The way you talk to yourself has power. Our brains can often mistake thoughts for reality, so if you spend your day being self-critical, it can leave you feeling as though you’ve been criticised by someone in real life. Luckily, the opposite also holds true. Repeating positive words can improve your mood, helping you feel a little more hopeful that things can get better. Positive affirmations have become a popular tool for self-improvement, with many people repeating phrases that resonate with them and their goals every morning and night.
If you’ve ever told yourself, “I can do this” before a job interview or big date, you’ve already used an affirmation. Repeating positive statements can encourage confidence and create a more balanced state of mind. If you struggle to say them out loud, you may want to try creating some affirmation cards. I made these while I was in hotel quarantine over Christmas and New Year’s in 2020. At the time, spending 14 days in isolation was a requirement to get into a Covid-free Australia. I was feeling lonely and lost, but wanted to focus on the things I had to look forward to – a whole summer in Sydney with friends and family I hadn’t seen in far too long.
These cards allowed me to tap into feelings that I had forgotten but really needed – freedom, possibility and the certainty that my isolation would end. Now, I can look at these cards and instantly be transported. The Here card captures the way time stops when you’re swimming in the ocean, the Free card takes me to the blue skies of Sydney. No matter where I am, these cards remind me of my resilience and ability to survive challenging situations. Here’s how you can make your own set of affirmation cards to help you access the power of your thoughts.
1. Gather materials
You’ll need plain paper, scissors, glue and old magazines or photos. If you don’t have any magazines, you can usually find some in your local charity shop. Paper from a plain notebook makes a great base, just cut the pages into a size that feels good in the palm of your hand.
2. Make mindful choices
Set the scene by lighting a candle and playing your favourite music. Take some deep breaths to bring yourself into the present moment, or try a short meditation to clear your mind. Once you feel grounded, flick through magazine pages and cut out anything you’re drawn to – words or images.
3. Create your collage
Group the images and words together in a way that feels right for you. I used the central word as a guide, then picked images that aligned with that emotion or idea. Take note of how colours make you feel, or what the words make you think of. You can create as many or as few cards as you like.
4. Shuffle and select
Now your cards are ready to be used. Select one with an emotion that you’d like to call in, or shuffle them and see what comes up. Place the card somewhere you’ll see it regularly, like on your desk or dresser. Affirmations work best as “I am,” statements. So “I am free,” or “I can imagine possibilities.” Say the affirmation out loud, or just quietly connect with the feeling. Even if you’re very far from that reality, repeating these words can trick your brain into thinking you really feel that way.
5. Journal and reflect
Make note of your reaction to the card each time you pull it. Do you feel resistance? Is it easy to connect to this emotion? Use a journal to track your thoughts and feelings – what do you associate with the card? Is it different to when you made it, or how you feel now? Keep coming back, and seeing how you grow and change with the cards. And feel free to repeat the process of creating cards whenever you feel like it.
If you’d like to try daily affirmations, you can find some in our gratitude journals. For more ideas on finding balance, you may want to try a wellness journal.
