When was the last time you did something purposely to encourage someone else to feel included? Why are microaffirmations important to wellbeing? Microaggressions have received a lot of attention over the last few years for good reason. These small acts of demeaning, ignoring, or invalidating others have been found to harm a person’s wellbeing, and are particularly detrimental to people in marginalized populations. Microaffirmations on the other hand are the small positive gestures that help others feel they matter, are valued, and feel included. Actions such as smiling, using names – with proper pronunciation – in conversation, inviting someone to contribute, and paying attention when others speak all may seem small but build a sense of mattering over time. When we can intentionally incorporate microaffirmations in our lives, they help us to build relationships, increase our productivity, and overall make the world a better place for all of us to live in. Just as we want to work to minimize our use of microaggressions, we also want to be aware of the moments in our lives when we can do those small things that spread more good and inclusion in the world. It’s not about trying to be perfect, it’s about trying to do better. Microaffirmations matter.
