Every morning I tell myself…
Many women, when they look in the mirror each morning, mindlessly apply make-up without a second thought. However, others will be purposeful, giving themselves little tidbits of advice that will get them through the day.
Below, some Jamaican women tell how they affirm themselves each day.
Kaci Fennell, Miss Universe Jamaica 2014:
I tell myself that I am going to succeed every single day, that I am going to dominate, dominate, dominate! That’s what I tell myself from Sunday to Sunday. Everything that we do in this life is about a mindset. You always have to speak positively to yourself; absolutely no negativity. So before I even leave the house, I tell myself that it’s going to be a great day and that I am going to be productive.
Emprezz Golding, Jamaican media personality:
When I look in the mirror I tell myself that I am beautiful and that I am unique. I say I will give back to those in need and that I will make a difference today. And of course, I tell myself I am a queen.
Gina Hargitay, Miss Jamaica World 2013:
Every morning I tell myself that I have to do at least one productive thing to further help me reach my ultimate goal, whether it is reading a book to better educate myself, studying one of my lectures to make sure I get my degree, or preparing myself for whatever task I have to do that day.
Cindy Breakspeare, Miss World 1976:
I say to myself, ‘Cheer up, it could be worse!’ At 60 years old and with 40 years spent in the public eye, you have to have a sense of humour.
Laura Butler, Miss World franchise holder for Jamaica:
I say, ‘Wake up!’ It’s another day of life, opportunities, and I thank God for all my blessings and pray for a good day, guidance in all I do and that my actions can help to improve the lives I encounter. I also pray for protection for those I love, and my country.
Sophia Max Brown, business owner:
I start my day by kneeling to pray and thanking the Almighty for another day and for all my blessings. I ask Him to continue to guide me to become a better person and to have patience to deal with any challenges that I may encounter throughout my day. Most importantly, I tell myself to do good deeds every day and to be a blessing to others.
Laurie-Ann Chin, Miss Jamaica World 2014:
I find comfort in thinking I am a work in progress, improving and growing each day. Everything is happening as it should be and in the right moment. Nothing happens before its time. That’s what I tell myself.
Khadine ‘Miss Kitty’ Hylton, media personality:
Mi tell miself whole heap a tings. Because mi talk to mi elf nuff nuff! (laughs) But one thing that I do tell myself when I look in the mirror is, ‘To thine own self be true’. Because once people see that you are truly passionate and that you are authentic, it will resonate with them, and they too can become empowered to be their true selves.
Senator Imani Duncan Price:
I say to myself, ‘Imani, make a difference today’. Sure I do affirmations and stuff; I mean you have to in order to keep yourself positive nowadays. But before I even leave the house, I tell myself to make sure I make a difference.
Krystal Tomlinson, Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2013:
I say to myself, ‘Let’s do this!’ Mentally, I look at the tools that I have to get things done and just go do it. No excuses. And of course I give thanks for the opportunity to see another day.
Senator Marlene Malahoo Forte:
I tell myself that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image. Before I start my day I have to be rooted and grounded in something bigger than myself. Mentally, I choose to focus on the possibilities instead of the obstacles. Nothing in life comes easy and so you have to approach life in that way. You can always learn from every encounter; from every relationship. You learn to find wisdom in every situation no matter what.
Dr Marcia Forbes, media veteran:
To tell you the truth, it depends on the mood I wake up in. If I wake up and it’s an absolutely lovely day, then I’m smiling to myself and just saying positive things. Then there are some mornings I wake up and I’m like, “Your face is so fat!” But then I say to myself, at least you have eyes; my husband is blind, you see. Then right then and there I become appreciative. But for sure, every morning I have an attitude of gratitude.
