Do you talk to yourself?
I do, usually to criticize myself. It’s second nature to point out everything I’ve done wrong, but telling myself something good? That’s uncharted territory.
For Day 1, I tried a mirror affirmation—a self-love practice where you look at yourself and say something kind. My affirmation? “Good job not f**ing up today.”*
It wasn’t fancy or poetic, but it felt real.
The Science Behind Affirmations
Affirmations work because they help rewire your brain. When you say something positive to yourself, it challenges the cycle of negative self-talk and strengthens your sense of self-worth. Here’s how:
- Interrupting Negativity: Speaking kind words can break the loop of self-criticism, even if only for a moment.
- Building Confidence: Affirmations activate the brain’s reward centers, giving you a small but important boost of feel-good chemicals.
- Enhancing Self-Recognition: Looking into your own eyes while speaking creates a powerful emotional connection, making the affirmation more impactful.
How It Felt
At first, it felt awkward—staring into my own eyes and saying something positive didn’t come naturally. But something shifted. Even though my affirmation had a sarcastic edge, it was oddly comforting. It reminded me that small victories, like not screwing up the day, are still worth acknowledging.
This wasn’t a groundbreaking moment, but it planted a seed. Maybe self-love isn’t about grand gestures. Maybe it’s about small, intentional acts of kindness toward yourself.
