Why You Need an Affirmation Journal

So when I was going through some personal issues a few years back, I decided to start reading a book called You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. Apparently this book is famous now, but when I read it, it was still new on the shelves.

When I read this book, it mentioned a few things that have stuck with me that I still apply to this day. This is not just some weird self-help book through. I like to call it a motivational read with a side of a kick-in-the-ass. And it was just what I needed.

Two things stuck with me. 1) If you put it in the universe and view it as already happened then it will manifest itself and 2) affirmations help.

For the 1st point, the book mentioned if you want something to happen or you want to accomplish something, put something into your brain and to make it real and envision it already happening. It is as if you are telling the universe in advance that this is what you want and that you will do anything to make it happen. I have done this a few times and it has worked every time. I still do it and I know that it might take a while to manifest itself, but with my drive and determination it will become true. Sometimes it has taken longer than I wanted, but my dream or my goal was finally accomplished because I helped it manifest by envisioning what it would be like when it happens for real.

My 2nd point about affirmations actually came from the theme of the book about how you are a badass. First of all what is an affirmation?

So an affirmation is to tell yourself something that you believe is true or need to be true. Such affirmations are little pick-me-ups or motivation to believe something positive about yourself. Therapists and motivational coaches recommend having a select few that you tell yourself on a daily basis. And here is the reason why…

The brain is a powerful thing.

Over time if someone was to be told every single day that they were dumb and ugly, over time they would start to believe it. After constantly hearing something over and over, the brain becomes convinced that it is true and it is hard to believe anything different afterwards. But reverse the circumstance, change those nasty words into a positive affirmation and the brain will eventually have no choice but to believe what you tell it. Over time, those simple words become pure truth and fact. Even if you don’t believe what you say or write at first, repetition will be the key to making your own truths and facts.

I have recently started a mental health journal. I love to write and find it cathartic but I felt that this was a way to document my thoughts, feelings, tips from my therapist, points I want to remember when I feel “triggered,” but I also write down personal affirmations for myself. Sometimes I even write the same one multiple times on different pages. I have heard that writing things down in repetition actually helps the brain to commit it to memory. So when I keep writing down my affirmations in my journal, not only are they committed to memory but my brain will start to remember it as fact and my new truth.

Everyone can benefit from an affirmation journal. Whether small, pocket-sized or large, whatever suits you and makes you feel fuzzy on the inside, is the way to create more happiness in your life.