ourselves in life. Make use of positive reaffirmation to strengthen self-confidence. Do you often practice these exercises? If not, it is time to do it without fear because to advance your daily life it is necessary to make good decisions and these require the power of self-confidence as a valuable ingredient.

In these complicated contexts, it is always good to take other people’s advice into account. Attend to all proposals, perspectives and suggestions. However, Nothing is as important as deciding for yourself where you want to go.. All of this is also self-affirmation.

Assertiveness to assert myself and communicate effectively

Kindness, openness, respect and courage. Assertiveness also combines that positive reaffirmation with which to protect your needs and values. before others.

In this way, the person skilled in this competence is able to express directly and adequately what he or she wants without resorting to aggressiveness. It is putting aside passivity to rise as protectors of our own essences.

Positive reaffirmation to remind me of all the good that surrounds me

In your life you have really valuable things. Extraordinary people live in your reality and you have unique treasures: good friends, partner, family, etc. Recognizing it is not for narcissists, it is for intelligent minds that know how to appreciate what is worth it. Likewise, there is another factor that you should consider.

Positive reaffirmation reminds you of all the magic you have in your life, but It also helps you clarify what is not beneficial, useful or satisfying to you.. Whenever you detect the latter, it is appropriate that you decide whether or not it is worth keeping it in your daily life.

In every circumstance and at every moment, I commit to taking care of myself

A positive reaffirmation is not about repeating to yourself phrases like “I free myself from negative thoughts to embrace happiness” or “I am better than anyone else and that is why I love myself.” We talk about going further; These ideas, while inspiring, are not always practical.

To have an impact on the neurological universe, self-affirmation must be useful and applicable to any circumstance.. For example, it requires us to think about the following: “On the journey of my life I will encounter complicated situations and moments of calm. Whatever the context that surrounds me, I trust myself and my resources. “I can’t always change my circumstances, but I can change the way I deal with them.”

That’s the key. Nurture confidence, nourish self-esteem at all times and treat yourself as the best of allies. Not like the worst enemy. Think about it, perspectives like these can bring you a lot of good.

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