When was the last time you told yourself how terrific you are? When did you last honor your competence, beauty, intelligence and strengths? If you’re like most of us, you’re quick to point out something you did that was ‘stupid’ but when it comes to acknowledging yourself for all your incredible qualities you hesitate. Why? You are the best! It’s time to believe that of yourself and acknowledge your greatness.
Years ago, I learned a powerful activity from a respected colleague and this singular activity remains part of my feeling of well-being today. It’s called the “I am 100s list”. The task was explained as follows. It is critical that we each honor ourselves by affirming our attributes. Find a quiet place. Number a sheet of paper 1 – 100 and begin each line with “I am_______” Follow this with one of your qualities. For example, “I am patient”. “I am kind”. Continue working your list until you reach 100! Imagine telling yourself how wonderful you are one hundred times! The task seemed impossible and I really thought she was kidding! 100 attributes. Well, I started my list. “I am happy” “I am resourceful” “I am intelligent” “I am healthy” “I am funny” I was stuck after #32! I simply couldn’t think of any thing else to add.
I really thought I was done. It became increasingly harder to think of other words to affirm my true self. It took perseverance to keep going and not get discouraged. And you know what? A week later I completed my list of 100 attributes! While this was many years ago, I still read my list twice daily which is what my friend suggested. Never, ever lose sight of your greatness (“I am great”)! (Hint: While I learned the hard way, completing your I am list is easier done alphabetically!)
Sometimes, when I can’t sleep, I go over my I am list in ABC order: I am awesome. I am approachable. I am authentic. I am blessed. I am beautiful. And, so on………Rarely do I get mid way without falling asleep! You don’t have to believe me, however, I am telling you that giving yourself permission to be the extraordinary person you are will shift your life dramatically. The personal benefit in acknowledging yourself is enormous. Not only does it increase your self-worth, it also eliminates the negative things we say to ourselves because we aren’t perfect. I’m still capable even when I make a mistake. I’m loving even when I’m in a bad mood. The truth is we can all get off track and still be capable and loving because those two qualities define us most of the time.
I invite you to begin today to acknowledge your greatness. Create a blank word document – title it: I AM and start. While it may take a while to hit 100, the effort is well worth the time. Identify 100 wonderful, positive qualities that describe who you are. Print a few copies. Keep one by your favorite place to read – a copy on the passenger seat in your car (Can you think of something better to do when stuck at a red light?) – on your night stand. The result of reading your list twice daily will amaze you. In fact, put “I am amazing” as your first entry! You are.
Let your light shine upon the world that the world will know how really wonderful you are. You are extraordinary. Through the light of your example, others will know they are, too!
Read Bonnie’s beautiful poem “A Woman-Who is She?”
About Bonnie Ross Parker