Good morning, beautiful souls!

Welcome back to The Lift Up, our sacred space where we share, grow, and celebrate the incredible journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Today, I want to dive into something deeply personal and transformative:

How affirmations guided me to achieve my dreams.

I know it sounds cheesy but here me out.

We all have dreams. Some are big, bold, and audacious, while others are more intimate and personal.

But no matter the size, each dream is significant because it reflects our deepest desires and potential.

For me, affirmations have been the bridge between where I was and where I wanted to be.

Let's take it back to a few years ago. I was at a crossroads in my life, feeling stuck and unsure of how to move forward.

I had a vision of starting my own business—a sanctuary for positivity and empowerment, particularly for Black women and young girls. 

But the journey from idea to reality seemed daunting.

It had been a while since my first time using affirmations, but hey they worked for me before! 

I decided to apply affirmations to my goals again.

Every morning, I would look in the mirror and affirm my vision.

"I am capable of achieving my dreams."

"I have the strength and wisdom to create a successful business."

"I am worthy of all the success and happiness that comes my way."

At first, it always feels a lil awkward. But I persisted, trusting the process and allowing these words to sink into my subconscious. Slowly but surely, things began to shift.

Opportunities that once seemed out of reach started to come my way. I found the courage to network, to pitch my ideas, and to invest time and resources into my vision. That landed me my first pitch meeting for a small amount of funding.

"I am confident and prepared."

"My ideas are valuable and worth investing in."

"I attract success and positivity."

As I walked into that meeting, I felt an unshakeable sense of confidence and calm.

The affirmations had fortified my belief in myself and my vision. The meeting was a success, and I secured the funding I needed to launch my business.

Looking back, I realize that affirmations were not just about repeating positive statements.

They were about reshaping my identity.

This insight hit me even harder when I read the book, "Atomic Habits." 

The author, James Clear, emphasized that our habits are our identity and vice versa. If you want to change a habit, you need to change your identity.

For instance, if you want to exercise more, it’s better to see yourself as someone who exercises regularly.

This mindset shift makes the habit feel natural and integral to who you are.

In the past, I had always joined programs like 'Whole30' or other fitness regimes.

But this time, I created an affirmation that reflected my identity as someone active and fit.

"I love to work out about every other day, and I'm so grateful to be someone who works out about every other day."

This affirmation was perfect for me because it was realistic and sustainable. I didn’t want to become someone who worked out obsessively, and I didn’t want to pressure myself if I missed a day. The word "about" gave me flexibility and grace.

Well folks, I have now gone almost three years working out 3-4 times a week.

It. Really. Works.

As I've said before, your brain ain't stupid, and if your affirmation is BS, it's not gonna work! You must affirm what you are committed to and why—because that is your identity, ya know?

Try it for yourself.

What do you really want?

If you had it, what kinds of things would you need to do every day to make it happen or live that life?

Of those things, what can you commit to?

BOOM.

There goes your best affirmation possible for this chapter in your life!

If you write one for yourself based on this newsletter, PLEASE reply to your girl and show me!

Sending you so much love and manifestation vibes,

Amari