You’ve heard them before. They are the glossy, too-perfect affirmations that sound like they belong on a poster in a dentist’s office: “I am a magnet for miracles!” or “Everything is sunshine, rainbows, and perfectly brewed coffee!” They’re cute, sure, but let’s face it sometimes life feels less like a magnet for miracles and more like a vacuum for socks, sanity, and my car keys.
Affirmations, while well-meaning, often overlook the messy complexity of human emotions. They’re like a bandaid over a wound that needs real tending—offering quick fixes instead of acknowledging the depth and beauty of our struggles.
And here’s the tough part: I know this because I’ve been guilty of it myself. I’ve leaned on affirmations as a crutch, pushing them out into the world while keeping my true thoughts and struggles neatly tucked away. I’ve hidden behind shiny positivity instead of sharing the raw, authentic parts of my journey. And, when life felt overwhelming, I retreated entirely. I shut down and went into survival mode.
Why? Because being vulnerable is hard. It’s so much easier to throw on a “good vibes only” mask than to admit when life feels heavy. But here’s what I’ve learned: real connection doesn’t come from perfect words or glossy facades. It comes from the messy, honest, and beautifully human stories we tell.
The Power of Real Stories
Life is messy. It’s beautifully chaotic, hilariously absurd, and at times heartbreakingly raw. When we tell real stories—about love found and lost, about grief that turns us inside out, and about the unexpected joy of burning pancakes on a Sunday morning—we create space for authenticity and connection.
Grief, The Story We Don’t Tell Enough
Grief is love’s unwritten sequel, yet it’s often silenced. Sharing stories of loss can be profoundly healing, not just for us but for those who read them. Grief reminds us that loving deeply means we’ll also feel deeply—and that’s what makes us human.
Unexpected Surprises Are Often Life’s Best Teachers
Whether it’s the out-of-nowhere kindness of a stranger or a flat tire on the day of your job interview, life’s surprises shape us in ways we couldn’t anticipate. Stories of these moments remind us to embrace the unpredictable, finding humor or meaning in the chaos.
Love and Misadventures
Love isn’t always candlelit dinners and sunset walks—it’s arguing about the right way to load the dishwasher or laughing so hard at the movies that popcorn spills everywhere. Misadventures make life richer and funnier; they’re the stories we tell at family dinners or write in our journals with a knowing smile.
Affirmations have their place in our toolkit. But being real. Being authentic mustn’t be ignored.
Why Stories Matter More Than Affirmations
Stories meet us where we are. They say, “It’s okay to feel messy, confused, or broken—because we’ve been there too.” Affirmations have their place. However, they can sometimes feel like a plastered-on smile. Authentic stories remind us of the resilience and humanity that runs through us all.
Instead of saying “I am perfectly at peace,” I’ll share the story of how I found a moment of quiet in the middle of chaos, sitting in my car at the grocery store, tears falling.
Instead of chanting “I am limitless,” I’ll focus on writing about the times I feel stuck in my mid-life circus —and finding my way again.
I can’t promise anything, because I am perfectly imperfectly flawed. I am a human being and no matter how many times I mutter an affirmation I can guarantee the only way out it through…through action.
An Invitation to Authentically Be
So, here’s my challenge let’s ditch the toxic affirmations. Let’s spill our truth. It can be joyful, messy, or somewhere in between. I know I’m stepping out of my own comfort zone. I’m realizing that the stories I’ve been hiding are the ones that just may resonate the most. Because in the end, it’s not about being positive all the time—it’s about being real.
And real is where the magic happens.
Here’s to heart-stirring stories and embracing the beautiful, unpredictable ride that is life. Let’s share the laughs, the tears, and everything in between. Because somewhere out there, someone needs your story to remind them they’re not alone.