Richard Carlson - The Dont Sweat Affirmations: 100 Inspirations to Help Make Your Life Happier and More Relaxed

O ften, the difference between having a good day or a bad one has a lot to do with the types of thoughts that fill our heads and dominate our thinking. Simply put, when our thinking is positive, uplifting, and life-affirming, we feel happy, peaceful and hopeful. On the other hand, when our thoughts are negative, self-defeating, fearful or angry, we tend to feel victimized, overwhelmed and unhappy.

The editors of Dont Sweat Press have put together a book full of inspiring messages to read to yourself. They are simple, but powerful reminders that we have the capacity to live extraordinary lives. By reading these short messages, we are giving ourselves the suggestion to be proactive and grateful. Affirmations such as these remind us of the power that our own thoughts have in shaping our reality and the quality of our lives. When we understand this power, we are more careful about which thoughts we give significance to and which ones we choose to dismiss or ignore.

There is no question that life can be challenging. However, when we take the time to think positive thoughts, and to remember that we, ourselves, are the thinker of those thoughts, we give ourselves the edge we need to stay on track and remain vitalized. Its that little bit of added wisdom that reminds us of whats most important and keeps us from sweating the small stuff.

The affirmations in this book can be a wonderful way to start your day. Or, they can be a welcome break in the midst of chaos. However you choose to best use them, I think youll agreethey are stress-reducing and a lot of fun. I hope youll enjoy this book as much as I have, and that you refer to the affirmations often.

Treasure the gift of life,

Richard Carlson

Pleasant Hill, CA, June 2001

By choosing to be flexible with problems rather than irritated by them, I allow creative solutions to flow through me.

My mind is at peace, and no problem is too big for me to handle.

I approach every problem with kindness and gentleness.

I do not need to be perfect; only human.

Life is okay the way it is right now.

I treat strangers with kindness and respect.

I take time to be alone, reflect, and enjoy the quiet.

I know that I am loved, and every time I say I love you, I keep the circle of love alive in the world.

I am calmly centered in the moment and set a good example to those around me.

The uplifting reminders of love that I place around my home remind me that all is well.

I perform every task calmly and peacefully.

I am aware of my changing moods and make allowances for them.

I remain in the moment through every conflict in my life.

The first thing I do every morning and the last before I go to sleep at night is clear my thoughts and simply live in the moment.

I am forgiving and accepting of the people I love, which makes it easier to be myself.

When someone asks me how I am, I respond with calmness rather than reporting how busy I am or listing my problems.

When I keep my cool in the face of little problems that pop up from day to day, I protect my body from stress.

My work is not my entire life. Achieving a goal or finishing a job is wonderful, but every moment contains an opportunity to experience the fullness of life.

When I feel that its all too much to handle, I lighten up and remind myself that I dont have to be perfect.

I am centered and balanced, and I always bring my mind into the here and now.

My life is filled with harmony, equanimity, and enthusiasm.

With my attention in the moment, I do things calmly and give every task the attention it deserves.

When I am feeling overwhelmed, I imagine that a stranger is taking notes on my behavior and telling me how much unconditional love I am bringing to those around me.

I remain relaxed as drama washes over me.

I handle lifes conflicts with clarity and a healthy attitude.

I am flexible and accept changes in my plans with grace.

This moment is the only thing that truly exists. There are no dress rehearsals in life.

I handle the inevitable pressures of life with a calm mind and a relaxed body.

I freely compliment others and spread the joy of life.

I let criticism go and focus on the positive in myself and others.

Taking the small annoyances of the day in stride keeps me free of negativity.

When an unexpected snag comes up during the day, I take a deep, refreshing breath rather than tensing up with frustration.

I am confident in myself and do not need to prove myself to others.

Others appreciate me even more when they experience my genuine humility.

I am an easygoing and peaceful person.

I surrender to the truth of this moment and feel great peace of mind.

My quiet inner voice knows what I need to know, what I need to do, and what changes need to be made in my life.

I am open to what is and do not insist that life be a certain way.

I trust that my intuitive heart will give me all the answers I need.

The powerful force within me is always at work, regardless of what I call itHigher Spirit, Guardian Angel, Collective Intelligence of the Universe, or God.

I am a good listener, both to my inner voice and to those with whom I live and work.

Rather than living up to the illusion of being normal, I alone define who I really am.

When I let go of a problem, even for a few seconds, I allow my creative energy to flow toward a solution.

Instead of pushing myself to solve a problem, I relax and keep alert for solutions.

Instead of blowing an annoying scenario out of proportion, I relax and think of the bigger picture.

Nature does not rush its work, and I am part of nature.