So today I headed into arguably some peoples’ most hated place… the fitting rooms! Feeling that familiar combination of anticipation and trepidation.
As I was trying the items on in the super unforgiving mirror with the strategically placed broken light above I recognised that what I was seeing in the mirror was only a snap shot of myself of just one moment in time. Familiar thoughts about how I looked larger in the mirror than I expected surfaced, but I put them aside and focused on how the clothes made me feel, I decided objectively that I felt good and that I could leave the negative thoughts right there along with the items that didn’t fit right.
The relevance I placed upon the view reflected back was entirely up to me. It’s like other people’s opinions, they will always be there, and will sometimes conflict with your own ideas, but it’s the emphasis and importance that you place on them that matters the most.
As with each item I tried on, I could decide to keep it or let it go, the same is true of the thoughts and judgments that you have, not only inside the changing room but in everyday life.
Next time a thought pops up ask yourself, will this serve me? Is it relevant to me? Is it actually important?
These questions are a good way of filtering out the millions of pieces of information that your brain is constantly processing and picking and utilising the thoughts and feelings that are only truly helpful and relevant to you.
Think of it this way, we wouldn’t keep loads of different clothing items that make us feel rubbish and literally weigh us down so why would we do it with unhelpful thoughts and feelings?
Try before you buy!