I can’t remember when exactly, but somewhere in my twenties, I ran into the books of Louis Hay. In one of her books, she wrote about Mirror Work and how important it is to talk to yourself positively.
Positive affirmations in the mirror are said by the great Louise Hay to be one of the most effective lessons for learning to love yourself. She developed the mirror work system alongside her iconic affirmation work.
Oddly enough, I last read Louis Hay’s books 20 years ago, but her advice, talking to yourself in the mirror in a positive way, has always stuck with me. Today I looked her up online again for a reel I want to make on Instagram about mirror talk. And as read about Louis Hay’s mirror talk affirmations, I realize that even though it’s been years ago, her words remained with me unconsciously all along.
To change the way you feel.
Change the way you think.
Affirmations are a series of positive statements you say to yourself repeatedly; as you say them, the brain begins to rewire. We constantly tell ourselves a stream of words; there is always an inner dialogue. Over time we identify with the words, and they become our inner reality.
Unfortunately, most of us repeatedly use negative words when talking to ourselves. I have beaten myself up for many years for countable reasons. I hated my body, and although I was working as a model, I felt incredibly insecure and unhappy. Stopping negative self-talk is such an important thing to do, I’ve learned over the years. By repeating healthy, positive affirmations, our self-perception changes, and our self-esteem grows.
To take this one step further let’s talk about mirror work, the practice of repeating positive affirmations in the mirror. Mirror work has the ability to change your relationship with the self on an incredible level. Old wounds can be healed deeply, and you can begin to transform how you see and think about yourself.
I am not what happened to me.
I am what I choose to become.
Include mirror talk in your daily life. Practicing positive affirmations in the morning is a great way to start your day. It’s also effortless to include in your morning routine. Repeat them as you brush your teeth, get dressed, do so in front of a mirror, and repeat the affirmations out loud as you put your clothes on. Place a mirror where you hang your coats, and say some affirmations as you put your jacket on before leaving the house.
- I love you
- I am worthy
- I am here for you
- Today will be a good day
- I am capable of so much
- I am a beautiful soul
- I have inner strength
- I can do this, I’ve got this
- I am deserving
- I thank you body for staying healthy
- I reach my goals
- I am the master of my mind, and I choose positivity
- I am capable, I am determined, I am a winner
- Thank you ‘(your name)’ for showing up for yourself today and doing the work
- I love my body and how it carries me throughout the day
- Today I will look after you fully, today I will show you love
- Today I am making healthy loving choices for myself
Mirrorwork can be very emotional, especially in the beginning. We were raised with self-criticism, and being kind to ourselves can be emotional. Show compassion and self-love as you begin with the affirmation and when it gets hard, remember that it’s ok. Tell yourself you are safe. Over time, the practice evolves, as will you, and the positive affirmations become your best friend.
