Ordinary Abundance

I decided to post the whole exercise here and add my input in italics.

Exercise for the week: Do this at some point before Thursday so you can write about the experience.

Think about the answers to these esteem-deflating questions.  How often do you carry these thought around with you on a daily basis?

My life would be so much better if I were only:  Thinner.  I know that we’re not supposed to think like that, but my weight has seriously affected my quality of life.  It’s not a value judgment.  There are very few places we can go, because I can’t walk very far, or stand for more than a few minutes.  I literally feel physically handicapped.  This comes up often. 

I’d be so much happier if I had a better:  Nothing comes to mind here.  I know deep down that I have all I need.

I wish I weighed: A lot less.

When I look in the mirror, the first thing I criticize about myself is my:  I’ve worked hard at not criticizing my appearance and for the most part I get it right.  My weight is not so much an esthetic problem as a practical problem.

The one negative word that I use about myself over and over again is:  Inadequate.  This doesn’t come up as often as it used to – I’ve done a lot of work in this area.

Now, answer these questions so that they can be seen by everyone reading your update:

I often receive the most compliments on my eyes.

What I admire most about myself when I look at my reflection is my hair.

I take pride in my progress.

I love the fact that I can change and grow.

My greatest quality is my positive outlook.

Study your answers for as long as you feel comfortable.  Now, take a mini-vacation from your current self.  Set a timer if you have to.  Spend at least 10 minutes going about your life believing that you are perfect exactly as you are right at this moment.  Forget about your job.  Forget about your husband. Forget about your wife; your children.  Allow thoughts of your relationships, the kind of car you drive, the clothes you wear and the unfinished items on your ‘to-do’ list temporarily slip from your mind. Just for now, be present; be aware in these few moments of what it feels like to be the ‘perfect’ you that you keep longing for.

If you find negative and/or unpleasant thoughts drifting into your mind during this time, acknowledge the thoughts but allow them to pass by like clouds in the sky and then focus on the answers to the above questions. Continue on with your exercise until your time is up.  Notice how it felt in those moments, knowing that you were enough; also notice the control you had over these thoughts.

Were you able to do the exercise for the given amount of time?  If not, were you able to redirect your thoughts back to the present?

Yes, I could do the exercise without too many negative thoughts intruding. 

Did it feel any different knowing that you weren’t relying on outside sources to challenge your beliefs – that you trusted yourself to be content with the things you knew to be true about yourself?

Yes, I felt empowered!  It’s a good feeling.

Finally, discuss how things are coming along with the Positive Reinforcement Sheet.  You will be almost half-way through the Challenge by Thursday.  Where are you still struggling?  Where are you succeeding?

I’m doing well with the affirmations.  It’s becoming much more natural for me to do than in the beginning, when it felt kind of stilted.  Now I can even manage a smile and a wink.  I’m definitely more patient, compassionate and loving towards myself in my daily routine.  I also find that I’m not trying to deceive myself so often – you can’t when you’re gazing into your own eyes.  I think I look happier!

I can’t believe we’re already halfway through the month!  Thank you, Ellen, for hosting an excellent challenge.