I'm still here, though, and I'm still workin' the Inner Mean Girl (IMG) Cleanse...
Last week was interesting for me. I realized that I did tend to compare myself to others, but I didn't realize to what extent or even what form that comparison took. For me... COMPETITION.
By nature, I'm a competitive person. This is something that I've long been aware of, but until this week, I didn't realize that it can be a form of comparison. Nor did I realize how vocal my IMG can be or what approaches she utilizes to spur me along. "Oooh! Watch out! She's doing better than you. You better step it up, or you're going to be left behind."
Awareness. That's the first big step, right? Only by being aware can I work with it...
This week, we're giving ourselves "Permission To Live Obligation Free". This is a BIG one for me, and something that I've already begun to monitor.
I am one that will run through my mental to-do list, and quite often, I will say to myself that I "have to do this" and I "have to do that". The more I think about it, it DOES weigh me down. And as I'm learning from all the other Work, it's how we approach/view something that determines whether it's something positive or negative in our lives.
In addition to this, I'm a recovering people pleaser. So, "naturally", there has always been quite a bit that I have added to my to-do list that is for no other reason than I'm trying to make someone happy so that I, in turn, can be happy myself. Wow! Does that add the feeling of obligation to something really quickly!
So, I'm turning my way of thinking around. I don't "have to" do anything! I do it because in many ways, it's my way of expressing love beyond merely mouthing words. I make my kids' lunches every school night, not because it saves us money and is healthier for them, BUT because I LOVE THEM and want them to eat more healthy foods AND it leaves more money in the bank account for us to do more fun things as a family. It's just a matter of changing my way of thinking as I'm doing these things...
In addition to this... I'm taking the attitude, if I don't LOVE it, in some way, shape or form, then it has no business being in my life. Plain and simple.
Everything that exists within our realm of influence engages in an exchange of energy with us. It is our decision how much energy we give and whether what we receive in return is worth it or not.
For instance... even a chair can engage in an exchange of energy with us. We have to clean it. That is a form of giving it our energy, but if we don't LIKE that chair, and we curse it for one reason or another... it is taking more of our energy. If it is not bringing us pleasure in exchange... Well, to my way of thinking, it's time to send it on its way and to someone else that may get the pleasure that we fail to get out of it.
This is a little diversion from the focus of the IMG Cleanse, but does support the idea behind simplifying (ie de-cluttering). If you don't love it, send it on its way!
So, until next week's update/round-up, hang in there. Reprogramming is never easy. Believe me! The IMG's had many years to become devious and deceptive. Changes do not happen overnight. Be gentle with yourself, and they will come.
If you haven't joined us for the IMG Cleanse, yet. There's still time! (You're never behind.) Everything is right on the website. The information, the videos, the interviews. It's all there for a "go at your own pace" approach. I'm certain you'll be glad you did. I know I am!
I am participating in the Inner Mean Girl 40-day Cleanse as a Self-Love Ambassador.
To thank me for my participation, I will receive a self-love gift from the founders of
the Inner Mean Girl Reform School
To thank me for my participation, I will receive a self-love gift from the founders of
the Inner Mean Girl Reform School
