Outrageous Affirmations -- Shout Them Out Loud!

Did you ever just want to shout your latest positive affirmation from the rooftops? Or do you keep the really good stuff to yourself? You know the ones I mean -- maybe they're just a little outrageous... "I am a gorgeous, lean charisma machine!" "I am abundantly wealthy with riches beyond my wildest imagination!" "I am filled to the brim with vibrant energy and enthusiasm for life!"

Sometimes it seems like we have a built-in governor on the things we're "allowed" to wish for, much less to pursue. And yet, who doesn't want to be attractive, abundant, and vibrant? So there's the rub. You want it, and yet at some level, it feels like those things are best left to others. Those who are, perhaps, naturally "lucky."

One day maybe the luck will rub off on you. You know, you'll win the lottery or something. Any excess weight will just fall off your body and your hair will miraculously turn the perfect shade of red. Then it won't be your "fault" you suddenly got rich or turned into a knockout. Somehow it just happened.

Just the other night, I spoke with a group of healthy living enthusiasts about how to adopt a resourceful state of being. "The first thing to remember," I said, "Is to picture, voice, and mentally create the result you want. It's so easy to get stuck in what we don't want instead, and that strategy usually backfires."

We went through a few exercises to cement the ideas, and then the meeting proceeded on to other matters. Up came "Sharon," to share about a great experience she'd just had at a holistic health retreat center. She'd lost a few pounds and was very enthusiastic about keeping up the exercise program she'd started while at the center.

"Come spring," Sharon shared a little hesitantly as she gestured to her torso, "Well, I'm not going to look like this anymore!"

It's so easy to do, isn't it? To focus on what you don't want. Sharon seemingly wanted to look more slender and trim, but she couldn't find the words to express it. Even after I asked, "So Sharon, thanks for indulging me. What ARE you going to look like?" Normally well-spoken, in that moment she was at a loss for words.

If this kind of thinking strikes a chord for you, perhaps it's the right time to re-learn some outdated beliefs. Start with these, then add on your own as they come up:

1. It's ok to want want you want. Really!

2. It's ok to pursue what you want. If it empowers and pleases you, and doesn't harm anyone else, then why would you NOT go after it?

3. It's ok to explore why you want what you want. Sharon wants to lose weight not just to have a particular number show on the scale, but because she wants to look differently. Once that's clear, she'll be more genuine and focused in her intentions.

4. Peace of mind is available to everyone, including you.

Having said all that, there are a few situations in which it really does pay to "keep your own counsel." When your dream is young and still a bit fragile, it probably won't help to voice it with those who are likely to be excessively critical. Find a receptive, supportive audience and start there. Remember to include that face that always looks back at you from the mirror.

Your commitment will be stronger in the face of an intention that matches what you really want than for a goal that "settles" for what you think you can get. Envision your desired result, and then shout it out loud!