Lifestyle Opinions

By: Alyssa Velasquez

Is this a Joke?

I never use to tell myself positive affirmations, comments, or look in the mirror to admire myself.

I believed it was too corny to say, and didn’t think it helped my self-esteem.

Even though I didn’t tell myself, I did have my parents right by my side telling me positive affirmations and that was enough for me.

So what changed my mind?

Well, two years ago, I left my parents house, (not in a positive way) and went to live with my now ex-partner. I thought I was going to have a new positive person in my life. Someone who was going to continue supporting in my academic journey and my overall lifestyle.

I grew up with parents that had unbelievably good work ethic. They taught me at a very young age, that if they were working, everyone was working. Laziness never got anyone anywhere.

I thought I had a partner that was the same, and unfortunately I relied on this person to be my positive affirmation and that’s where I went wrong.

Me, Myself, and I

Photo by Alyssa Velasquez

I realized very quickly that relying on someone for your happiness never works. Especially if that person doesn’t care to support you in your achievements.

In March of this year, I got a bacterial infection in my stomach called H. pylori. It made me super sick and I developed driving anxiety driving from home to school and would miss class. I had to keep telling myself out loud that I can drive and I’ll be okay.

“You’re fine”

“You’re gonna get to school safe.”

“You’re strong”

My ex-partner did not support me during this time and that’s when I realized that I needed to save myself. No one was going to save me.

I am now good with my stomach and have moved back home to start a new chapter in my life with telling myself every morning different affirmations I feel I need to hear to get through the day.

If you have been through a similar situation or don’t tell yourself any positive comments, take my story as a lesson and see how words can effect your everyday lifestyle.