The “I AM” Alphabet Game: Turn Dark Self-Talk into Bright Sunshine!
What if you could turn your self-talk into a game—one that’s so engaging it makes time fly and leaves you feeling empowered? That’s exactly what the “I AM” Alphabet Game does. Whether you’re hiking, cooking, or just walking alone, this game is a surefire way to snap out of worry, silence self-doubt, and step into your power. It’s simple, fun, and surprisingly transformative. My husband and I created it to break the patterns of stress and anxiety in our hectic life and bring joy and laughter into our everyday life, keeping us from becoming those couples who would rather be apart than together.
Here’s how it works, why it’s so powerful, and why it might just become your new favorite habit.
How to Play the “I AM” Alphabet Game
The rules couldn’t be easier. Start with the letter A, choose “I AM” as your anchor, and come up with a descriptive word that starts with that letter. For example:
1: "I am amazing," "I am articulate," "I am (finish with a positive word that starts with A)"
2: "I am bold," "I am brilliant," "I am (finish with a positive word that starts with B)"
3: "I am courageous," "I am creative," "I am (finish with a positive word that starts with B)"
You can play this game solo or with a friend:
1. Solo Play
As you go through the alphabet, take your time with each word. Speak it out loud and feel it. For example, when you say, “I am courageous,” imagine a moment when you felt brave or picture yourself embodying that word. This practice helps break negative thought loops and creates a sense of empowerment.
Once, I played this game for the first time during a walk where I wanted to raise my heart rate for improved cardiovascular strength, which you know can be physically challenging. I got so immersed in the process that I didn’t even realize I’d fast-walked the entire pathway—I was suddenly back at the car! The “I AM” Alphabet Game has this amazing ability to get you into a zone. It quiets the mental noise of worry or anxiety and replaces it with a rhythm of positivity.
2. Partner Play
When you play with a friend, it turns into a hilarious back-and-forth challenge! Start with the letter A and see who can come up with more words before moving on. For example:
- You: “I am amazing.”
- Friend: “I am articulate.”
- You: “I am authentic.”
- Friend: “I am adventurous.”
Life, Love, Living
I Am
Creating the life I love
Say your "I Am's" every day and watch your reality transform almost overnight.
Say Your I Am's
Why It Works
The “I AM” Alphabet Game is more than just a game. It’s a tool for breaking patterns of negativity, worry, and self-doubt. Here’s why it’s so effective:
When you focus on positive “I AM” statements, you’re reinforcing new neural pathways in your brain. Over time, this rewiring helps shift your default thoughts from limiting beliefs to uplifting ones.
Anxiety often comes from worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. This game pulls you into the now by giving your mind something playful and creative to focus on.
Words are powerful. When you declare, “I am bold,” you start to feel bold. When you say, “I am joyful,” it’s hard not to smile. This practice creates a ripple effect, where positive thoughts lead to positive emotions and actions.
Let’s face it—self-improvement can feel heavy sometimes. This game keeps it light and playful, which makes it easier to stick with.
The Hidden Magic of “I AM”
One of the wildest things about this game is how it shifts your energy without you even realizing it. Playing solo, I’ve found myself so deep in the flow of “I AM” that I lose track of time and space. I’ve even been in driving situations that are potential for headline-making road rage, and with a flick of a switch, I go into the I AM game and suddenly, who cares if that driver cut me off?
When you’re immersed in finding words and feeling their meaning, you naturally let go of negative choices, feelings, and thoughts. It’s almost meditative. But instead of sitting still and clearing your mind, you’re filling it with affirmations and creative energy. And when you play with friends? It turns into pure joy and laughter—a shared moment of connection and positivity.
Ready to Play?
Here’s a quick challenge to get you started. Grab a piece of paper or say it out loud:
1. A: I am ____________.
2. B: I am ____________.
3. C: I am ____________.
Keep going until you get to Z. If you get stuck, pause and think about a word that excites you or represents the person you want to be. And if you’re playing with a friend, let the competition fuel your creativity (and your laughs). Pro tip: when you get to D, you may find the English language has a lot of negative “D” words. Challenge accepted!
Bonus challenge: Try playing backward—from Z to A—for an extra brain workout!
The Takeaway
The “I AM” Alphabet Game is more than a tool for positivity—it’s a way to reconnect with yourself, family and friends. Easy on strangers or you may find yourself playing alone in a 4x4 cell. It’s fun, it’s empowering, and it works. Whether you’re walking a trail, on a road trip, lazing on the couch, or just trying to shake off a bad day, this game reminds you of your infinite potential. So, who are you today? Start with A and let the game show you.
Siobhan Shaw is a personal growth writer, game creator and player, podcaster and the catalyst driving GrowingtoGive.org
