Anchoring Your Power by Angelia Schmerr
Facing life's intimidating and powerful waves can leave you feeling like they're constantly pushing back against your efforts and holding you back from your own power. In times like those, we need anchors to keep us rooted in our power. Affirmations and songs are two strong anchors I use.
A simple affirmation I have on a post-it note on my mirror says, “I am worthy.” Even though it’s just a few words, this affirmation has had a huge impact in helping me remember how powerful I am. When I keep telling myself, “I am worthy,” I’m not just saying or reading it; I’m planting a seed in my subconscious, and the more I say it, the bigger it will grow. Eventually, I will have grown a giant, powerful tree within.
The seed of this affirmation that “I am worthy” combats any doubts or insecurities I may be experiencing. The affirmation is centered on me as a proclamation of personal agency because of the "I." The "am" in the present tense serves to emphasize how valuable I am right now. This reality is true now; I was not only deserving in the past or will only be worthy in the future. Last but not least, being "worthy" carries a sense of worth and deservingness as an innate right rather than something I have to earn or lose.
I invite you to remind yourself, "I am worthy," whenever you are in circumstances where you feel ignored or underappreciated. This can change the way you think and serve as a reminder that you are respected and that your thoughts and feelings are important.Your worth is not tied to your actions or accomplishments. You are worthy simply because you are.
In terms of songs, occasionally when I need to be reminded of my resilience or strength, I listen to Andra Day’s song “Rise Up”.Andra Day - Rise Up (Lyrics)
It has become an anthem of affirmations for me, reminding me of my strength to overcome challenges in life. The opening lines, "You're broken down and tired / Of living life on a merry go round," acknowledge the pain we all experience, creating a sense of shared struggles. Also, the line, "And you can't find the fighter / But I see it in you," is a powerful reminder that even when I feel lost, my inner strength remains. To draw power from this song, I listen to it during moments of self-doubt, singing along to the lyrics to allow the words to resonate with me.
Now, I invite you to consider a recent situation where you felt your power diminished. What's a go-to empowering phrase or a song with meaningful lyrics that could've helped you feel stronger then? There is no right or wrong answer, only what speaks to your heart. Write it down, say it aloud, or simply hold it in your mind. This affirmation or song can become your personal anchor that helps you embrace your inherent power. Use these two tools as a reminder that your strength is always anchored within you, and you can always call on that strength during waves of challenges.
Additional tools for when you may be in crisis:
U.S. Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Ohio Mobile Response and Stabilization Services: 1-888-418-MRSS (6777)