Affirmations vs Resolutions

Manifest Your Dreams

Hello!

How is 2024 treating you so far? Or should I say, how are you treating 2024?

A new year rolls around and many of us start making goals, setting tasks…giving ourselves a score card of how we did the year before. Often measuring our success against the success of others. We set resolutions. A goal. A high bar to reach. We set expectations of what this next year should be. Personally, I find myself wondering, “Am I on the right track? What do I want out of this new year? How do I do better? Lose weight…drink more water? Make more art?”

Why are we programed to ask ourselves…am I doing this thing right? Could I do it better?

On one hand, I like that we have a milestone and measurement every year to remind us of where we’ve been and where we want to go. Like a personal performance review.

On the other hand, New Years day is just like any other day. I am the same complicated person I’ve always been and always will be…EVERY DAY of my life! I have goals I’m working towards year round and sometimes new ideas or unforeseen circumstances pop up that suddenly shift those goals or re-frame my priorities. This alteration or interruption can happen at any time. On any day. Intentionally, but more often then not UN-intentionally. It doesn’t wait for New Years day, to package everything neatly into a little box with a little bow.

Often, new year resolutions are broken and our expectations met with surprises, leaving us feeling a bit disheartened or disappointed.

In fact, as I was writing this Substack, my whole family caught the stomach bug. Just like that, the train derailed for 4-5 days. Classes were cancelled, projects paused, and our normal routine put on hold. My main focus became taking care of my very sick family and myself.

Thankfully, instead of making a list of new year resolutions that are usually broken by now, I’ve been learning how to write affirmations. It started a few years ago when I just picked one word to focus on for the year. Focus. The next year was Action. And somehow those words did in fact help shape my year. Slowly, I’ve been writing a code to live by; affirmations to follow to attract positive outcomes. It is an intention to focus my mindset and live by kinder rules. It comes with a healthy dose of grace because I’m an imperfect person living in an imperfect world. This is how I’d like to be and what I want my compass to lead me to. A reminder and guide to my true north. Especially when things go south! I still have on-going specific goals I’m working towards, only now with a net to catch me. It’s like having a counter weight. If I swing too far in the wrong direction or make a mistake, I just swing right back to my center.

My affirmations sound something like this:

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Self Care

I love who I am becoming - both mentally and physically. I am grateful for my body, so I honor what it needs by moving, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and listening to my natural rhythm. I allow myself space and rest as needed.

Family

My family is a priority. Time passes quickly, so I cherish every moment I get with the ones I love in each chapter they might find themselves in. I encourage my family and celebrate their individuality. I am “present” when we are together, listen to their needs, and I am honest about my needs too.

Art Practice

I create works of art because the process fills me with joy. I make time to create something every single day. I seek progress over perfection. My art provides value to others regardless of how many people see it or like it. My gifts and talents are free to flow where they need to go.

Community

I am grateful to share my artistic gifts with the world. I seek community over competition. We are all learning and growing together.

Success

I can achieve anything I want in life. I have the power to manifest my dreams. Prosperity and abundance is flowing to me and through me. Success and money is coming to me in expected and unexpected ways. I leave behind what no longer serves me and step out of my comfort zone to manifest new positive energy in the world.

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I encourage you to make your own affirmations.

Feel free to use some of mine and tailor it to your own needs! They should be personal to you. Even mine are not set it stone and are evolving every year. I warn you, writing affirmations can feel vulnerable and emotional sometimes. Start small if you need to. Consider picking a single word like FOCUS, ACTION, or SELF-LOVE. My word this year is BRAVE. Set yourself up with a positive mindset and a positive code to live by. Let it empower you. Read it to yourself as often as you can. You’re allowed to make mistakes, have a bad day, or miss “leg day”. Even one word can be a positive guide. Let it redirect you over and over again. :)

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Here is a fun coincidence or perhaps kismet moment – While I was seeking affirmations and positive enlightenment for this year, a Make Art That Sells Class started called Manifest Your Dream Creative Career. So, of course I was intrigued. All my art in this post is inspired from class assignments.

Be kind to yourself. Respect your journey and go forth (every day) with good intentions.

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The ART & WANDER Club

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Perfect for the creative that’s looking for community, positivity, and a little push in the right direction. I’ll always provide FREE Newsletters that are written from the heart, but sometimes there’s a need to explore a bit more. Reflect a bit longer and celebrate the creative journey. If you want to grow and explore with me, than join the ART & WANDER club!

For members of the club, BELOW you’ll find illustrated affirmation cards to print. Reminders to lead the way. As well as a compass worksheet to help you find your “true north”. Thank you so much for being apart of the ART & WANDER CLUB!

Want to join the Club? To learn more visit www.brendaharris.substack.com/about