The Next Believable Line

This week, I want to talk about affirmations, not as wishful thinking but as a way to deliberately choose some of the lines that go into your draft. I think affirmations get a bad rap. We picture ourselves staring into a mirror and repeating some generic line like, "you are powerful" or even worse, "you are beautiful." It seems so silly and uncomfortable. And sometimes it feels so far from the truth that it makes us feel worse than when we started.

Here's what the research says: affirmations work best when they're grounded in what you value and when you can actually believe them.

Not "I am fearless," but "I'm learning to take small brave steps."

Not "My relationships are perfect," but "I'm open to deeper connection."

Not "I am completely at peace," but "I can find a moment of calm today."

Not "I am wildly successful," but "My efforts are adding up."

Not "My work is always valued," but "I can recognize the value of what I offer."

Not "I'm a creative person," but "I'm giving myself permission to try."

And if you've heard about manifesting and rolled your eyes a little, here's a grounded way to think about it: what you repeatedly tell yourself shapes what you notice, what you try, and what you say yes to. An affirmation won't make an opportunity appear out of thin air. But it can make you someone who spots it and steps toward it. It's like car shopping: you start researching Honda CRVs. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, you see Honda CRVs everywhere, all day, every day. They were always there. Your brain has just now noticed them, because you are giving them attention. It works for other stuff as well:)

So instead of writing the final chapter, write the next believable line. Then start paying attention to what comes into your circle, what you notice.

Journal Prompts:

• What's a line your inner narrator repeats often? Where do you think you first learned it?

• If a friend said that line about themselves, how would you respond?

• At the end of the week: When did your affirmation show up in a real moment? What did you notice, try, or say yes to?

• Where in your life are you already living out one of your affirmations, even a little?

• What compliment have you received recently that you brushed off? What if it was accurate?

Affirmations:

Try the reframe yourself: "Not ___, but ___." Write at least three.

Retreat Announcement:

OK . . . here it is!! I have created the landing page and registration form for the Draft Your 2027 with Pencil and Purpose retreat. And yes, it's FREE for members! With that said, I would like to grow the group, so please feel free to share with anyone who could benefit. HERE is the link. Please register if you are able to attend. You will not receive a bill, but feel free to agree to the terms, etc.

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Office Hours: October Office Hours are on Thursday October 22. This is for Editor's Circle Coaching Members as well as any Guided Revision Coaching Members who would like to touch base between scheduled coaching appointments. HERE is the link to schedule a 30-minute slot

The Weekly Draft: happens every Sunday evening at 7pm at this link. Come prepared to reflect on the past week and draft the upcoming week. It is meant to be a heads down, co-planning time, with me being available to share strategies and/or answer questions. Join me HERE