Are you ready for something new? It’s a new year, but things are still shut down where I live, and I’m tired of it. It’s easy to get caught up in the struggle of the global pandemic, but I don’t want to stay in a place of stress and worry. I want to live a life filled with compassion and joy.  We can’t make the pandemic stop tomorrow, but we can change the way we think about it. 

There is something I can do to help change my perspective that only takes 2-3 minutes. I choose to focus on what I want, instead of fearing what I don’t want. Making a list of positive statements and saying them daily (or hourly if needed) helps me move in a positive direction. Over time, you’ll definitely notice a shift! I call this list my “I am” statements or affirmations. Changing my thinking is something I always have control over.

Teresa’s “I Am” Statements 2021:

• I am grateful for my healthy body.
• I am knowing and making the correct choices to support my body.
• I am grateful that God looks over the details of my health and keeps me safe.
• I am open to receiving God’s wisdom and insight, and I choose to take inspired action. 
• I am grateful for feelings of peace and well being.
• I am seeing the good in all the events and details of my life. 
• I am a positive person, full of compassion and joy. 
• I am attracting like-minded people with whom I love to interact. 
• I share myself easily and I am understood.
• I am a clear communicator with my words.
• I am grateful to be alive.
• I am creating more and more of what I want effortlessly.
• I ask for God’s help in all areas of my life. I am grateful for this powerful assistance. 

I was introduced to affirmations by author Carol Tuttle’s books “Remembering Wholeness” and “Mastering Affluence.” Many of my affirmations are from her resources or inspired by them. Feel free to use these or write your own!

The pandemic is difficult, but as I look for positive things this strange season has brought, I am grateful that I have the time to invest in healthy eating. I have noticed that as my body heals physically, my mind clears mentally. Now that the holidays are over, I’m looking forward to going back to a simpler diet of fruits and vegetables and lowering my fat intake. 

What are you grateful for this season, in the midst of all its struggles?