Choosing Change

The transition from meat eater to vegan was much easier than taking control of my thoughts. Fixing a plate takes steps, you have plenty of chances to stop, rethink and make better decisions. Thoughts on the other hand seem to just grow wings and fly out. Getting tired of being surprised by the shit I said, I made controlling my thoughts my new focus, for myself and my students. In my current position I am working with 6 young princes, princes that have already been cast out and labeled. They have these beautiful boys in a room all day, no electives, no change of scenery and less outdoor time then most inmates. 

Anyway, in the last year they have changed so much. I have watched them learn to speak positivity in not only themselves, but in each other. If you were to meet my boys, they would tell you they changed their thinking, and it “fixed” their words. Their implementation of thought blocking (ignoring negative thoughts) and learning to replace their negative thoughts has made a colossal impact. But the daily training is what has transformed them. Every week we select a new affirmation- one for ourselves, and one for us as a collective. This affirmation is the daily bread, it’s the consistent cardio, and it’s where they choose victim or victor for the day. “Today I will walk in my strength, today I choose right, today I choose me.” In the beginning my princes hated this. They hated “talking to themselves”, they said it felt silly. But I reminded them change happens when they choose to make it happen. I challenged them to 21 days of affirmations. After discussing self-discipline for months, they also understood it was on them to say their affirmations over holidays/weekends. My kids have grown academically, spiritually and their self-esteem is out this world. The power they feel they now, because of the changes they choose to make, has given them the power to implement changes in other areas of their lives.

In the same fashion, I challenge you- pick an affirmation, say it every morning for 21 days and choose change.

Some examples:

I am the architect of my life; I build its foundation and choose its contents.

Today, I am brimming with energy and overflowing with joy.

My body is healthy; my mind is brilliant; my soul is tranquil.

I am superior to negative thoughts and low actions.

I have been given endless talents which I begin to utilize today.

Happiness is a choice. I base my happiness on my own accomplishments and the blessings I’ve been given.

My ability to conquer my challenges is limitless; my potential to succeed is infinite.

I am courageous and I stand up for myself.

My thoughts are filled with positivity and my life is plentiful with prosperity.

Today, I abandon my old habits and take up new, more positive ones.

I acknowledge my own self-worth; my confidence is soaring.

Everything that is happening now is happening for my ultimate good.

I am a powerhouse; I am indestructible.

My future is an ideal projection of what I envision now.

My efforts are being supported by the universe; my dreams manifest into reality before my eyes.