Hello, Beautiful
If you’re like a lot of sisters, you probably use positive affirmations to help you feel good. But have you discovered the magic of mirror work? Quite simply, mirror work is saying positive affirmations to yourself in front of a mirror. Christiana Ibilola Awosan, a New York– based marriage/couples and family therapist, told Sisters From AARP that this simple practice invites us to lovingly embrace our full selves. That’s especially important for Black women and mature women, whose encounters with society at large too often offer little in the way of affirmation.
In 2021, performer Lizzo shared a body-positive video on social media. In the viral clip, the songstress stood in front of a bathroom mirror and repeated positive affirmations to her midsection. In the caption, she states, “I am radically learning to love myself. Even if it means talking to myself every morning.” If you are a fan of HBO’s Insecure, you are familiar with actress and producer Issa Rae’s infamous “mirror moments.” Her character escapes to mirrors for comfort and reflection. Tabitha Brown, an actress and entrepreneur, is also a firm believer, according to OWN’s Ladies Night In. One of her go-to affirmations is “You are enough.”
The Advantages of Positive Mirror Talk
Based on psychology and neuroscience research, mirror talk helps increase awareness of the self and shift from self-limiting beliefs to optimistic thoughts. For this reason, Awosan does mirror work herself. “I repeat, ‘You are beautiful. You are amazing,’ daily.” To get the most out of mirror talk, appreciate who you are at this moment. Don’t compare yourself and your looks with how you once were or how you hope to be someday. “Be kind to yourself by replacing society’s untruths with your own narrative. I am beautiful just the way I am,” Awosan says.