When we examine Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs we see Self-Actualization at the top of the pyramid. The level is where we discover who we are, the role we play in the universe, and our personal power derived from it. Self-Affirmation is a tool that we use to help us reach a personal position.
Self-Affirmation is defined as Something declared to be true; a positive statement or judgment.
Consider practicing the following:
- Affirm life in your thoughts and your words. (To affirm life is to build up, to nurture, to support, and to bless)
- Refuse to gossip. Commit to saying only words that are uplifting or helpful to others.
- Refuse to listen to gossip. Compassionately tell others it is beneath them to gossip.
- Refuse to indulge in complaining about another person.
- Refuse to dwell on self-critical thoughts. Learn from mistakes and move on.
- Intentionally look for positive qualities to think about yourself. Make a list often.
- Intentionally look for positive qualities in others. Tell them.
- Don’t take the words of others personally. Their words are more about them than about you. Let go of your grudges and your hurts and wish others well. This practice will make you happier.
- Do not allow negative emotions to control you. Accept it. Be willing to let it go. Stop feeding it with negative words. Choose words that will refocus you on who you are and what you want.
Gossip and complaining are distractions and misuse of your energy. Decide what you want and apply your energy to it. As you become more life-affirming in your thoughts and words you will experience more joy and success, and your sense of well-being will affect others. More people will trust you and want to help you. Your life will change. Affirm life with your thoughts and words and you will find that your organization, your family, your community, and you will benefit greatly.
When we work through the process and begin to see our power forming it will encourage us to be more self-affirming. This will in turn increase our power and once again deepen our self-affirmation. You can see how these will play off each other as perfect partners.
I hope you find your way on this journey of claiming who you are intended to be. This new understanding will assist in affirming your greatness from which you will derive power.
Robert Pardon
Robert is the Recovery Guy. Getting clean and sober on April 25, 1986 has given me the insight and practical skill set to not only stay sober, but to also re-invent myself to the person I always wanted to become. Showing others how to do this is my life goal.
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