‘I’m not this’, ‘I’m not that’ . We all have that negative voice, our mean girl, in our head who consistently tries to pull us down. She eats away at our self-confidence and prevents us from moving forward in our life. I’ve written often about the ‘mean girl’ who tries to take over the conversation in our heads, so I was interested to learn of ‘I Am’ statements as a way to combat negative thoughts.
I first discovered ‘I Am’ statements through Strong Healthy Women. Each week our workouts are based around an ‘I Am’ affirmation. For example, ‘I Am Strong’, ‘I Am Alive’, ‘I Am Encouraged’. We reflect on the weekly affirmation during and at the end of each workout to remind ourselves that we are capable, strong and beautiful women.
I’ve become a fan of podcasts especially when I’m driving long distances. This week I listened to the ‘YourCreativeChord’ podcast. Host Jenny Leigh Hodgins was discussing the topic of ‘How to Show Up Consistently for Yourself’ with her guest, empowerment coach, Kimberley Wiggins from Inspired Women Amazing Lives. You can listen to the full podcast HERE.
At the end of the podcast, Jenny asked Kimberley for her Action Tip. I’ve chosen this tip to be the Focus of the Week in the Women Living Well After 50 Facebook Group. Kimberley’s Action Tip was:
Start believing in your ‘I Am’, start walking your ‘I Am’ and start making ‘I Am’ statements.
So what does this mean?
Creating your ‘I AM’ statements
Basically, whenever your mean girl mind is being negative and telling you that ‘you aren’t…..‘ you turn the thought around and make it an ‘I Am’ statement. For example:
- ‘You AREN’T good enough’ becomes ‘I am good enough’
- ‘You AREN’T capable of achieving that’ becomes ‘I have the experience, I have the ability therefore I AM capable of achieving my goal.
Once you start creating these ‘I Am’ statements, use these powerful affirmations daily to walk the talk. Your confidence will increase and you will start moving forward in life.
For me, the next logical step is to follow on from ‘I Am’ and add ‘I Can’ statements. ‘I Can’ statements combat the negative thoughts and energy that comes from our limiting beliefs. Limiting beliefs are so difficult to overcome. Many have been formed over a long period of time and are ingrained in our mindset. I know from experience how difficult it is to develop ‘I AM’ and ‘I CAN’ statements.
My own experience
A few weeks ago, I took the plunge to change my branding, website and start a YouTube channel. I also have plans for a Podcast in the near future. I have been thinking about this for several months and finally decided to take the plunge. I received positive feedback when I discussed my plans with close friends. However, there were a couple of ‘negative Nellies’ who suggested it would all be too hard.
It was easy to allow the negativity to overshadow the positive. Combine this with my own self-doubt could have made me stop before I had even begun. But….. I turned the negatives around.
A negative comment of why I shouldn’t do it, was replaced with a positive of why I should. I took a leap of faith, held my breath and just did it! Which also happens to be the way Jenny and Kimberely approach their goals.
As Jenny said:
When I’m feeling blocked and listening to negative self-talk, I envision a STOP sign. I take action to overcome worry and negative thinking. I do things!
Jenny Leigh Hodgins
And what happened when I just did it? The world didn’t end. I’ve received so many positive comments and support for my idea. I am energised, enthusiastic and happy because I’m working on something that I’m enjoying and actually love. Isn’t that all that matters?
Surrounding myself with positive energy
Through the Conversations with Women Living Well After 50 YouTube series, I’m connecting with inspiring, energetic Women Over 50 who are going for it and feeding from their positive energy. I’m challenging myself. I’m broadening my thinking as I learn the technical side of video production. I’m finding interesting topics to discuss and scheduling times when the person I am interviewing lives in another Time Zone.
Sure, I can certainly improve on the technical side and I’m still learning . BUT and the big BUT is that I AM loving the process. I AM growing as a person and with each episode, my self-confidence is building.
Do you have some ‘I’m not’ thoughts going through your mind? Can you reframe them to become ‘I AM’ statements? Will you start walking the ‘I AM’ path to achieve your dream life?
Come join us in the Women Living Well After 50 Facebook Group. We can focus on Walking the ‘I AM‘ path together.
14 Comments
Hi, Sue – “I am” truly are two very powerful words. Similar to “I’m not” is it’s sibling, “I can’t.” That voice tried to pop up numerous times today on a challenging hike. If I had given in to that voice and chosen an easier route or ended early, I would have missed five very stunning waterfalls. And, I’m still alive. So once again, that voice was wrong!
Well done you, Donna! It can be so easy to give in but you stayed the course and was rewarded with the stunning waterfalls. xx
I love the sibling comment! Nice.
Hi Sue – I love that you’re loving what you’re doing and that you’re so enthused and engergized by it. I think a lot of the “Negative Nellies” in the world are threatened by the success of others and put their own fears onto you if they can. They are also often the out-loud voice of what our own negative self talk is saying inside our heads. Replacing that with a positive can-do approach is what separates the achievers from the rest of the pack – and you’re certainly proving that! x
Thanks BBB, I am feeling re-energised and if others are being inspired then that is great too! xx
You are doing a great job Sue and your enthusiasm and can-do attitude shines through! Keep moving onwards and upwards as you have so much to offer. I can’t imagine all the technical stuff you’ve had to learn but applaud you for doing so and ignoring that voice in your head and the Negative Nellies along the way. I am is a great way to start a sentence and I look forward to the focus during the week ahead. xx
Good for you. And congrats on the evolution. #Lifethisweek
Hi Sue, I’m glad you chose to follow your passion. Proof that you chose right is that what you’re doing energizes you and makes you feel happy. I’m in the camp of “just do it” to try new things and stretch myself. #lifethisweek
Thanks for sharing this post. I may be able to apply it to some situations in my life. I can appreciate the challenges of getting used to using technology. Good for you for taking that on and following through with your dream. Blessings, Michele
I AM looking on at what you’re achieving with wonder. I’m struggling a tad with getting past some limiting beliefs at present so this resonates with me.
What a positive message for women. Loved this post! I need to focus more on the positives in life right now. We benefit no one when we make ourselves small in purpose. Thanks for this good reminder to be our best selves and not limit ourselves.
Well done Sue in ignoring the ‘negative nellys’ I’ve been coming up against them and ignoring them for most of my life. Lots to like about this pist
Sue, I am learning more and more how self talk sneaks into my day and affects everything I do. Your “I Am” affirmations are powerful. I had not given this much thought until now. Unfortunately, I have a couple of ‘negative Nellies’ and I try to minimize contact with them, which is sometimes impossible.
You are an amazing goal setter and very inspirational, Sue. I have said this before and I mean it! You walk the talk and you share your wisdom. Thank you! xx
Woah…as I read the comments…this is awesome. Well-done on your turnaround Sue.
Thank you for sharing your post for the link up #lifethisweek Next Week, the optional prompt is #selfcare. Come on over and join in with a post old or new. Warm wishes, Denyse.