I dwell in possibility. ~ Emily Dickinson

Most people who use affirmations do so to move from one way of being to another. Most people who stop using affirmations do so because they feel like frauds after a while. For an affirmation to carry power, you have to believe it is true for you.

I have had several private comments today about the affirmation I posted earlier, “Today I am going to be awesome.” The comments were all the same – It is a great concept but it should say, “I am awesome.” I can appreciate a positive affirmation if it is true, but what happens when it is not true? I am awesome except when I am not.

For the person trying to move forward from average to peak performance, there has to be room to forgive oneself when falling short so that you can happily pick up and begin again in each new moment. If there is no room for failure, there is little room for success. If you are constantly affirming, “I am awesome” and you continually fall short, it doesn’t take long for your real self-talk to become “who am I kidding?”
For the person who is feeling considerably less than awesome most of the time, being awesome in the moment is a huge blessing. Allowing room for failure gives one hope that they can choose again to be awesome in the next moment.

The person who believes the phrase “I Am Awesome” does not need affirmations about how awesome they are. And in truth, a truly awesome person exercises great humility about who they are and what they can do.

Today, I am going to be awesome. One moment at a time, and I am going to forgive myself when I fall short – and I will begin again.

Share the Wealth!

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