Have you ever read that you should think positively when you are
feeling anxious? Have you ever been told to argue back when you
have negative thoughts? How?s that working for you? *Why do
affirmations only sometimes produce results?* Because as we
argue back to our negative and irrational thoughts, we don?t
always believe the new things we are telling ourselves. What we
really believe is our original thoughts ? the thoughts that have
led us to feel anxiety in the first place. The other reason that
affirmation sometimes produce limited results is that we might
not really believe that saying the affirmations will create
change in our lives. *So why do affirmations come so highly
recommended?* *How are these affirmations supposed to work?* If
you can get yourself to begin to believe them, if you can begin
to see a kernel of truth in what you are saying, then
affirmations may help you to install new, more helpful beliefs.
New beliefs! That is the key to permanently and more positively
changing how we feel and react to the world around us. There is
a difference between what we really believe and all of the
infinite number of possible thoughts that we are capable of
thinking ? which we may or may not believe. It is the thoughts
that we really believe that seem to possess the power. Rather
than the thoughts that are positive yet not believable. Our
beliefs are the source of the actions we take. We act ultimately
based on what we believe to be true. It is possible to use
affirmations to bring a conscious effort to alter our actions.
But if we do not believe that this new perspective or thought
that we are affirming is going to be effective, then we will
revert back to what we really believe beneath the self-imposed,
positive thoughts. If you can begin to agree with the thoughts
and affirmations you are feeding yourself, you will begin to act
from them. And you will indeed be in the process of changing
your beliefs. *It can be done through affirmations* But what?s
the key? There has to be something in there that you believe,
that you can see as true in some way. It probably won?t work if
you see the affirmations as touchy-feely mumbo-jumbo. *The
caveat for anxiety sufferers* For anxiety sufferers, however,
the affirmation process may have a limited and disappointing
effect. Here?s why: If we go into a social situation where we
normally feeling significant amounts of anxiety and try to
affirm our way through the experience, old beliefs may very
easily strong arm our fragile, new, positive thoughts. And
create a nerve-wracking experience. And, as a result of this
nerve-wracking experience, affirmations will look like a very
ineffective tool. It is in the deeper realm of our beliefs that
the power for having a permanently altered, more calm experience
lies. Go there and see a difference in your feelings of anxiety!
About the author:
?2005 Sarah Malik, having suffered from anxiety herself, is
dedicated to helping people who deal with the anxiety of social
situations. To help them to reduce their anxiety and increase
their confidence. So that they can experience inner peace and
calm ? no matter where they are and no matter what they are
doing. More information is available at www.sarahmalik.com
today. Note to editors: Please feel free to create a live link
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