5 Benefits of Positive Affirmations
Whether we like it or not, social media and the media, in general, have shaped our perceptions of ourselves, our bodies, and our self-esteem. Men and women, both consciously and unconsciously, compare themselves to what the media defines as ‘perfect.’
Your body image is how you view your physical self in the mirror, in photos, and in your mind. If you notice, it culminates in beliefs and feelings about the way you look. And there are generalisations, experiences, environment, culture and a few other influences that shape it.
At Pear Collections, positive self-reflection is important because it affects how you engage in life. Pear-shaped women have often been overlooked in discussions of the ‘perfect’ body. This is ironic, since more than half of women have pear-shaped bodies.
Due to this exclusion when it comes to fashion trends and cultural acceptance, many pear-shaped women struggle with self-esteem, their sense of self, and also develop negative body image issues. This is mainly due to the media’s constant bombardment of their warped perception of what constitutes a ‘perfect body.’
Imagine what it would be like if we shun the negative perception of what media (and the power at be) deems acceptable or, to a certain extent, what is beautiful. Instead of focusing on the imposed artificial standard of beauty, we at Pear Collections and our Pear Community aim to foster a realistically positive self- and body image for pear-shaped women around the world.
Believe us, ladies, it is an incredible feeling to learn to accept yourself as you are and to allow yourself to love yourself and your beautiful curves. So, pear-shaped ladies, stand in front of your mirrors, say it loud and proud, and affirm, “I Love My Curves!”
It may seem like mere four little words, but they are powerful, as they encapsulate your acceptance of your whole physical being and who you are. It can also be your springboard for loftier affirmations.
And speaking of affirmations…
What are Positive Affirmations?
Positive affirmations are specific statements we say to ourselves that help us quash negativity and negative thought patterns. We hold and affirm positive statements to be true, though they are much more than that.
Positive affirmations encourage us to believe and visualise that our statements empower positive thoughts to effect change in our lives. Over time, these positive manifestations overpower any negative thoughts and belief structures, thereby enhancing our positive views, confidence, and ambitions.
For example, if you believe that nothing is wrong with you and that your body is perfect as it is, you are more than likely to elicit positive behaviours that reflect that belief. Now isn’t that more favourable than inculcating in your mind the opposite and only contributing to weighing you down?
Having a positive body image creates a sense of acceptance of how your body looks and functions. We all have our own standards for what we consider ‘beautiful’, and, as such, we can empower ourselves to find value in our physical appearance. When we develop a positive body image, we can then view ourselves in a relatively stable and positive way.
Why Positive Affirmations are Important
Unrealistic beauty standards didn’t start with social media per se, but it has contributed to their continuation. The sad fact is, only a handful of people belong in this narrow category, yet they receive the most likes and attention, which only reinforces the illusion that people should look a particular way.
This unrealistic view creates a gap between how someone looks and how they think they should look. Honey, you are fabulous as you are, curves and all. You are a unique individual who has more to offer than what the media says you ought to look like.
An unhealthy compulsion only contributes to taking away your ability to function in a healthy and positive way. This is detrimental because it impairs your ability to engage with others in social and professional settings.
There is an adage that says, “If you can believe it, you can achieve it.” Positive affirmations are a self-help strategy that puts that saying into practice. With positive affirmations, you can dispel self-doubt, self-sabotage, and fear.
Mind you, we are not encouraging toxic positivity either. Rather, we encourage you to acknowledge your reality. Plant, germinate, and nurture your own call in owning that nothing is wrong with your desirable pear-shaped body.
The best affirmations are specific because they provide your brain with a clear set of realistic guidelines and achievable goals for what to process for you.
The Benefits of Positive Affirmations
Repeating a positive, affirming statement to yourself daily might seem like an unusual way in your quest to improve your overall well-being. However, affirmations are seriously powerful. Keep reading to discover our top 5 benefits of using positive affirmations.
1. You become more optimistic.
By positive affirmation, you learn to be more optimistic. When you are optimistic, you begin to think differently and, in effect, “reprogram” your brain and give it a little workout. Practising positive affirmations helps stop bad habits and build new positive circuitry.
Affirmations inspire optimism because they are inherently positive statements. The power of optimism lies in its very nature.
2. Positive affirmations improve your confidence and self-esteem.
As we have already mentioned, positive affirmations about body image help you accept yourself as you are and stop comparing yourself to others.
3. Better quality of life.
By repeating positive self-talk, you can help improve your way of life. This practice makes one optimistic and provides a clearer perspective on the goals one wants to achieve. Reciting daily affirmations will keep you focused and persistent in meeting them.
4. Boost your self-esteem.
The stronger your self-esteem, the more your self-confidence is boosted. A successful person has a high sense of self-esteem.
5. Motivates you to act and concentrate on your goals.
Positive motivation boosts your desire to continue taking action toward your goals. Positive affirmations help keep your mind focused towards your aspirations.
Benefits such as these are only a few examples. To help you along, check out our Love Your Curves Affirmation Pack. The package contains 52 Affirmation cards, with one you can focus on each day for a week, for an entire year, to improve your sense of self-worth.
Remember, your body is perfect the way it is, and there is no reason for you not to be comfortable in your own skin.