Part 4: Create a Helpful Environment

These nice things are called affirmations. What you say to yourself is powerful. You may not strongly believe it at first, but keep going.

1. State your affirmation in the present tense.

2. Say what you want, rather than what you don’t want.

3. Include feeling words that add positive emotion.

4. Be specific about what you want, rather than being vague.

5. Make the words simple and easy to remember.

Here are a few ideas.

•  I am special and unique.

•  I am proud to be me.

•  I take care of my body.

•  I trust myself.

•  I am thankful for my life.

•  I love to play and have fun.

•  I am a good friend.

•  I love to learn.

•  I am courageous.

•  I am lovable.

•  I am gentle and strong.

•  I am learning from this experience.

•  I choose to respect myself.

•  I choose to be in control.

•  I am in control of many things, but not all things.

Start today. Choose one or two affirmations. Write this statement on a sticky note and put it where you will see it, like the bathroom mirror or on your computer monitor. Say it out loud or repeat it silently to yourself.

The Poisoned Parrot

Imagine you have a parrot. This parrot repeats everything you say about yourself, over and over again. It comments on your life, especially the things that go wrong.

For example, you come home with several bags of treats and soda. The parrot squawks, “There you go again. You’re never going to lose weight. You could have made a list, but you didn’t. You keep saying you’re going to change, but you aren’t. You’re never going to change your habits.”

How do you feel? How long would you put up with this parrot? Don’t put up with a bully in your head. Notice this “parrot” and cover the cage.