From Affirmations to Declarations: Speaking Life Into Your Dreams

Judy Alderson
Aug 7
2 min read

We’ve all heard about affirmations—those gentle, positive reminders we speak over ourselves: “I am worthy.” “I am confident.” “I am strong.” For years, I used affirmations to shift my mindset, to silence the inner critic, and to build myself back up after painful transitions. And they helped—truly.

But something changed in me when I moved from simply affirming who I am… to declaring what I intend to create.

The Difference Between Affirmations and Declarations

While both affirmations and declarations are powerful tools to rewire your mind and direct your life, they serve different purposes.

Affirmations are statements about your current state or identity. They help boost self-esteem and promote positive thinking.
Example: “I am resilient.” “I am capable.”
Declarations, on the other hand, are bold statements of intention. They are forward-facing, action-oriented, and infused with purpose.
Example: “I declare I will live a healthy, vibrant life.” “I declare financial freedom in this season.”

In essence:

🔹 Affirmations focus on being

🔹 Declarations focus on doing and becoming

My Journey: Why I Moved from Affirmations to Declarations

In the early stages of rebuilding my life after loss, affirmations were the medicine my soul needed. I had to remind myself that I was enough, lovable, worthy of joy.

But as I stepped into my encore life—into coaching, wellness, and purpose—I realized I didn’t just want to feel better. I wanted to do something with this new clarity.

Affirmations helped me heal.

Declarations helped me rise.

Now, I don’t just say “I am strong.”

I say: “I declare that I will use my strength to help others reclaim their health and purpose.”

That shift? It activated something in me.

It moved me from passively hoping for change… to actively creating it.

Why Declarations Work

Declarations require you to speak your future into the present. They’re bold. Faith-filled. Specific. They declare what you are committed to—not just what you hope for.

Whether you’re declaring health, purpose, peace, prosperity, or direction—your words become your guideposts.

And when you declare something often enough, with conviction and belief?

You start living in alignment with it.

How to Create Powerful Declarations

Here’s a simple formula to create your own:

Start with "I declare…” – This anchors the intention.
Use action and purpose – What are you stepping into?
Speak it daily, out loud – With conviction and belief.

Examples:

I declare that I am building a business that changes lives.
I declare freedom from the past and alignment with my God-given purpose.
I declare radiant health and daily energy for the things that matter most.

Final Thoughts: The Words You Speak Shape the Life You Live

In this encore chapter of life, I’ve learned that what I speak over myself matters. Every morning, I declare what I’m walking toward—out loud, on purpose, with faith.

Affirmations are still beautiful, and I use them when I need a soft reminder.

But declarations? They’ve become my rally cry.

So here’s my encouragement for you:Start declaring who you are becoming and what you’re creating. Let your words shape your days. Let your voice lead your transformation.

You’re not too late. You’re right on time.

Declare it. Then go live it.