Affirmations can be a great tool in our toolbox when fighting this disease of eating disorders. They can be used to motivate us, remind us that we are worth the struggle and of our successes, help us to stay the course, reaffirm our need for resilience and persistence and remind us that we ‘got this’. We can also use affirmations at any time no matter where we are or who we are with. We can silently speak our selected affirmations in our head as many times as we need to in order to calm ourselves down. If we are alone we can even say them out loud to ourselves. I have even spoken them to my dogs at times when I am really struggling. They listened and wagged their tails to let me know they heard me, though I doubt they actually understood. But that was okay because my mind/brain heard them. Affirmations ought to be short and easy to remember so you can use it whenever you need to. That is the joy of using affirmations.
Affirmations work because they help reshape your thought patterns, reinforce positive beliefs, and reduce negative self-talk. For affirmations to be most effective, they should be specific, believable, and emotionally meaningful to you. Repeating them with intention and visualization can further enhance their impact.
The brain can rewire itself based on repeated thoughts and experiences. When you consistently use affirmations, you strengthen neural pathways associated with positive thinking and self-belief. The brain filters information based on what you focus on. If you repeatedly affirm something (e.g., “I am confident”), your brain starts noticing opportunities and evidence that support this belief. Affirmations counteract negative self-talk and help reframe limiting beliefs. Over time, they can shift your internal dialogue from self-doubt to self-empowerment. Positive affirmations can put you in a constructive mindset, boosting motivation, resilience, and self-esteem. When you believe in your affirmations, you’re more likely to take actions that align with them, reinforcing the desired outcome.
If you are unable at this time to make your own affirmations you can google affirmations and more affirmations that you can remember will show up. Pick the ones that fit your situation you are struggling with to use. Since affirmations are one of the easiest tools to use that we can put in our toolbox, give them a try. It can only help you combat the negativity that tags along with our ED.
Here are some examples of affirmations you may want to try: “I am enough,” “I am valuable,” “I deserve happiness”, ”I am resilient,” “I am powerful,” “I can overcome anything”, “I am beautiful inside and out,” “I love and accept myself,” “I radiate positive energy”, “I am capable,” “I believe in myself,” “I am a leader”, “I am always learning and evolving,” “I embrace challenges,” “I am proud of my progress”.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I know and believe that those of us who suffer from an ED of any type can beat it. It is hard work and at times feels impossible; but I am sure it is a goal that is obtainable to all of you out there.
KEEP YOUR CHIN UP! Take baby steps towards your recovery, put one foot in front of the other and know, with a capital K, you CAN do it. Even if you can’t see it now, the world needs you!
Wings of Recovery 