Before I lay out the parameters of the experiment, I would like to set the environment in which we will explore. There are certain beliefs I would like to speak to.
Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes
If we are to actually move forward in feeling that we have value, we cannot continue to do and feel as we have been up to this point. I think everyone can agree that this makes sense. So we will be creating a new routine ever so slightly and execute it for 21 consecutive days.
Internal Focus vs. External Focus
Our world constantly calls us to focus on the events and situations external to our being. We are reacting to everything we are involved in. Usually we are not focused internally as we move throughout our day. So I wanted to highlight this so we can take a look at how this plays out in each of our lives.
Always Fixing What's Wrong
Since we were born, we have been doing just this. The goal is feeling good. So if we don't feel good, we look to the outside world to see what's making us feel that way and try to change it. If we are hungry, we look for nourishment outside of ourselves and it mostly likely will involve another person in obtaining it. If we feel angry, we assume it is due to another person or situation and so we want that to change so we will feel good again. As a result, we are constantly looking outside of ourselves for what's wrong. So much so, that as we get older, it doesn't seem natural if we aren't working on fixing something.
And the most important...
We Have Value Simply Because We Exist
This is quite profound for me. Just because I exist, I have value. And yet, why would I be hear if it wasn't this way? My life is important and so, I will not live as though I would just be cast aside by whomever. That goes for anyone who has some sort of judgment about me. I am who I am. Which will hopefully change and grow as a result of this little experiment.
Here is how the experiment will play out...
1. Sit with pen and paper and write down any and all situations where you feel held back for whatever reason. For instance, maybe there are people in your life that think you should be, have, or do something other than what you are right now. Jot those people down and just a few words about each situation/person. Or maybe, you have something you've always wanted to do, a project you wanted to start or something you wanted to build. Jot that down.
Then set the list in a safe place where you can revisit when the experiment is done.
2. Every morning when you are finished getting ready for the day, look at yourself in the mirror and say the following:
• "____(your name)___, you have value." Look in your own eyes as you say it. Say it several times.
• "I have value." Be sure to look in your own eyes when you say it. Repeat this until you feel it.
You want to repeat "I have value" until it makes you smile!
Now if you find yourself rebelling by wanting to look away, or clam up, or even get angry and asking why you decided to do this, then it is most important that you convince yourself to keep going! Eventually that response won't be so severe.
Ok. That's it. Do this for 21 days. The reason for the 21 days is it takes 21 days for the new thinking to take hold in your brain. I'll share more about this later.
If you want, notice how you feel during the day. You can take notes if you want or journal if you want. Just be an observer of your life as it goes through your day and notice how you are feeling with regard to you having value.
You are more than welcome to make comments and share below. Looks like there are about 12-13 people interested in doing it. At the end of the experiment, I will ask you to look at your list to see if anything changed.
So let's get started! Welcome!
Gini
