Who do you think you are?

We just completed the 21-Day Self-Love Challenge last week.

And I loved the experience.

In fact, I loved it so much I’m going to offer it again in August.

So, stay tuned!

Now, having done the 21-Day Self-Love Challenge this first time, I noticed something interesting.

I noticed that we have a hard time owning what we LOVE about ourselves.

Inside and out.

It seems so much easier to talk about what we really DON’T LOVE about ourselves.

And we like to commiserate.

Misery loves company, right?

But what if you dared to share what you LOVE about YOU?

Are you afraid that your light would blind others?

Or would your light be exactly what others need to see, so they can shine their own light?

I believe it’s the latter.

If you shine your light, you’ll encourage others to shine theirs.

Your light could actually free others from their darkness.

Amazing.

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So, I wanted to shine a light on this today.

Your self-image.

Meaning who you believe yourself to be.

Of course, you’ve got the image of yourself in the mirror.

But then you’ve got the image of yourself in your mind.

Two images of you.

The image in your mind is your self-image.

It’s been created and cultivated by you over years and years of life.

It’s who you think you are.

Regardless of what the mirror reflects back at you.

And regardless of what anyone says, what the scale reads, the amount in your bank account, or where you work, who you love, or what you do for fun.

Your self-image is in your mind, and it may or may not be affected by the outside world.

That means that even if your appearance changes, your inner self-image may not change.

And vice-versa.

So, for example, on the outside you may be gorgeous according to popular opinion, but on the inside your self-image is that of an ugly duckling. 

Or it may be that your self-image is that of a super model, but on the outside you may look quite ordinary.

(If you haven’t seen “I Feel Pretty” with Amy Schumer, illustrates this point perfectly.)

Ultimately, what impacts your life the most is not your outward appearance, but it’s your self-image.

And you are the only one who can create or change that self-image.

You have full authority.

That means, for example, that despite outward appearances or circumstances, you can decide right now to be self-confident.

You don’t need to wait for a degree, a particular job or income, an outfit, a haircut, or a complement to validate your self-confidence.

You can just be confident right now.

Exactly as you are.

And the same goes for what you think of your body.

For example, you may be 50 pounds heavier than you want to be.

But, in your mind, you can decide in this moment that you’re already the weight you want to be.

What?

Maybe you think this is delusional.

And it could be perceived that way.

But, if you look at it that way, then you have to consider that we’re often delusional.

In the opposite way.

So often we underestimate our worth, our intelligence, our strength, and our capabilities.

That’s being delusional too.

So, why not be delusional in a way that brings about positive change in your life?

Thinking that you’re the perfect weight is just a thought.

(No one sees this thought, no one can judge it but you.)

And by choosing to believe this thought, you’re choosing to feel good.

You’re using your imagination to create this good feeling, and ultimately create a new reality.

See, imagination is not only useful in creating works of fiction, it can also be used to create realities.

Think of the iPhone, the airplane, and women’s right to vote.

Someone had to imagine these “crazy” things.

They had to do the hard work of believing, despite outward appearances and the opinions of other people.

And for sure they were laughed at and ridiculed.

But when these imaginings became realities, everyone suddenly forgot why they were laughing.

So, all that really matters is what your mind imagines and then believes to be true.

So, imagine how you would behave differently, interact with others differently, and go after opportunities differently if you believed you were the perfect weight.

Or believed you were self-confident.

Or believed you were smart enough, strong enough, and worthy enough.

Your self-image would shift, and your life would blossom.

Even though nothing outside you has changed.

And then imagine if you shared this power with the women in your life.

Your light could light the world.

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How do you see yourself?

Growing up I was told to “be a good girl.”

And that basically meant remain silent and do as you’re told.

Don’t question authority.

Please others.

And for sure that idea of “being a good girl” affected my self-image.

All my life I’ve wanted to make others happy, make them proud, seek validation, do what’s expected, and not rock any boats.

But I no longer want to keep that “good girl” as part of my image.

I realize, as I read Anthony Hopkins words, “…it’s not your work to exist for people and give your life to them.”

That doesn’t mean I’m not living in service… It means I don’t lose myself in service.

And I don’t want to wait for approval, validation, or permission to do the things I feel called to do in my life.

My new self-image is powerful, she’s in charge of her life, and she doesn’t question her value.

She doesn’t judge her mistakes, and is constantly getting better, moving forward.

She’s a work in progress, and I love her.

Keep moving forward my friend,

Debbie

P.S. Join us for Yoga online and anytime all summer… You can find out more here: https://debbie-harbec.lpages.co/belly-fit-yoga-summer-2021

P.P.S. Do you want your light to shine brighter? I can help. Book a time to talk with me: www.momentum-fit.ca/book-a-session