28 Affirmations from my 28th Year

I am officially 28. I started yesterday off pretty lazily, then hit the gym, stopped by my office, did my Monday cleaning (mopping, laundry and bathroom), ran a few errands, and completed a scholarship application (fingers crossed!). 

Somewhere in all that, I received a flurry of birthday texts, calls, and social media posts, including a long overdue 2hour convo with a friend and former coworker. This also included my best friend’s tradition of trying to be the first person to wish me a happy birthday. She is a teacher, so she is wide awake when she calls me at 6:00am.

More than anything else today, I feel loved. A love that is reassuring and affirming and somehow simultaneously inspires and calms. Many have said questioning the purpose of the doctorate is a large part of the doctoral process. Well, I’ve got that part down. In this process, it is a blessing- and a necessity- to have friends and family who affirm you. Not just your talents or accomplishments, but you: your gifts, character, and personality. 

Since the first words my mother taught me to say in a mirror when I was a young tomboy unsure of my lot and 5inches taller than my peers, positive affirmations have always been a method of envisioning the me I want to see.  

So here’s to love and the other feelings and I have and desire for this next year of life. 

1. I am loved.

2. I am appreciated. 

3. I am understood. 

4. I make a difference. 

5. I am trying every day.

6. I am figuring it out. 

7. I am worthy.

8. I am well provided for. 

9. I am where I am supposed to be. 

10. I am on the path to where I am meant to be. 

11. I have joy. 

12. I have peace. 

13. I have conviction.

14. I matter. 

14. I am heard.

15. I am humble.

16. I am proud. 

17. I am productive. 

18. I am competent. 

19. I am confident.

20. I am forgiven.

21. I am forgiving. 

22. I am whole. 

23. I am healthy. 

24. I am thankful. 

25. I am wise. 

And finally, the first affirmations I ever knew, taught to me, my sisters, friends, and every student, Girl Scout, slumber party attendee by my mother:

25. I am intelligent. 

26. I am beautiful. 

27. I am unique.  

28. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Here’s to 28 and all it has to bring!