Ok so here’s something else that’s been bugging me lately.  Have you noticed how society loves to give women over a certain age an expiry date? It’s almost as if there’s an invisible “Best Before” stamp slapped on our foreheads. When did that happen, and who approved it? Well, I for one am not buying it. In fact, we’re rewriting the entire narrative, and one of the most powerful tools we have is: Affirmations. Yes, those seemingly simple phrases we tell ourselves can do wonders, especially when it comes to our mindset.

Why Affirmations Matter

Now, I know what you're thinking: “Can talking to myself in the mirror really make a difference?” Yes! Think of it like this: our minds are very good listeners, and the stories we tell ourselves shape how we feel, act, and ultimately live. Affirmations help shift those internal dialogues. And for women in mid life, this is crucial. We’ve been around long enough to accumulate all kinds of narratives, some empowering, but plenty we didn’t even write ourselves. Affirmations are our chance to be the authors of the stories we live by.

In fact, a study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that practicing positive affirmations can activate the reward centres of the brain. Say what? Positive self-talk doesn’t just sound good; it feels good, too!

The Power of Positive Self-Talk

We’ve all had those days where we look in the mirror and think, "Who is that? And where did my 25-year-old skin go?" But here’s the thing: life’s not about clinging to a version of us that existed 20 years ago. It’s about celebrating who we are now and using positive self-talk to embrace it. So ladies, instead of telling yourself, “I’m getting old,” style it up by saying, “I am growing wiser every day.” Or when the occasional grey hair pops up, swap “I look tired” for “I’ve earned this wisdom and grace.” These small shifts in how we speak to ourselves ripple out into how we feel about ourselves.

Examples of Affirmations to Try

Not sure where to start? Here’s a few affirmations that can transform your mindset:

• "I am in control of my happiness and well-being."
• "I am strong, confident, and capable at any age."
• "My experiences have shaped me into the powerful woman I am today."
• "I embrace the changes in my body, and I love myself through every phase."
• "I have endless potential and new opportunities ahead."

How to Make Affirmations Part of Your Daily Routine

Affirmations only work if you actually use them. (Who knew?!) But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a grand ritual. Here are some simple ways to incorporate them into your day:

1. Morning Magic: Start your day with a power-up. While brushing your teeth or enjoying your first cup of coffee, say your affirmations out loud. (Bonus points if you say them with a cheeky smile!)
2. Sticky Notes Everywhere: Write your affirmations on post-its and stick them on mirrors, the fridge, or even your computer screen. Every time you see them, it’ll be a gentle reminder to pause and affirm your greatness.
3. Phone Background: Who needs another photo of your furry friend as your phone background? Instead, set a favourite affirmation as your lock screen. That way, every time you check your phone, you’re feeding your brain some positivity.
4. Affirmation Jar: Write several affirmations on slips of paper, pop them in a jar, and pull one out whenever you need a little boost. It’s like a fortune cookie, but way more empowering!

Why This Really Matters

By now, you might be thinking, “OK, but do affirmations really change my life?” Well they certainly won’t do the dishes or pay the big bills we’re anticipating this winter, but what they will do is shift your mindset, and mindset is everything. How we talk to ourselves influences how we approach challenges, opportunities, and even the mundane moments of life. And when we approach life with a positive, affirming outlook, we begin to see more positivity around us. It’s like planting seeds of joy and watching them bloom. As someone once said (and yes, it’s worth affirming): “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

You've Got This!

So let’s stop waiting for someone else to change the narrative for us. We have the power to write it ourselves starting with the stories we tell ourselves every day. It’s time to affirm the fabulous, strong, wise women we are. Whether you’re 50, 60, or 90, remember: you’re just getting started, and there’s so much more ahead.

Now go look in that mirror, give yourself a wink, and repeat after me: “I am enough, just as I am.” Feel that? That’s the power of affirmations. Let’s keep the conversation going because, trust me, we all deserve to be part of a dialogue this empowering!

Caroline’s daughter, Diahanne xxx