The mind has a mind of its own.
Don’t believe me, see how your mind keeps wandering off every now and then instead of sticking to what you want to do?
I’m rambling about the meandering mind is because that’s what happened to me last night when I was preparing to settle down with my book.
My phone kept pinging so I’d to check. Some unknown number. Usually I’d ignore, or even delete, such messages but something clicked and I opened the chat.
There were images of the birthday card and some affirmation-notes I’d written for one of the kid’s in my class long time ago.
The mother (the sender of those images) sent a sweet message explaining how she found these when cleaning her son’s study table drawer and wanted to share them.
He had carefully saved them even after so many years.
I felt overwhelmed. And also humbled.
I didn’t know that those small, colourful bits of papers, with my indelible scrawl and smileys, would have such an impact.
We often don’t realise the power of our words until they come back to us years later, tucked away in someone’s heart.
I finally understood the magic of such gestures, may be small but powerful.
So my job this morning was to take out the mothballed box which had all my memorabilia from my years at school. Those quick, hand drawn cards filled with sequins and stickers, the flowers, the ‘I love you’ notes in shaky handwritings from the kids; I too had saved them all.
I finally found my list of affirmations, about 30 odd. I used to either create a small poster and stick it on the class board or write it on a note for a specific child or just make one of those my weekly quote.
At the end of the term, each one of the kids got one special note from me. It was our little thing.
Thinking back to those years, I realised how much these affirmations shaped my students. So I decided to share my 12 that I used most often.
1. I’m Loved and Valued
You may say “I love you” 10 times a day to your kid but what’s more important is to make them feel valued. It boosts their self-worth as they realise that they’re more than just their achievements.
2. I Believe in Myself and My Abilities
Repeating it again and again builds their confidence. They feel ready to face any new challenge, be it a class race or a competition. It reinforces their growth mindset.
3. I’m Kind and Respectful to Others
Teaches them empathy and develops their social skills. Encourages them to use the magic words and have civil and positive interactions with their friends.
4. Mistakes Help Me Learn and Grow
It’s okay to make mistakes. Mistakes teach how not to do something. It reduces their fear of failure; instead it makes them more resilient, wanting to solve the problem by themselves.
5. I’m Unique and That’s My Superpower
Everybody loves a superhero. Imagining themselves as one reinforces their individuality and they feel comfortable accepting themselves as they are, their strengths and weaknesses.
6. I Can Do Hard Things
Sky’s the limit. Nothing is impossible if they put their heart to it. It encourages them to persevere and push through the difficult situations, building their can-do attitude.
7. I Choose to See the Good in Myself and Others
It builds up positive outlook as they learn to see the good in others around them. They learn compassion and kindness, spreading positivity among their classmates. They learn to be grateful for what they are, and have.
8. My Feelings Are Important and Valid
It boosts their emotional intelligence as they learn to understand and express their feelings. They are better able to handle their emotions. They also learn the importance of listening to others.
9. I’m Capable of Making Good Choices
They learn early on how to make decisions, which in turn boosts their sense of independence. They slowly learn to be accountable for their actions.
10. I Deserve to Be Happy and Healthy
Creates awareness about taking care of themselves and their well-being. They understand the importance of balanced food, good sleep and lots of play.
11. Every Day Is a Fresh Start
They learn to move beyond the setbacks, without feeling dejected or beaten. Each new day brings new possibilities, new opportunities for them to adapt and improve, building their resilience.
12. I’m Proud of Who I Am Becoming
Watching their progress makes them feel good about themselves. It allows them to reflect on the time gone by, and focus on their personal growth. They’re now able to see their own potential, of what they can do.
Conclusion
These 12 affirmations were often used. It helped open up discussions in the class, allowing them to process their ideas and express them.
Watching them take baby steps towards learning about the world, understanding it and adapting to it is a feeling I couldn’t express in words.
What I loved was that they spread their wings with confidence as they moved forward.
One of the kids was worried I’d be left behind when they moved to the next grade. My heart melted when he said that I must believe in myself that I can go to the next grade with them and it will happen. (sniff, sniff)
I don’t need to go to the next grade. I had just aced it here.
All that the kids need is your constant support and encouragement.
Use these affirmations regularly and generously. Put up sticky notes or say it to them with a big hug or make a calendar (one affirmation for each month).
After all, when a child believes in themselves, the world opens up for them in ways you can’t even imagine.
