New things can be scary for kids and teens. These new years affirmations are all about re-framing those overwhelming thoughts and beliefs and turning them into excitement. Each affirmation relates to accepting the "new" and what better time than now to practice them? Welcome to Curious Minds, Kind Hearts. It’s Heather and I am so glad you are here. Before we get started, please consider sharing this podcast or becoming a patron for special bonuses. I appreciate your being here and your listener support. This episode is great for kids and teens, especially those who get anxious at the prospect of new experiences.

Okay, let’s go on an adventure. It is almost the end of the first week of 2022 and I thought we could say some affirmations together. Do you know what an affirmation is? An affirmation is like a story we tell ourselves but they are short and powerful. They are words that give us courage and help us to believe positive and true things about ourselves, and sometimes others. Sometimes, our brains tell untrue stories that make us believe or think things that make us feel sad or helpless. Our minds are like rubber bands. They are very flexible and can change, but it takes practice to change how and what we think and believe. Just like you practice riding your bike or completing math problems, we have to practice what stories we tell ourselves. The best way to practice is to start with short stories that make us feel happy and help us to see clearly all the good in us and other people. Especially in situations that are not up to us. This what affirmations do. They help us see our own power within us. So, our affirmations today tell stories of bravery and openness to new things and new people. When something is new, it can be scary! By practicing affirmations that remind us how brave, unique, and special we are, we can welcome the new things in our life. Maybe you are going to a new class or school. Maybe you live in a new place. Maybe, you have a new sibling. With the right affirmations, we can open our arms and feel excited about them. I will say an affirmation, and you repeat after me.

• I can try new things

• New experiences open new opportunities

• A new day is a fresh start

• I am open to new possibilities

• My mind welcomes new experiences

• My heart embraces new friends

• New is exciting!

Practice saying these every day. Choose your favorite one, and write it down so you can see it every morning. I would love to hear you saying these affirmations. So, you and a grown-up can send me your affirmations so the whole world can hear how new things are amazing! Remember to stay curious and stay kind.