In the journey of recovery and healing, the power of belief stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. The idea that believing in our ability to heal can set the foundation for actual healing is not just motivational rhetoric; it's a fundamental truth in the path to recovery. When faced with trauma, it's not the assault or abuse that defines our entire life, but our capacity for healing and moving forward.

The Importance of Belief in Recovery:

Belief is a powerful tool. If you don't believe in yourself, if you don't think you can achieve something, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. In the realm of recovery and healing, believing in your ability to heal is critical. Without this belief, the journey to recovery becomes significantly harder, if not impossible.

However, knowing the importance of belief is one thing; nurturing that belief within yourself, especially after trauma, is another. Many survivors, myself included, have experienced feelings of being small, fragile, and scared. It can often feel safer to shrink your world, to make choices that avoid emotions that might feel overwhelming. In this state, believing in the possibility of healing can feel like an insurmountable challenge.

Overcoming the Fear-Based Mindset:

Our brains, especially when traumatised, are often at war with themselves. There’s a part that’s curled up, terrified, pleading to be left alone, and then there’s the part of us that still dreams and aspires. This divide creates a disconnect, where one part of us believes in healing and the other is petrified at the thought of facing the trauma necessary for that healing.

To bridge this gap, we need to gently coax the traumatised part of our brain to uncurl, to slowly open up to the idea of healing. Hope serves as a bridge to belief. I love Maya Angelou's perspective that hope and fear cannot coexist. When we’re hopeful, we’re not in fear, and when our amygdala, our fear centre, is not engaged, we’re open to healing.

Harnessing Neuroplasticity for Healing:

Neuroplasticity, a fundamental property of the brain, allows us to reshape our neural landscape. It's the ability of the brain to form and reorganise synaptic connections, particularly in response to learning or experience. This process is at the heart of our capacity for change and adaptation. When we engage in the practice of affirmations, we're essentially leveraging this neuroplastic ability to alter our thought patterns and beliefs.

The Science Behind Affirmation and Neuroplasticity:

Neuroscience research has shown that repetitive mental activity—such as the regular practice of affirmations—can physically change the structure of the brain. This is due to a phenomenon known as ‘experience-dependent neuroplasticity'. Each time we engage in a thought or activity, neurons fire and form connections. With repetition, these connections become stronger, making the thought or behaviour easier and more natural. 

The Role of Dopamine in Affirmation Practices:

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, plays a role in how affirmations impact our brain. When we say something positive about ourselves and truly believe it, our brain releases dopamine. This not only makes us feel good in the moment but also reinforces the pathway, making the brain more likely to travel down this positive route in the future.

Developing a personal affirmation practice can be a deeply creative and individualised process. You might choose affirmations that resonate with your journey, such as ‘I am healing', ‘I am strong', or ‘I am resilient.' These affirmations should be written in the present tense, as though they are already your reality. Place them where you'll frequently see them – as a screensaver, on a post-it note on your mirror, or in your journal. This constant exposure will reinforce these affirmations, gradually integrating them into your belief system.

Choose an affirmation that speaks to you. It might be ‘I am unstoppable', ‘Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better', or any phrase that uplifts and empowers you. Remember, the power of these affirmations lies not just in saying them but in believing them. These aren't just words; they're seeds of change being planted in your subconscious.

As you embrace this practice, you'll start noticing subtle shifts in your thoughts and attitudes. These small changes are the first steps toward a larger transformation. You are not just reciting words; you are redefining your reality, step by step. Every day, let your affirmations be a testament to your strength, resilience, and unwavering belief in your ability to heal and thrive.

Long-Term Impact of Affirmation Practice:

While this transformation doesn't happen overnight, consistent practice can lead to lasting changes. Over time, as new, positive neural pathways strengthen, they can begin to override old patterns of negative thinking. This can lead to significant shifts in how we view ourselves and our capabilities, contributing to overall well-being and resilience.

Incorporating affirmations into your daily routine isn't just a feel-good exercise; it's a science-backed method for rewiring your brain towards a more positive and empowered state. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let's remember the power of our own minds to foster change, not only in ourselves but in the world around us. Your affirmations are more than just words; they are the architects of your evolving brain, paving the way for a brighter, more hopeful future.