By Bernadette A. Moyer

I am strong, I am successful, I am a survivor, I am loved, I am loving, I am kind, I am giving, I am happy, I am content …

Or what else do we tell ourselves that maybe isn’t helping us at all? Things like “I am sick and tired!” tell yourself this and sooner or later you will become both “sick” and “tired.” We are so often so hard on ourselves with negative comments about ourselves when it would be just as easy to recite positive affirmations.

The brain is the computer system of the body, what goes in is what comes out. Give yourself kind compliments and encouraging thoughts and do so often. Be your own best friend! You are worth the best of everything and if you don’t think so, why on earth would anyone else?

Start with things like …

1. I am happy

2. I am wonderful

3. I am loving

4. I am good

5. I am successful

6. I am worthy

7. I am beautiful

8. I am a child of God!

Desiderata

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible and without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others; even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter; for there will always be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of aridity and disenchantment it is a perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

The first time I read the above I was in high school and I have often thought of it through the years and read it over and over again. I think it is still relevant and valuable food for thought.

“You are a child of the universe; you have a right to be here!” What are you telling yourself?

Just remember it starts with I am ______________