Affirmations of a Candid, Caring, Crass, Crotchety, Caricature

Affirmations of a Candid, Caring, Crass,CaricatureCrotchety

MANY THANKS TO #TEAMSISLOVE

DEDICATION TO ALL OF THE “WEIRD” GIRLS OUT THERE:

TO THOSE WHO NEVER QUITE FIT IN WITH THE “IN CROWD,” & WERE NEVER CONSIDERED “10'S.” TO THOSE WHO WERE CONSIDERED “TOO SMART,” OR “TOO NERDY,” DESPITE ACTUALLY BEING HER THE WHOLE TIME. TO THOSE WHO HAD THE NEGATIVE EXPERIENCES ASSOCIATED WITH “NEVER BEING ENOUGH” NO MATTER HOW AWESOME YOU WERE/ARE, WHO YOU KNEW, WHAT YOU KNOW, HOW HARD YOU WORKED, OR WHAT YOU ACCOMPLISHED.

THIS BOOK OF AFFIRMATIONS, ALONG WITH ITS OPPORTUNITIES TO INDULGE IN YOUR CREATIVE IS DEDICATED TO YOU. P.S. - YOU ARE ENOUGH. YOU ARE ACTUALLY THE SHIT! NOW WALK IN THAT TRUTH.

Prologue

AFFIRMATIONS...

OK, FRIENDS... SO FIRST THINGS FIRST.

ESCAPE. RUN AWAY RIGHT NOW INTO YOUR OWN QUIET, PEACEFUL PLACE, BE THAT YOUR BEDROOM, BATHROOM, OR WHEREVER IT IS THAT YOU CAN BREATHE AND JUST BE.

DISROBE.

FOR ME, THAT MEANS GETTING NAKED, BUT CAN BE SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT FOR YOU. WHATEVER MAKES YOU FEEL MOST LIKE YOURSELF (I.E. COMFORTABLE), DO IT. I JUST HOPE YOU HAVE ALL YOU NEED, MARKERS, COLORING PENCILS, CRAYONS, A COCKTAIL, MOCKTAIL, OR STIFF DRINK, ALREADY THERE WITH YOU. YOU GOOD? OK.

NOW BEFORE WE MOVE FORWARD, SAY THESE WORDS ALOUD AND TO YOURSELF:

“I

AM LOVED. I AM BEAUTIFUL. I AM UNIQUE AND SOUGHT AFTER. I AM RESPECTED. I KNOW AND FEEL ALL OF THESE THINGS BECAUSE THESE ARE THE FEELINGS AND THE REGARD I GIVE MYSELF.”

SAY THESE WORDS OVER AND OVER AGAIN, AS MANY TIMES AS YOU NEED TO. THESE WORDS ARE AND WILL BE THE BASIS FOR EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS NEXT.

IN BECOMING THE WOMEN WE WANT TO BE, WE ARE CHOOSING TO MAKE A CHANGE IN THESE AREAS: HOW WE CARRY, SPEAK TO, AND HANDLE OURSELVES FROM THIS MOMENT ON.

REFER BACK TO THIS FIRST AFFIRMATION OFTEN AS A REMINDER TO SELF. FILL IN THE ASSOCIATED SCENES AND CARICATURES OF THOSE AFTER IT WITH THE COLORS YOU FEEL AS YOU READ AND SAY THEM TO YOURSELF. BE SURE THAT YOU BELIEVE IN EACH BEFORE MOVING ON TO THE NEXT AND, AGAIN, REVISIT THE FIRST AND OTHER PREVIOUS ONES AS OFTEN AS NEEDED TO REMIND YOU OF WHO YOU ARE, WHERE YOU BEGAN, AND WHERE YOU ARE HEADING.

IT’S ALL A JOURNEY AND ONE YOU WERE BUILT FOR, BIH!

NOW GO AND LOVE YOURSELF WHOLLY AND WITH RECKLESS ABANDON... IT’S OKAY TO. LOVE,

Affirmation I: Genesis

I am confident. I am competent. I am capable. I am able. Anxiety and panic exist. While they may impact me sometimes, I do not allow them to rule me.

MY MENTAL HEALTH

HOW I FEEL TODAY:DATE: JOB

WATER:

MOOD:

LIFE BALANCE WHEEL:

FAMILY

HEALTH

FRIENDS

YBBOH

XALER YENOM

On the wheel, assign a rating from 1 to 10 to each category based on your current satisfaction level. Mark each segment accordingly.

Connect the marked points to create a shape. A balanced wheel is more circular, while an uneven shape indicates areas needing attention.

Reflect on the imbalances and prioritize areas for improvement. Take action to enhance the less fulfilled aspects of your life.

Affirmation II: Becoming

I am imperfect, but still worthy and deserving of love and kindness.

PRODUCTIVITY PAGES

MY DAY

ACTIONS TO EMBRACE

Forgiving yourself.1. Giving yourself grace.2. Praising yourself for what you did right. 3.

ACTS OF SERVICE

I am becoming....

Take a moment and, with it, a deep, cleansing, and satisfying breath. Now, write three (3) adjectives you FEEL and BELIEVE about yourself so far in this journey. Remember, no matter how frustrated you may be feeling, be kind to YOU.

NOTES TO DO

I understand...

I speak...

I do....

I am...

Using the adjectives you provided on the “Becoming” page, say each affirmation to yourself, starting from the bottom to the top. Take time to do so at least once each day for the next few days.

I see...

I love....

I feel...

...This practice is important. We will come back to this later.

**Reference Appendix, pg. 38, for more informaltion.**

Affirmation III: Accountable Me

I am grown. I am a grown-ass woman, to be exact. I own and walk fully in the rites (and privileges) that being such both affords and requires of me. I am accountable to myself and I am accountable for my actions, thoughts and words included.

(Hey! Make it your own, Sis. Color it in.)

MY DAY

TO-DO ACTIONS

1. Set measurable & and realistic goals for yourself (i.e. “I will spend 20 - 30 minutes studying,” “I will finish putting up my clothes by...,” etc.)

3.

Start your day off by complimenting yourself. Then share with yourself why you love you.

2. Contribute to a cause, movement, or charity that matters to you.

I love me Reasons why

Yep, you read it! Take a moment to write three reasons why you love YOU.

Now, remember that for these reasons, and so much more, you are loved, valued, and appreciated. You are seen and your efforts are acknowledged. XOXO

Heart 2 Heart

Hey, Girl!

Stop for a moment... Let’s talk. I wanted to personally take a moment WITH you to check in and reflect on all of the work and progress you are making. We all know that change is not easy. Usually, it’s not exciting, fun, and, a lot of times, we fight against it. We fight it HARD. Some of us get angry; some of us deal with depression. At other times, it is hard to put a finger on exactly what feeling or feelings we are experiencing in the moments that we find ourselves actively contemplating change and how it can or will impact our lives and, more importantly, if we are actually willing to go through with it.

“Am I willing to go through with it?”

That is the question that I want to leave you to sit with and consider at this point. Whatever change life is calling you to make, no matter how difficult it may seem at this moment, are you willing to do that? Are you willing to own the need for it, make it a priority, and trust the process to achieve it? As you consider this, use the next page to reflect on yourself and any changes you have noticed in and around you so far. If you haven’t noticed any, it’s okay. Share your truest and most genuine feelings about yourself and where you are currently.

This is a safe space to be real. This is a safe space to fall apart. This is a safe space to be you. This is a safe space.

(Psst… Feel free to color the words in, too.)

Affirmation IV: Respect-FULL Me

I respect myself, my time, and that of others. I am aware of my own capacity and am mindful of others, establishing the blueprint for how I expect others to treat me.

Affirmation V: Au Fait (“Knowedgeable”) Me

I know myself. I methodically assess my actual needs versus my desires and put in the forethought and work needed to obtain each. In addition, I allot the necessary time and space for the things and persons who edify and amplify me at my best and healthiest self.

dream do plan

Weekly Planner

Affirmation VI:

Power-Filled / Power-FULL Me

I am alert, astute, and conscientious. These are my superpowers.

There is no task or obstacle that renders me helpless or incapable of learning from it, growing through it, and ultimately winning.

I am a force of nature, advocating for myself and others.

I create my life on a quantum level. There are endless possibilities. (You know what to do, Sis. Make it beautiful. )

MY MENTAL HEALTH

HOW I FEEL TODAY:DATE: JOB

WATER:

MOOD:

LIFE BALANCE WHEEL:

FAMILY

HEALTH

FRIENDS

YBBOH

XALER YENOM

On the wheel, assign a rating from 1 to 10 to each category based on your current satisfaction level. Mark each segment accordingly.

Connect the marked points to create a shape. A balanced wheel is more circular, while an uneven shape indicates areas needing attention.

Reflect on the imbalances and prioritize areas for improvement. Take action to enhance the less fulfilled aspects of your life.

Affirmation VII: Faith-Filled Me

I believe in God.

I believe that God believes in me. Therefore, I believe in myself, walking in purpose with confidence, acting with intention, and making steady progress toward my dreams and life goals.

YOU MADE IT!!! YOU MADE IT!!!

Friend!!! You did it! You made it to the end.

I’m so very proud of you.

Creating this piece has truly been a labor of love, or as I will refer to it, “ a Work of Heart.” My greatest hope is that each of these affirmations has both spoken to and filled you with confidence, self-love and compassion, inspiration, and excitement to move through your day and to continue your journey to being your best and most excellent self. Please make it a point to pray or meditate daily and repeat these words to yourself daily until you believe them at the core level of your being.

You are IT, Sis. You are EVERYTHING. You are indeed HER. Don’t allow anyone, not even you, to make you feel otherwise. And, with that, here is our final affirmation:

Affirmatiom VIII: Whole Me

I am vital.

I am necessary. I am essential.

I am full of life and, therefore, promise.

I am blessed to have so many people who love and have faith in me.

I LOVE & HAVE FAITH IN ME.

I AM ENOUGH.

Now, go get ALL that life’s ready to give you.

“Spares,” pgs. 35 - 38 “About the Chakras & How They Work,” pgs.

39 - 41 “About the Author,” pgs. 42 - 45

“Courtney’s Corner: Making the Most of Your Art,” p. 45

Accessing the Online Community & Chat, p.

Weekly Planner

MY MENTAL HEALTH

HOW I FEEL TODAY:DATE:

WATER:

MOOD:

LIFE BALANCE WHEEL:

Rate Each Category:

On the wheel, assign a rating from 1 to 10 to each category based on your current satisfaction level. Mark each segment accordingly.

Connect the Dots:

Connect the marked points to create a shape. A balanced wheel is more circular, while an uneven shape indicates areas needing attention.

Set Priorities:

Reflect on the imbalances and prioritize areas for improvement. Take action to enhance the less fulfilled aspects of your life.

I understand... I see...

I am... I feel... I do.... I love.... I speak...

Using the adjectives you provided on the “Becoming” page, say each affirmation to yourself, starting from the bottom to the top. Take time to do so at least once each day for the next few days.

Like us over time, our goals and ambitions change. Make copies of this page and update each as frequently as needed.

About the Chakras and How They Work About the Chakras and How They Work

As a part of the "I Am Becoming" section, we used adjectives to speak life into ourselves and our journey using the seven chakras, or "energy points" in our body. Now, it's time to discuss those chakras in detail. It's essential to understand what each chakra is and what it does so that we can intentionally manifest our goals, dreams, and desires in life.

The root chakra is located in our tailbone region (the base of the spine) and is symbolized by the color red. It grounds us both physically and emotionally. When it's open and aligned with our overall health, we feel secure in who we are, which allows us to radiate confidence and security in all areas of our lives.

Our sacral chakra corresponds with our self-worth, creativity, and sensuality. When it's open and aligned with our health, we feel a flow of creative energy and confidence that shines through our work and relationships, and our confidence shines through. The sacral chakra is housed below the bellow button, just above the pubic bone, and is symbolized by the color orange.

About the Chakras and How They Work

The solar plexus chakra is responsible for our willpower, self-identity, control, and clarity. When open and aligned with our health, it brings balance and purpose from our innate ability and belief in ourselves.It is located above our bellow button, centered near our stomach, and is symbolized by the color yellow.

The heart chakra is linked to our ability to love and show compassion towards others. It plays a crucial role in how we connect with people and share our emotions with them. When it is balanced and functioning well, we feel loved, secure, and supported. It is located at the center of our chest and is commonly referred to as "The Heart's Center;” it is symbolized by the color green. The throat chakra, go figure, deals with our ability to verbally communicate with others. When in alignment with our overall health and wellness, it helps us to communicate with (not to) others with love, compassion, and confidence. We are also less likely to gossip or be tactless and speak without thinking. It is located at the throat and is symbolized by the color blue.

About the Chakras and How They Work

6) The third eye chakra is like our inner crystal ball, linked to intuition and creative vision. When it's in harmony, we focus better, stay grounded, and follow our instincts like a boss. It's perched right between our eyes, shining in indigo (not purple, mind you!).

7) The crown chakra rules the roost, overseeing our whole being from tip to toe. Its superpower? Fueling our hunger for knowledge and enlightenment. Flexibility, open-mindedness, and that warm fuzzy feeling of bliss tag along when this chakra is in sync. Situated right at the tippy-top of our heads, it beams in regal violet.

About the Author: Seora Casper Abdul-Haqq

Author Seora Casper is a Registered Nurse and entrepreneur residing in Central Mississippi with her family.

In addition to writing and fully engaging in her creativity, she enjoys learning new languages, teaching pole fitness, volunteering with various community health initiatives, watching House Hunters and House Hunters International, and traveling with her husband and bonus son.

Throughout her life, she has wrestled with issues stemming from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and anxiety, including a lifelong battle with self-esteem and negative self-image. It is from this authentic and visceral place of pain that she found purpose and began working hard to piece herself together for the betterment of herself and other women and young ladies looking to come to terms with their pasts, heal the scars left behind, and live and love themselves in a healthy, happy, and holistic way.

"Affirmations" is a love letter to the young, broken, inner child - the girl who was left behind, neglected, bullied, belittled, and in many ways left unprotected. It is a means by which to say "You are loved. You are valued. You are worth protecting," for healing and bringing an end to the incessant need for external validation and acceptance.

The author hopes that these words will help uplift and bring many of us to a place of truly learning and loving ourselvesflaws and all, forgiving and gifting ourselves with grace, and ultimately, identifying and operating in ways more conducive to healthy coping skills and forward motion towards becoming each of our best selves. In a world in which so many ugly things can and do happen to many of us, it is so very important to know within yourself just how much you truly matter because YOU DO.

Believe it, walk in it, and be assured that you are in fact capable and competent to do anything you set your mind out to do.

Introducing Our Illustration Consultant:

Courtney

"Spice" Googe

Who are you?

My name is Courtney Nicole Googe. I have my Master's of Fine Arts degree from the University of Dallas. Currently, I am an instructor at Tarrant County College. I taught printmaking and book arts workshops at Mudhouse Residency (Crete, Greece) from 2019-2023. I like to pole dance and bake as often as I can. Presently I am pursuing mermaid-ing as well. I am in Texas with my 2 daughters and tabby cats, Lascaux and Winchester.

What is your area of focus?

Originally, in undergraduate school, I focused on ceramics. When I ran out of room for storage, I switched to printmaking and fell in love with the reduction-relief process (the main technique I use for my images now).

What Did/Do You Enjoy Most About Your Role in Developing “Affirmations”?

I love the heart of this project. I loved talking about these affirmations with my friend and why we need them every day. As far as the images specifically, it was really interesting to see what A.I. would "create" or compose before I would go in and correct it. Ha!

How & In What Ways Do You Believe Readers Can Best Express Themselves and Their Artistry Through the Designs Provided in This Work?

There are no wrong answers!! These images, lines, and shapes are here to give you something to respond to, to react against. For example, choose your favorite color simply because it makes you happy. Use these designs when you're anxious or bored, inspired or relaxed, or anything! And let YOUR hand and YOUR mind guide you. You can build on these images, you can add words to the spaces, and doodle patterns. Use them to escape a hectic day or to give you a moment to focus on yourself and process. There is no wrong way. Find YOUR way and embrace it!

***Want to reach out to Courtney? Want to support her artistry? See her contact information below: http://courtneynicolegooge.com

Instagram: @@courtneynicolegooge

Email: courtneyngooge@gmail.com

Dallas/Fort Worth Artist, Teacher, and Consultant http://courtneynicolegooge.com