The baby boomers have had such a huge impact on our culture, not only because of their numbers, but also because of their unique revision of what it means to become a senior citizen. I’ve recently read several variations of the statement, "50 years old is the new 40." We are living longer, not just because of better nutrition and medical care, but because we are rethinking old lifestyles. One of the ways to encourage positive changes as we face each new decade is to figure out ways to encourage ourselves to improve our health habits. One way that is cost-free and highly effective is the positive affirmation.

Affirmations are statements, things, feelings and visuals that affirm what you are doing, having done, or wish to do. Every habit we have has an affirmation at its root. The trouble with these affirmations is that your mind does not differentiate between good or bad, wanted or unwanted. If you affirm a thought or feeling by focusing your attention on it, it is affirmed. It will remain chosen and repeated until something new takes its place.

In each moment, you are affirming something for yourself, so be sure you are investing your powerful energy wisely. Use of the "I Statement" can help you shape effective affirmations for positive life changes. The "I Statement" is a word, phrase, or line that can be repeated to cover the following areas:

I am: A statement of who you are, (competent, calm, strong, brave, loving, energetic, enthusiastic, etc.)

I will: A statement of positive change in your life, (I will like myself better, lose weight each day, work out 4 times per week, smoke less, treat myself better, etc.)

You can print your statement on several 3X5 cards or copy visuals that simulate your goal and post them in areas where you’ll see them on a regular basis throughout the day. It’s important to focus your attention on the affirmations, even if you don’t totally believe them yet. The important thing is to continue to focus your attention on your affirmation until the change you’re looking for evolves. Your mind won’t know the difference between your imagining and the doing. Affirm what changes you want to make and your mind will create it!