Sticks and stones may break bones but words will never hurt. We all know that isn’t true. Words do a lot of damage. They can stir anger, create conflict, shatter dreams, distort truth. We can be our own worst critics casting doubt, skepticism, and mistrust crushing our own spirits. A positive and encouraging mindset can also go along way. It can turn away anger, spread good, build others up, bestow grace, be comforting, and heal. For this challenge rewrite your own narrative locking in positive affirmations and encouragement. Place it on a post-it for someone else to read. Shift the narrative through positive phrasing to change attitude and save souls. When it feels right, talk about it the hard topics.

Positive Affirmations Phrases

Be genuine

For Validation: “Feeling scared is okay”, “Being powerless is hard”, “I can feel upset”, “It’s okay to cry”, “I didn’t want this to happen, but I can do hard things”, “Everyone has big feelings sometimes”, “You can feel two emotions at once”, “Time heals pain”, “I can cry and still go on with my day”

For Confidence: “You can do it”, “You are good enough”, “You’re ready for this”, “You’re smart”, “Break a leg”, “Give it a try”, “Little accomplishments are a big deal”, “Your effort is amazing”, “Nothing is impossible”, “It’s better to be prepared, we’ll prepare as best we can”

For Appearance: “You’re beautiful”, “Love yourself”, “Fly like butterflies”, “Be kind”

For Accomplishments: “Be proud of that”, “It was needed”, “Celebrate that win”, “Don’t give up”, “Hard work pays off”, “That was brave”, “Accomplishments take time and that’s okay”, “You are valued”, “Work ethic goes far”

For Limitations: "Never too old to try”, “We all deserve happiness”, “Just Believe”, “Keep at it”, “Hang in there”, “You’re stronger than you think”, “Good luck today”, “The more you know, keep learning”, “Rise above”, “Choose not to fail”, “Believe in yourself”, “I don’t have all the answers”

For Purpose: “Life has a meaning”, “Be inspirational!”, “So much to be thankful for”, “Perseverance and resilience to come”, “There are people out there who care”

For Talent: “Invest in yourself, “Show talent”,

For Optimism: “Choose good”, “Think about it”, “Make a difference”, “I’m rooting for you”, “I will get through it”, “I will get through this too”, “There are people who will help, like family and friends”

For Thanks: “Thanks for doing that”, “Thanks for being a team player”, “We are safe”

For the Unexpected: “We didn’t expect that to happen”, “This was a surprise”, “I don’t have all the answers”, “Take it one day at a time”

Increasing Positivity

• Sometimes fewer words is better

• Positive, Change, Positive statements

• Limit I’m not enough statements

• Use I feel, I believe statements

• Strive to understand perspectives - there maybe two parts to every situation