Affirmations have become a part of my daily life. They help me through tough times and make okay times brighter. They remind me to be positive and that I am strong and can push and make it through whatever life throws at me. But who created affirmations and brought so much light and strength to all of us?
The answer is Émile Coué. Coué is known as the father of affirmations to many and was a French psychologist and pharmacist. According to history, he would reassure his patients and praise them verbally but also leave them with a positive notice as he gave them medication. (isn't that so cool?!?!) In time, his method became known as Couéism or the Coué method. The method was centered on a routine and repeating phrase daily at least 20 times a day. He believed that by saying these phrases, it became occupied in one’s mind and then became a reality. One of his most well-known phrases he told his patients to repeat was, “Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better.” Coué’s whole theory was based on that the person needed to believe what they said and in turn, it would come true.
In addition to Coué, Louise Hay was also renowned and mentioned a lot when looking into the history of affirmations. Hay was an author, teacher and lecturer and believed the morning is the best time to set how the rest of your day will go. After being diagnosed with cervical cancer, she turned to affirmations as a form of non-medical healing. In her lectures, she credits affirmations as a main treatment of her cancer and recovery.
Just like many things in history, there wasn’t a well written creator, but we can look to Coué as the father of affirmations and Hay as a more recent spokeswoman for them.
And when I look at the two of these prominent individuals, I pull out a few key details to the success of affirmations. Here is what is key to have an affirmation that works for you.
- Repetition - Coué had his patients repeat them 20 times… Lucky for you, our candle is close by, and you can repeat it as many times as you walk by!
- Believing the thoughts - You’ve got to believe what you are saying, and in Coué’s opinion (and mind) it would come true
- Morning is a great time - Let these affirmations set the tone for your day!
I’d love to hear from you! -- What’s your favorite affirmation? What works best for you? When do you say them?
Shine Bright loves!