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The Power of Affirmations

Friday, Aug 21  •  

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Eating disorder recovery is a challenging process, emotionally, physically, and mentally. There will be times where you may feel like you are failing, however, learning to set good intentions followed by positive affirmations is a positive coping strategy that can help any individual overcome the patterns of negative thinking associated with eating disorders. 

An affirmation is a declaration that something is true. For an affirmation to be effective, it needs to be present-tense, positive, personal, and specific. Affirmations can be said throughout the day or throughout an activity. Repeating your chosen affirmations on a regular basis can help put an end to negative thinking and help you develop new strengths and a sense of self-worth. 

As explained by Tiffany Roe, therapist and speaker, “Self worth is practicing knowing you’re enough – inherently – not based on approval, validation, or external achievements. When we look for the external signs that we’re enough, we inevitably default to shame and scarcity because we believe we’re not. Our brain finds the reasons we’re not enough. Self-worth has to be you returning to you again and again.” 

Whenever you begin to fixate on the curves of your stomach, creases of your skin, and other perceived “flaws” that need to be tightened or toned, remember that you are not just a physical being. Instead, you’re a sum of experiences, character traits, and relationships that make you different from anyone else. A body is something you have. It can never define who you are. 

It is up to you to offer forgiveness, understanding, and self-compassion. It has to be you offering self-validation and mindful guidance. It is up to you to own your worthiness. 

Try practicing a few of the following affirmations throughout your day. At first, you may experience discomfort as your inner critic may cause some resistance to allowing these thoughts to resonate with your mind, body, and spirit. Keep practicing these affirmations until they become your new belief systems leading you to a new life filled with self-love and body positivity. 

Affirmation examples:

  • My happiness does not depend on my weight or size, but on who I am and what I do. 
  • I am a survivor and I am a warrior. I don’t need my eating disorder to be good enough. 
  • I am courageous and today I will stand up for myself. 
  • I will not define myself by my past. 
  • I say clearly and wholeheartedly my yes and no. 
  • There is a purpose and value to each day of my life. 
  • I am more than a number on the scale. 
  • I deserve love and respect as I am. 
  • I can become the person I want to be. 
  • I am healthy. 
  • I am enough. 
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