Creating Recovery

Never ask whether you can do something. Say, instead, that you are doing it. Then fasten your seat belt. The most remarkable things follow.

~Julia Cameron

The “I” statements at the bottom of each Dark/Light Meditation in Section I are affirmations. If you find any of them particularly meaningful, copy and display them where you will see them frequently. These short phrases have the power to change your life by changing the way you think. This is not an overnight process, which is why it’s important to expose your mind to the message repeatedly, even if you do not read the entire phrase at each pass. Absorbing its essence will help your thinking to become more positive. Thinking more positively will build your confidence and help you move in the direction of your desires.

It sounds almost too simple to be effective but it really works. Healing does take place with the use of affirmations. You can use mine, or create your own.

When I was working through Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way, I followed her suggestion of writing affirmations at the bottom of my journal entries. For a while I wrote those she had provided. Then I began to invent some that targeted specific obstacles in my personal journey. The act of creating these new perspectives, and then rehearsing them was empowering.

Did I get where I wanted to go? Many times. You can too.

Creating Your Affirmation

Step 1. Identify your need.

Think of something you aspire to, either a situation you’d like resolved or a dream you long to come true.

Step2. Identify your obstacle(s).

What beliefs and feelings keep you from getting to where you want to go? If that’s not obvious to you now, take some time to explore the possibilities through painting or writing. Allow yourself to vent, doodle and ask questions.

Let’s say, for example, that you have an issue with the behavior of a significant person in your life. You want to confront this individual, but you’re not sure that you can. What would keep you from expressing your thoughts and feelings? Worry that you would look foolish? That your concerns will appear trivial? Fear that the person might say or do something hurtful in return? That the relationship might end and you’d be lost without him or her?

Once you’ve identified what’s holding you back, you can take the next step towards changing how you see your self, your relationships, your life.

Step 3. Get it out in front where you can see it.

In your journal or on a blank sheet of paper, draw a vertical line to create two columns. On the left side make a list of the beliefs/feelings that block your way. Choose words that reflect your specific situation. Trust your instincts, and go with those that come immediately into your conscious thoughts.

Step 4. Identify positive personal qualities.

In the right hand column, across from each belief/feeling, name at least one positive quality that would help you overcome your apprehensions. This may be something you imagine to be lacking within yourself but recognize as a desirable quality.

Sample Chart

Beliefs/Feelings                                                 Positive Qualities

Step 5. Create a new perspective.

Using the sentiments expressed in your own chart, fill the blanks in the following statement:

If I could have my way, I would feel (select a Positive Quality from the right hand column), instead of feeling (the corresponding Belief/Feeling in the left hand column).

Rewrite the statement, this time using only the portion that expresses your Positive Quality:

I would feel (Positive Quality).

Now claim that feeling, make it a part of you. Write it again in the present tense, as if you were actually feeling it this very minute (punctuate for emphasis, if you like, with an exclamation mark):

I am (Positive Quality)!

You have just created an affirmation, “a positive statement that something is already happening” (Jeffers, 1987). Say it out loud. Write it out several times. Put it on a sticky note or one of your paintings, and place it in a spot where you’ll see it frequently.

It may seem phony or inaccurate, at least for the time being. Don’t try to deny your true response. Instead, be willing to accept new feelings and perspectives. In time you will do more than affirm how truly amazing you are. You will know. With practice you will do more than affirm the goodness life has to offer. You will live it.