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"It was the happiest day of my life." Brady Neujahr, 7 years

Several years ago we went on our boat for a family reunion. We did the usual family gatherings stuff – we went on schedules, chores and various details of life. When we were done we all went to the front of the boat to snuggle and watch the stars appear. Our youngest son, Brady, suggested that we go around the circle and speak well of each other. We had done this before, so I thought it was excellent idea.

We started by simply choosing a family member and then around the circle. When it's your turn, you've had the privilege of say three good things about this candidate. Each family member got their chance to say positive things about the candidate. But there was a catch. No one can use a statement twice. You had to think of new things each time you went around the circle. If someone said that you were going to say, then you had to choose another statement. We all took turns. Each person had the experience of being confirmed by all family members. It was awesome. It was so much fun that we went around the circle 3 times. That night each family member has been confirmed more than 25 times.

To hear our children saying to each other was incredible. I laughed, cried and learned a lot about my children. I felt really lucky to have an awesome family.

This process was difficult at first, although we got into fun, so it was that we did not want to stop. Our "circle time assertion" has become a favorite family tradition.

When we entered from the boat after our first circle of affirmation of our son, Brady, summed up the night by saying: "This is the happiest day of my life." Wow! "His words touched my heart. I cried again. While I was walking down the dock, I thought the power of his words. The "best day of my life" is a strong statement. She told me that my children need more affirmation. I think all children need more affirmations. They do not need more stuff – they need more love.

The world can be a difficult place. Our children hear negative everywhere they go – to school, the bus and in the neighborhood. I read that by the time a child is 16, they heard more than 150,000 negative comments about themselves. It takes a lot of assertions positive to fight against the negative they hear every day. We can be cheerleaders for our children. We can turn the tide covering all negative they mean by positive affirmations on a daily basis. The circle statement is a tradition that can increase your child's self esteem and family harmony. These circles give each person a safe place to be loved.

Variations / Suggestions: Try using the affirmation circle with people outside your family.

• Work. Have each person take around the circle and share the strengths that the candidate brings to the team. While this may be very awkward, keep in mind that most the first thing I want in a job is the assertion and / or appreciation. Using circle time at work can increase productivity, change the attitudes of employees and create a place where people enjoy coming to work.
• Youth organizations. If you athletes for young coach, mentor, children / teens, teaching at church, volunteer at school or work with children in any way – you have the opportunity to impact a child's life in an amazing way. You can greatly influence the life of a child in asserting them. You may be the only one who has ever said. With Children / Teens it may work best if you first as a leader call just round the circle and each person to confirm. While the group is comfortable, you can join in.

Challenge: Make time to have a circle with your family statement. Get out your calendar and commit to your schedule now. You'll be amazed at the results time of your first circle. This could be the best night of your child's life – one they will remember forever.

About the Author:

Michelle Neujahr, Motivational Speaker & Small Business Consultant
Michelle Neujahr provides motivational keynotes, in-house training seminars and small business consulting services to organizations ready to take their business to the next level. She delivers high energy, dynamic presentations guaranteed to reinvigorate your organization and revive your people. With more than a decade of experience as a motivational speaker, Michelle has given over 1,000 presentations to audiences across the country. In addition Michelle has owned three businesses, worked in the corporate world as Director of Sales & Marketing, is an author and serves as an adjunct business professor.

Companies hire Michelle, time and again, to entertain, educate and motivate while creating a positive, energetic tone at any conference or event. Some of Michelle’s clients include: 3M, Wells Fargo, Medtronic, St. Paul Children’s Hospital, and Carlson Companies.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Family Affirmation Circle