As If

Another idea born from the work of Geneen Roth:

Think about the person you really want to be.  In those moments when you think that you are somehow lacking, what is it, what traits or talents do you imagine would make you whole?

Is it a better body, a prettier face, more energy, less stress, a job you love, a better relationship or a talent?

Well - when you have a good solid idea of the person you want to be, start living "as if" you were that person.  Tell yourself that you are capable of being the person you picture when you imagine the BEST you, and then start to think and act "as if" you were that person.  Fake it until you make it, as they say.  Whenever those thoughts come - telling you that you should be more, better, different - remind yourself that you already are all of those things, and live "as if" you believe it.  If you do this long enough, you really will start to believe it - and you wont need "as if" anymore.  When you reach that point, the "as if" will be replaced by "I am"

So - here is my "as if" list:

• I will live "as if" I were a bungee cord jumper, spelunker, mountain climber and motorcycle rider.
• I will live "as if" I were fearless.
• I will live "as if" I were confident.
• I will live "as if" I were able to find joy in all aspects of my life
• I will live "as if" I were organized and "as if" my house were neat and clean (that one is a long shot).
• I will live "as if" my fat jeans were my skinny jeans.
• I will live "as if" I were a farmer (and not just on farmville).
• I will live "as if" I were outgoing.
• I will live "as if" I laughed a lot.
• I will live "as if" I were creative, and able to make beautiful things.
• I will live "as if" I never let the opinions or attitudes of others bother me.
• I will live "as if" I loved healthy food.
• I will live "as if" I enjoyed exercise and being in shape.
• I will live "as if" I loved my body.
• I will live "as if" I had boundless energy.
• I will live "as if" I were not embarrassed about my appearance or myself.
• I will live "as if" I were passionate.
• I will live "as if" I looked GOOD in my bathing suit.
• I will live "as if" I looked GOOD in anything.
• I will live "as if" I were handy at home repairs (somebody needs to be, right?)
• I will live "as if" I loved my annoying husband with all of my heart.
• I will live "as if" I found my annoying husband's annoying traits endearing.
• I will live "as if" I were financially stable.
• I will live "as if" I enjoyed parties.
• I will live "as if" I loved to dance.
• I will live "as if" I didn't make stupid faces whenever having my picture taken.
• I will live "as if" I were able to accomplish what ever I set out to do.
• And naturally, I will live "as if" I were tall, thin and gorgeous.

Well, that's a start.  Make your own "as if" list, and start treating yourself "as if" you are the person you sometimes wish you could be.  I would love it if you would share your list with me.