Affirmations ’26

“A man is but the product of his thoughts; what he thinks, he becomes.”  Mahatma Gandhi

This week’s conversation is about affirmations and how they can assist us in everyday life and the complications that this brings.  This discussion is ultimately timely for me and a great reminder that we all can benefit from.

I had a moment the other week, after a comment was made to me by a colleague and whilst it was not their intention – this one comment started my internal negative thoughts.  After the comment, I reflected on other conversations.  Not only with this one person, but conversations from many years ago when I was negated publicly, comments designed to weaken my resolve and aimed at weakening my strength and wellbeing.  I can recall the first time was a teacher in secondary school, in which my grades were good and challenged some of his “special” males in the class.    They were not the only ones, who bullied or harassed me – it has occurred off and on during schooling and my adult life.  Bullies are present in all levels of society.

So, this one comment, had me questioning lots of things.  What did I do or say that caused this?  Was it present at other meetings, was I contributing to the meetings or organisation?  I truly went down the rabbit hole of negativity and despair and questioned my right to be at the table of discussions.

I called the person and made a coffee date to discuss what had happened.  We talked it out and the person was quite taken aback by my reaction to this one comment.  I had gone to water during this conversation, and they noted the impact that this was having on me and was quite surprised.  I then commented that many women may have had similar or different experiences over their life and no one knows our individual journey and past.

This one comment is a great reminder, that we all go to the negative of life when facing challenges.  Even us professionals have a human side, and this happens for us too.  The main difference is how we choose to bounce back after adversity.

For me, taking the time to turn around my mindset.  Affirmations can play a part in this, finding reminders to read daily until our mind accepts them and can then challenge the negativity.  It sounds so simple and I realise that it is not.  However, a conscious effort requires consistency and challenging the negative thoughts or feelings as they arise.

Sometimes, it is easier to challenge or ignore.  Other times, it may not be.  Like the quote above explains – our thoughts certainly impact on the person.