The Power of Words
All religions agree there is power in words.
Buddha
'We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.'
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Dhammapada, Verse 1
The Bible
'The tongue has the power of life and death.'
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​​Proverbs 18:21
Prophet Muhammed
'A good word is a form of charity'
Quran
'And tell My servants to say that which is best.'
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Surah Al-Isra (17:53)
Using the power of words on yourself can be transformative.
Words shape our thoughts, and our thoughts shape our actions and reality.
​The power of words has been recognised for centuries as a transformative force in shaping both our inner world and external reality, from ancient Egypt to ancient Greece, from Christianity to Buddhism.
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Today, neuroscience and psychology support the idea that words can transform our reality. Studies on neuroplasticity show that the brain is malleable and the words we speak to ourselves can rewire our neural pathways, affecting our thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
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It is important we understand how we speak to ourselves matters.
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Sign up yourself or someone you care about and receive a new affirmation every week via SMS. Using affirmations is a wonderful, positive way to start each week.
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To learn more about how affirmations affect brain neuroplasticity visit
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What are affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself in order to influence your thoughts, feelings and beliefs. They are tools used to help reinforce confidence, change negative thinking. The purpose of affirmations is to focus on the positive aspects of yourself, your life and your goals.
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The more you practice affirmations, the more they can shift your mindset, boost self-esteem, and encourage actions that align with the person you want to become or the life you want to create.
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How do affirmations work?
Affirmations work because they leverage the brains neuroplasticity, essentially rewiring neural pathways by repeatedly exposing the mind to positive statements.
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When we use positive language—whether spoken to others or to ourselves—it can influence our thoughts and behaviours.
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Positive words, especially when used regularly in affirmations or self-talk, can help shift your mindset from negative to positive. This is important because the way we think often influences how we feel and act.
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What does science say about affirmations?
While it may seem like a simple practice, research suggests there are psychological and neurological mechanisms at play.
Positive thoughts have the power to activate specific regions of the brain associated with motivation, and well-being.
When you think positively, your brain releases dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, which contribute to improved mood and reduced stress.
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Cultivating a positive mindset is one of the most powerful tools we have for improving our well-being.
Mother Theresa
'Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless'
Rudyard Kipling
'Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.'
Marcus Aurelius
'The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts'
C.S Lewis
'Words are the building blocks of life.'
Can affirmations help with mental health and self belief?
Yes, positive affirmations can be helpful for mental health. In therapy, affirmations are commonly used as part of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to challenge negative thoughts and build healthier thinking patterns.
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Here's how they can make a difference:
​1. Reframing Negative Thoughts: Positive affirmations help counteract negative self-talk and self-doubt, replacing them with more balanced or optimistic perspectives. By repeating affirmations, you can shift your mindset and focus on self-worth, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety or depression over time.
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2. Boosting Self-Esteem: Repeating affirmations related to self-love, confidence, and capability can gradually improve self-esteem. For people struggling with low self-worth, affirmations can act as a daily reminder of their strengths and inherent value.
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3. Stress Reduction: Positive affirmations can promote relaxation and mindfulness. Saying affirmations like “I am at peace with myself” or “I can handle what comes my way” may help calm the mind and reduce the physical symptoms of stress.
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4. Creating a Positive Feedback Loop: When you start repeating positive statements about yourself, it can create a positive feedback loop. The more you tell yourself positive things, the more likely you are to believe them, and that belief can improve your mental health.
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5. Improving Resilience: In challenging situations, positive affirmations can help build emotional resilience. Reminding yourself that you can overcome difficulties or that setbacks are part of growth can foster a sense of empowerment and hope.
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Affirmations are easy to incorporate into any part of your day. You can repeat them while getting ready, during a commute, or before bed. It's a simple tool that requires little time but can produce significant mental benefits.
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If you would like to try using affirmations, sign up yourself or someone you care about and we will SMS a new affirmation every week. A wonderful, positive way to start each week.