Creating An Affirmation Journal

What are affirmations? Affirmations are found when we ask ourselves, "What can I give myself credit for?" Some people have heard about gratitude journals and there is no doubt that keeping a gratitude journal is a powerful practice. Reflecting on what we appreciate in our lives makes us feel better! However, reflecting on what we appreciate about ourselves and our efforts makes us more confident and self-compassionate.

It is so important that we give ourselves credit for our efforts and not just outcomes, even when life is not going as we hoped.

Sometimes in therapy we encourage clients to keep a journal and list three affirmations a day. They can give themselves credit for holding the door open for someone at the coffee shop, for great parenting, or for a project done well at work. They could focus on self-care and give themselves credit for asserting themselves in some way, for example by NOT cleaning the house and relaxing instead, for taking the time to meditate, or for going for a walk to enjoy the fresh air. When people are stumped and cannot come up with an affirmation, their therapist might start with affirming that they showed up to therapy!

There is always something we can give ourselves credit for. By nature, we are like velcro for negative thoughts and it is so important to train our brain to turn towards more balanced thinking. Consider this permission to get yourself a nice journal and get started! Just like any practice, this skill will grow with time. You can use a point-form style to keep it simple, and remember to be self-compassionate if you miss a few days! You are likely to see your mood shift and your thoughts become more balanced as you develop a habit of affirmation journaling.

Start today – what can you pat yourself on the back for? (Reading this article can be your #1 today!)

Share this:

More Posts

Michelle Sorensen Blog

Building Resiliency: The Path To Living Well With Diabetes

Many people living with diabetes are frustrated by the amount of time they spend dealing with diabetes-related problems. And, of course, they have other problems in their lives unrelated to diabetes as well. Whether they pertain to relationship struggles, anxiety, depression or work stress, people with diabetes have the everyday struggles other people have, compounded by the difficulty of managing a chronic disease.

Resiliency Clinic

What to Expect From Therapy?

Many people are unsure about what to expect from therapy. Thoughts and expectations about the process can prevent people from reaching out, even when they really want support and help. In Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), we help people learn how to balance their thoughts so they can reduce negative moods like anxiety or fear. We can help you do that, too!

Resiliency Clinic - Michelle Sorensen, M. ED

CBT – What Is It Really About?

At Ottawa South Resiliency Clinic, we teach cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in both individual and group therapy sessions. It is a wonderful framework for understanding problems and working together as a team (client and therapist) to determine what to work on first.

2200 Prince of Wales Drive
Units #100 and #702

Ottawa, Ontario K2E 6Z9

We are located on Prince of Wales Drive, just south of Hunt Club Road. There is free and convenient parking behind the building, both in the parking lot and on O’Donnell Court.

2200 Prince of Wales Drive
Units #100 and #702

Ottawa, Ontario K2E 6Z9

We are located on Prince of Wales Drive, just south of Hunt Club Road. There is free and convenient parking behind the building, both in the parking lot and on O’Donnell Court.

Resiliency Clinic © 2020. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy