Never Put a Skunk on a Bus - The Power In Affirmations

I wrote and published The Power In Affirmations more than 4 years ago. My clients use the book to establish and maintain a daily affirmation practice supporting their goals and the positive changes they want to make in their lives.

As I began planning for the second edition of my book, imagine my surprise when I came across this great article in the September 2022 issue of Reader’s Digest.  It’s called Life Advice from a Five-Year-Old and includes a little boy’s favorite affirmations and an explanation of each.  I’ve summarized them for you here. They are priceless:

“You gotta say your affirmations in your mouth and your heart.” 

• His mom told him to say it like he means it and this is how he translated that.

“You say, ‘I am brave of this meeting! I am loved! I smell good!’“

• So sweet, he knows not to use negative words like scared or afraid.

“You gotta walk big.  You gotta mean it.  Like Dolly on a dinosaur. Because you got it.”

• Not sure who Dolly is, but it is a great image.

“Never put a skunk on a bus.”  

• Very wise.                                   

“Think about the donuts of your day!” 

• This one is about looking for the good things in your day – and not focusing on the “holes.”

“Even if you cry a little, you can think about potato chips!” 

• One of the boy’s favorite things is potato chips so when things are not going well, he can always things about the good things to come.”

“Even if it’s a yucky day, you can get a hug.” 

• Sometimes all that we can do to make things better is offer a hug.     

Affirmations are a simple tool to help us focus on what we want to achieve. We become what we think about – so make those thoughts positive!

What affirmations do YOU need today? If you’d like help coming up with positive affirmations personalized to your needs and goals, please give me a call 818-929-4944. I’d be happy to help. Or join us any Wednesday on my Hypnotherapy Q and A.

You can register here.

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0lfu6trjIvGNZ8XkMGblRSB97cmXEKVT6p

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

For more information about Affirmations and Hypnotherapy:

https://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/how-to-create-and-use-effective-affirmations 

https://www.awakenthechange.com/other/the-benefits-of-hypnosis-and-affirmations/

New Year Reflections? The Reflection Framework and Hypnotherapy - 6 Key Questions

The Jewish High Holy Days concluded last week.  Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year.  For the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we reflect on what we did in the past year, ask forgiveness for our missteps, and set intentions for doing better in the year to come.

The process is somewhat like the initial session that you would experience as a new hypnotherapy client. We begin by reflecting and identifying change goals, move to prioritizing the key issue or change that you want to make and then set the intention to transform your life for the better with your therapists guidance and help.

The last six months have been a unique time in our world.  How did you handle yourself?  Were you thoughtful and caring of others?  Were you able to take advantage of the extra time you had at home with your family?  Did you use the time to learn more about a topic you always wanted to explore?  Did you find ways to grow your business even in these difficult times?

It looks like we will be operating in pandemic mode for a while yet. How’s your mental state? Are you nervous? Are you depressed?  Do you need to connect with friends more? Now could be a great opportunity to reflect and set some intentions to make your life better while still staying safe and healthy?

A framework that I have found useful for reflection consists of these 6 key questions:

1.      What have I been thinking and feeling over the last 6 months since the pandemic began?

2.      What am I thinking and feeling today?

3.      What  do I want to be thinking and feeling when the pandemic is over for me

4.      What have I been doing over the last 6 months since the pandemic began

5.      What am I doing today?

6.      What do I want to be doing when the pandemic is over for me?

Set aside 20 minutes for reflection. Find a quiet, comfortable, place where will not be interrupted. Work through the 6 key questions in order. Record your thoughts in a journal or notebook, type them in your computer, or even record them on your cell phone.

Now go back and take a look at differences between what you have been thinking, feeling and doing over the last 6 months and what you want to be thinking, feeling and doing in the future.

You do not have to wait. You can begin the transformation you want now. If you would like some help, please call for a free private online video consultation. 818-929-4944

From Fear to Freedom - Lessons for Overcoming Virus Fear

Very early in my career as a hypnotherapist, I had a young woman as a client who came to me for fear of driving.  She was afraid to get a driver’s license.  Living in Southern California was becoming harder and harder for the recent college graduate.  She had to walk almost a mile to catch the bus to work and almost a mile to her office after she got off the bus.  She was literally afraid of driving the car – it seemed large and foreign to her and she was afraid she could not control it.  She was correct to be afraid of the car.  A car is considered a lethal weapon by law enforcement.  Part of what I helped her see is that yes, she may be afraid of the car and to see that fear as healthy.  She began to understand that even through her fear she could learn to manage and control the car and use it to her advantage.  She practiced and practiced.  She started first in a parking lot and then finally on the streets.  I am happy to report she passed her test on the first try and promptly drove herself across country to relocate in Nashville.  A very happy ending to the story!

What can we learn from this story today?  I think it translates very easily.  We are living in a fearful time.  We should be afraid of COVID-19 and its consequences.  We can channel that fear to be safe and healthy when interacting with others.  Here are some suggestions:

• Planning becomes very important.  In the same way that you wouldn’t drive on the wrong side of the street, you also should be careful interacting with people who may have or be carriers for COVID-19.  Does that mean you need to stay inside your home 24/7 and never see any people?  Probably not.

• .It is important to get out of your home.  Go for a walk in an area that is not busy.  Take a drive and enjoy the beautiful scenery all around us.

• It is also important to have safe personal interactions.  Call your friends, schedule a zoom happy hour,or social distance outside with separate food and drinks.  There are many alternatives available that can help keep you safe and healthy while still giving you social connections.  Your friends will probably appreciate your calling!

Ongoing fear, worry or distress of any kind can lead to debilitating, life limiting chronic anxiety and even related physical symptoms. If your fear becomes overwhelming, I can help.  I will listen, ask questions, and help you get information and gain understanding of your fears.  We will develop transformative affirmations that focus on the positive outcome that you desire. You will be motivated and empowered to take action on your desired new behaviors with confidence and growing competence as you enjoy more freedom and less worry to hold you back or slow you down.

You do not have to cure Covid or wait for a vaccine to move past the virus fear, reduce anxiety, and bring a greater feeling of hope, confidence and freedom into your daily life.

To learn more, go to my website https://www.cindaroffman.com and register for my next free, live Hypnotherapy Q & A – Fear and Anxiety.

Or, to see if we can work together to help you, call now to arrange for a free, private, online video consultation - 818-929-4944.