By Joyful Julie
A lot of folks think that daily affirmations are ways of trying to beat positive thinking into your head. Trying to force yourself into a “state of being” is never healthy and can often lead to confusion,
repressed feelings and sometimes mouth frothing madness.
I like to use them however, so I want to share a few of my favorites and why.
1. “When you want out of a room, walk through a door.”
I’m a big fan of quotes by Confucius because of his practical approach to things in life. It basically means “take action!” If you’re unhappy about something, take care of it! We often know exactly what we want, but we can’t hear it over the screaming frightened inner child. It’s a great way to keep you moving forward and helps me look beyond the people who don’t know how to use their turn signals (if you just spent $60,000 on a Lexus, why not use all its features? PLEASE)?
2. “If you try to control the Universe, you will ruin it.”
This is a summed up version of a quote from the Tao Te Ching. It reminds me to trust the timing of things. Let go of the illusion of control! So when you get upset over delays, remember that those delays might be the events that allowed you to meet your future husband or wife! Where you are right now, in life, could be a culmination of all your delays! Isn’t that wonderful? Maybe slightly depressing… but also very wonderful!
3. “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Whatever spiritual path or religion you may follow, I think we can all agree that these were some pretty wise words. Be mindful of when you are passing judgment on people and why. Like when Greenpeace hassles me for money when I am walking out of Ralphs, and I tell them I am already a member (which I am) and they thank me and ask me for more, and I say “no,” and they say “yes,” and I say “no,” and they say “yes.” This affirmation keeps me focused and open-minded, so I don’t grab stones and cast them. See how this saying can work literally as well?
4. "Fear is a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth."
Pema Chödrön is a Buddhist nun and a personal hero of mine. This affirmation helps me face my fears and step forward even though I’m scared something may go wrong. It also keeps me honest with myself, which is very important when I reach for the Dove Ice Cream bars after a day of eating healthy.
5. “Those who are the hardest to love are the ones who need it the most.”
Keep this one close to your heart, because it threads itself through all things. Remember, it also means YOU! Try and be forgiving and compassionate, even if someone threatens to eat your face off.
Shirley takes Joyful Julie's words to heart, and finds a way to release some of her pent-up aggression. 
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