I am falling increasingly behind on my exercises but I am determined to follow through, execute every one at my own pace. I received a book for Christmas titled, “Start Where You Are: A Journal For Self-Exploration,” by Meera Lee Patel, and I refuse to open the first page until I have successfully completed this #tut30days challenge.

Day 10 was an interesting one, because after completing my Day 9 Belief System I thought the assignment was synonymous.

“Day 10: Create An Affirmation For Each Area You Wish To Transform.”

This project is not only prompting me to utilize the dictionary more, but is changing the way I think about my inner workings: Who I am, what I stand for, and the person that I hope to become. Upon researching, I realized that an “Affirmation” is not the same thing as a “Belief,” but is an announcement of emotional support or encouragement.

For this assignment, then, I decided to add a touch of whimsy to each proclamation, pay tribute to my ideals in a different way.

For the will to write and inspire, my mantra awakens my creative tools:

For the will to feel good in my own skin, I personify my morning brew:

For the will to connect more often with my partner, I look to the cosmos:

For the will to remain optimistic in my everyday, I channel one of my favorite landscapes:

I know that more inspirations will come with time, but love how these exercises take me to a thought- provoking place. They transcend beyond the typical “Fake it till you make it” and “What’s meant to be will be” ideologies, ones that have become cliche with public use- I like that the musings listed above are my own.

What are some of your favorite mantras or affirmations?