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May/June 2004 Cosmic
Five Tips for Making Lasting Changes

by Vicky Thompson

It’s easy to make vows to change old habits and live healthier, but studies show that even New Year’s resolutions are hard to keep past the second week of January. How can you keep your enthusiasm going all year long to fuel change?

Reinforce your resolution with an affirmation, which creates a powerful reason for making the change and increases the likelihood of sticking with your goal over time. Resolutions are simply statements of intention. If you integrate those intentions into a spiritual affirmation practice, you give deeper meaning to the change you desire, making it easier to achieve.

Here are five tips for using affirmations to stay on track with resolutions:

1. Make it personal. Find the deeper meaning in your resolutions. If your goal is to lose weight, add a spiritual intention to let go of limiting ideas about your body image. Say affirmations such as I am free to be myself throughout the day as a reminder of your resolution.
2. Keep it simple. Set attainable results for your resolutions. If you want to spend more quality time with your family, create a simple spiritual practice of hugging at the start the day. Use family time as a spiritual opportunity to be more present and focused on your relationship, rather than worrying about undone tasks. Stay in the now moment by affirming I am right where I need to be.
3. Put some muscle behind it. More than 50 percent of Americans resolve to exercise more each year, according to a 2001 poll by General Nutrition Centers. Add a spiritual dimension to exercise by saying affirmations such as I am strong and powerful during your workout to inspire commitment to your fitness regime.
4. Tell a friend. Let others know about your goals so that they can cheer you on. Stating your intention out loud creates an expected outcome. Accept encouragement and kudos from friends, using these good feelings to create affirmations such as I applaud my achievements.
5. Celebrate success. Recognize your triumphs by affirming your ability to achieve success. Acknowledge both small and big steps forward by affirming I achieve my goals in every moment.

JourneywithSpirit.com offers more than 15 healing tool kits to release stress and inspire a feeling of calm. Easily navigate the site by following four spirit guides to tools for healing, including affirmations, audio meditations and prayers, and inspirational web movies.

Spiritual author Vicky Thompson is the creator of JourneywithSpirit.com, a do-it-yourself spirituality Web site that offers tips for using affirmations to achieve spiritual growth. Contact Vicky Thompson at 503-697-8916, vicky@journeywithspirit.com or www.journeywithspirit.com