Yesterday I posted a review of The Vixen Workout. One of the things that sets The Vixen Workout apart from other dance workouts is its focus on not only building up muscles and whittling down the waist but more importantly on building up a woman's self esteem and ridding oneself of a different kind of weight: insecurity and self consciousness. This is done throughout the class by proclaiming words of affirmation.

Hearing the women around me confidently and unabashedly exclaim words of confidence and self love inspired me. It got me thinking about the kind of self talk that fills most women's minds daily. It got me thinking about the words I let frolic through my mind as well as which ones I want to fill my mind with. Our thoughts and words have the potential to shape our lives.

Self talk impacts our view of ourselves and circumstances. We can, to a degree, shape our beliefs which shape our actions, which will eventually shape our lives, relationships, and level of success by changing the words we recite to ourselves.

I decided to come up with a motto, a mantra I could recite to myself daily to set my mind on the right path. I started by giving myself permission to list my positive characteristics and attributes. This was so difficult. Most of us are taught to be humble and not toot our own horns. As incredibly awkward as acknowledging my positive traits and strength was, it was necessary and enlightening.

Then, I thought about who it is I want to be and what I want to achieve. I listed the words that describe where I want to go and how I want to see myself. I gathered all the words together and created affirmative statements. When I notice my mind drift to negativity I quickly meet those words with my positive statements. It is amazing how quickly changing the words I allow to play in my mind affect my sense of self worth and ability. Not surprising to anyone here I am sure, the words fit, feminine, fertile, and fabulous made their way into my affirmations.

I hope these questions and prompts will help you come up with your own affirmations and positive statements:

1. List 5 of your strengths.
2. What are some things your friends and family praise you for? What things come naturally or easily to you?
3. What are 5 traits you wish you had, but you don't yet see yourself as possessing?
4. How do you want to feel on a daily basis?
5. What would you like to achieve? What character traits do you think are necessary to accomplish your goals?

Look at the words in front of you. Which ones resonate with you most? Use a thesaurus and dictionary to see if there are other words that better describe you and where you are headed.

This is your chance to celebrate all of the little things that make you uniquely, beautifully you and the woman you are becoming.

I would love to hear your stories about changing your self talk.  Please share your experiences.