Affirmation Journal

My second journal was in the design of a diary. It had a line on the
first page that said, This book belongs to ___________. My name was
Lillian Wagner back then. This was a gift from my closest friend at the
time. Inside the cover was a hand written note from her. We are still
friends to this day.
"To my best friend,
Capture some of your fortieth year in words. Fill this book and your
heart again & again with discovered affirmations and all the new
ones you'll find.
Love, Lisa
1991

In my first year of journaling I was introduced to affirmations. Like my
first year of writing in my journal, I continued in my second year to
write at the end of my day. Only now, the writing started to take on a
more structured focused form. Each day I tried to find something
positive to write about, no matter how difficult the day. And trust me
when I tell you, back then almost every day was difficult. I struggled
with depression and loss. I felt so alone.



Determined to change, I stayed focused on the direction I wanted to go. That year I wrote about
choices, commitment, strength-hope-experience, patience, serenity,
listening, positive thinking, responsibility, guidance, achievement,
balance, knowledge, appreciation, acceptance, self-worth,fun, respect,
relationships, and the list goes on and on. Each day, I titled my
writing.


I accomplished things like going for my GED. Began to think about going
to college. A huge accomplishment for someone who never thought they
were smart. I became an advocate and started a support group for other
parents. Attended and completed courses in self-development. Listened to
all kinds of self-improvement tapes.I listened while I walked, adding
exercise to my regime. Mentored other women. Started to learn about
healthy boundaries and began implementing them. Participated in several
different support groups to broaden my perspective. Read inspirational
books like, "Greatest Miracle of All" by Og Mandino. I even went on a
real vacation to Jamaica. Was introduced to Course in Miracles, along
with other spiritual tools. I became the motivator by doing the work I needed to do.

Keep a journal to motivate you. Record your experiences and look to
affirm the positive in them, no matter how bad the circumstance. There
is no better way to stay focused. And one day when you look back you
will see how much you have grown, how much you have changed, how much
you have accomplished.