I'm usually a person who LOVES making New Year's Resolutions. But something feels different this year.

I think many of us are just tired. Maybe even tired of trying so dang hard. And it can be hard to see the road forward in that state.

But here is one thing I know. When our thoughts and beliefs change, our behaviors change.

So maybe this year, it's not about doing something differently.........but more about thinking differently. So we see the light that's already here. And once we love what is, it's easier to dream about what's next.

If you're like me -- and not quite ready for radical resolutions this year, may I suggest incorporating affirmations into your routine this month as a place to begin.

Affirmations are one of my favorite brain based strategies for improved wellness because they are fast, customizable, super easy AND you can get results immediately!

Affirmations are positive statements that are intended to encourage and uplift the person who repeats them. The idea behind affirmations is that by repeating them to yourself, you can change your mindset and behavior in a positive way.

These positive statements may seem like a bunch of hooey at first, but trust me, they can work wonders for your mindset and overall well-being. Don't worry, talking to yourself isn't abnormal - it's actually backed by science.

There are a few theories as to why affirmations might work. One theory is that affirmations can help to reprogram your subconscious mind. Our subconscious minds play a powerful role in shaping our thoughts, beliefs, and actions, and it is often difficult to change these patterns of thinking directly. However, by repeatedly stating affirmations to ourselves, we may be able to bypass the conscious mind and directly influence the subconscious.

Another theory is that affirmations can help to create new neural pathways in the brain. When we repeat affirmations, we are essentially training our brains to think in a new way. By consistently repeating affirmations, we may be able to create new neural connections in the brain that support the beliefs and attitudes expressed in the affirmations.

Others take a more magical view – manifesting your reality and such. But whatever the case, it’s worth a shot right?

And remember, if at first you don't succeed, just keep repeating your affirmations until you do!

My favorite way to come up with an affirmation or two that will be powerful for me is to identify a feeling or worry that has been consistently intruding on my thoughts. Next I will either flip that thought around to its positive or find a quote or saying that moves my brain toward where I want to go.

For example, if I’m challenged by anxious thoughts, , I might create an affirmation of “I am safe right now,” or “All I can control is the present moment. All is well.” If I’m struggling with overwhelm, I might repeat an affirmation of “I am doing the best I can with my time and resources, and it is enough.” It can be especially powerful, although it does feel a little odd, to say the affirmations while looking at yourself in the mirror.

Here is a list of affirmations that might be a good fit for teachers beginning this new semester:

I am valuable and my well-being is just as important as my students' learning.

I am doing the best I have with the resources and technology that I have.

Each of my small actions and interactions have the potential to make an impact on my students' lives.

I am not alone, and I have the support of my peers and community.

I am valued and appreciated, and I will continue working hard to make a difference.

10 seconds with a few reassuring thoughts — simple but powerful.

Let me know how it goes.