Affirming Others Helps You Become Who YOU Want to Be

I have been trying to practice offering more affirmations over the last few months. I am slow to learn. Like I said a few days ago, it feels like it takes a surprising amount of effort. The reality is, I often just don’t feel like it.

I don’t want to give examples because I don’t want to embarrass anyone who might be reading this, but I can say I have noticed something very strange about offering someone an affirmation: It makes me feel more like...well...me. Or, at least, it makes me feel more like the me I want to be.

I want to be someone who builds others up. I want people who come into contact with me to feel like my presence contributed to their hope, or joy, or sense of belonging (and/or more). When you affirm someone, you can often see very clearly from their facial expressions that you contributed to that person feeling good (or maybe better). And that’s a good feeling.

If you’re struggling to feel like you are truly becoming who you want to be, practice affirming someone. Let them know how much they mean to you. Let them know how much you appreciate their sense of humor, or their wisdom, or their loyalty, or their willingness to help, or their courage, or whatever it is.

Try it. You may find that it makes you a better you.

Don’t let any foul words come out of your mouth. Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say.

Ephesians 4:29