July 18

Have you tried affirmations? You know, like that character from Saturday Night Live, Stewart Smalley? He looks in the mirror and says, “I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.” I mean, it is funny how they parody recovery and some people in it, but there is some truth here. I was never a fan of the idea of doing stuff like this. It seemed too hokey and felt precisely how they portrayed it on Saturday Night Live. But as I began working on the 12 Steps in Adult Children of Alcoholics, there is a page on daily affirmations (Page 329 in the B.R.B.) describing this exact scenario. Stand in front of the mirror and say these things to yourself each day. I did it reluctantly, but I did it. Over two weeks, I began to look at myself in the mirror and truly began to see the value in the exercise. It feels uncomfortable initially, but the more you do it, the more you understand why doing it can be so important. So, go on, give it a try.

Reflections

Do you think it won’t work for you? Do you think it’s too cheesy and stupid? All the more reason to give it a try.

Daily Challenge

Look up some affirmations and try them out.