There is a strength to beginning an affirmation with the words “I am”. We’ve all read it for years ad nauseam that if you believe it long enough, if you put enough pictures on your refrigerator, or you genuflect and spin around three times while you make a wish for what you want to manifest, presto, it’s yours. I don’t know about you, but my success rate with this hasn’t been too hot. I’m in no way negating the power of positive thinking, hope, or manifesting one’s true desires and destiny. If you’re going to change anything, there has to be a goal, desire, hope, or plan. Being an eternal optimist doesn’t hurt either.
“I am” registers on a different level. This isn’t about the stuff you want to bring into your life, it’s about who you are at your core. If material wealth is truly what you desire more than anything else, go for it, but be realistic that as with anything of value, you’re probably going to have to work for it. Saying, “I am wealthy” is one option if that resonates with you, but it’s still pretty subjective. Maybe “I am capable of a better paying job.” “I am responsible with my money.” “I am blessed with abundance in all areas of my life.” It isn’t a wish or a pipe dream, it’s a statement validating it’s here and now.
“I am is the holy expression for the name of God–the highest aspect of yourself.” -Dr. Wayne Dyer. http://www.drwaynedyer.com/blog/the-power-of-i-am/ He also wrote a children’s book with the message of helping children find the God within: I Am: Why Two Little Words Mean So Much.
In the Bible, “I am who I am” (Exodus 3:14), references when God was talking to Moses and telling him what to call him. Some biblical translations cite this as “I am that I am”. Could this be a key to establishing our own connection to Divinity?
Countless books, movies, seminars, articles and meditations promote the use of these two simple words to empower you to create a life of purpose, meaning and joy. None are inherent to a specific religion but extoll the same message of accessing your own inner strength and power.
A couple of weeks ago I went through a situation that left me blindsided, overwhelmed, and scared. I wallowed for a while, I self medicated with Little Debbies, and then I woke up. Out of the blue when I was writing one morning: I am strong. I am powerful. I am safe. It was as if someone flipped a switch. I sat up straighter and thought , Hell yes! I’ve been through worse shit than this, it’s time to buck up! Throughout the day whenever I started to waver and fall back into that fear based mentality, I’d repeat this mantra. Every time it brought me back to feeling strong, powerful, safe and capable. This isn’t about ego or trying to convince yourself you’re something you’re not. It’s really just accepting you’re enough as is, where is, no warranties implied or given. If you’re doubting or think it won’t work for you, close your eyes and say to yourself, “I am enough. I am loved. I am lovable.” Just for that one time, say it like you really believe it. It sounds hokey but it’s free and nobody has to know you’re doing it anyway!
Helen Reddy wrote the song, “I am Woman” which was a huge hit in the 1970’s. You tube it and listen to the lyrics but also watch her expression when she sings the lines that begin with I am. “I am Cait”; Again, the conviction to self acceptance is so clear. “I am what I am and that’s all that I am.” -Popeye. Well actually, “I yam what I yam”! Be careful if you You Tube the original version from 1933, just a touch of stereotypes and intolerance! But an incredible reminder of how far we’ve come in a relatively short period of time.
They say the only guarantee in life is death and taxes. The only constant is we are who we are from start to finish. We can change the outside packaging in a multitude of ways but our inner light remains the same. What a visionary we had in Wayne Dyer to write a book to help children access this tool for self empowerment at such a young age. Rest in Peace.