I CAN

There is enough space I am loved. When was the last time for me. you evaluated how you spoke to yourself? The new year usually brings a wave of people telling themselves that now is the time to alter their mindset so that they can achieve goals and find a balance of positivity and healthy change. Well, it’s a lot easier said than done, and those things become more attainable if you’re better prepared, realistic and willing. Affirmations, or short mantras of encouragement and practical thinking, can help. “What I’ve found with a lot of clients is that they don’t ask themselves what they want,” says Liz Berent-Riley of the Yoga Room Hampshire and Reclaim Your Breath. “They aren’t clear on what they truly want, which makes intention-setting difficult, so I have a practice process I do that helps people get clear with what they want and set intentions around it.” Pamela O’Brien, owner and director of Greenleaf Yoga in St. Charles, explains that she’s explored affirmations for decades and what’s she’s found is that if you don’t believe in something, it probably isn’t going to happen. “What I didn’t really realize until I studied hypnosis is the subconscious doesn’t just speak in words,” she says. “A lot of times when people speak of affirmations, it isn’t the feelings and emotions as if it’s already happened and I think that’s the missing piece. They may be saying these things, but there’s no real feeling. When speaking to the subconscious, you need to kind of act as if it has already occurred.” Among the many affirmations being utilized by the therapists at TriCity Family Services in Geneva is the simple addition of the word “yet” to the end of the statement. For example, “I do not feel stable enough yet,” allows the focus to include the process and not just an outcome. “I bend, but I don’t break,” serves as a reminder that you can be sensitive and strong. Rather than making resolutions for 2022 — hard promises like avoiding fast food, exercising every day or deleting social media accounts — many are finding that making affirmations such as “Do all the good you can, and make as little fuss about it as possible,” have a far more positive impact on their lives. That’s one of the quotes that Jennifer Long, executive director of Conley Outreach Community Services in Elburn, uses. “I try and incorporate this in my daily work and personal life,” Long says. “I feel it is important to work hard to serve others and remember it’s not about my fulfillment or looking good. It is about serving those right in my community and it is important for the dignity of the client to keep a low profile about it.”

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AFFIRMA T IONS FOR ' '22

1. I bend, but I don’t break. 2. No matter what happens, I can handle it. 3. I can do hard things. 4. I am loved. 5. There is enough space for me. 6. I am worthy. 7. I can do this. 8. My thoughts don’t control my life, I do. 9. I can be anxious and still deal with the situation. 10. Slow progress is still progress. 11. I can treat myself gently and with the care I would give a close friend. 12. I am learning what I need to do to take care of my mind/body. 13. I alone am more than enough. 14. Do all the good you can and make as little fuss about it as possible. 15. With self-discipline, almost anything is possible. 16. I choose to have more compassion for those around me. 17. I am in charge of my life. 18. I seek out mystery in the ordinary. 19. I will not compare myself to others. 20. I am safe and surrounded by love and hope. 21. I have the power to create change. 22. It’s OK to not be OK.

Sourced through TriCity Family Services, Conley Outreach Community Services and online research