The words “I AM” are translated in famous verses from the Torah as “being God’s name”.
The Holiness in us, is said to be brought up with those words.
Either versed into biblical study or not, we all use the words “I am” and few of us are aware of their power upon our lives, at a very deep level.
Every time we say “I am” we define who we are.
I am. Two little words that we use hundreds of time every day, often in ways that really don’t serve us well.
How often do we say things like: “I am sick and tired of this!”, I am such a klutz!”, “I am so broke!”, “I am so disorganized…”, and so on and so forth…
We don’t hear ourselves do this, but our subconscious does.
And it has a tremendous effect on our life.
Our Self-Image is the mold, the filter, the container of everything we will ever make welcome in our lives.
Nobody can out-perform their self-image.
It’s worth repeating: nobody can out-perform their self-image.
It is necessary to adjust one’s self-image in order to bring about consistent new results.
Numerous studies have demonstrated this. An excellent book by Maxwell Maltz: “The magic power of self-image psychology” is an eye opener on this subject.
I am.
What am I ?
Who am I ?
A woman. An artist. A spirit in a human body. A friend.
Am I disabled or powerful, faithful or reliable, irreverent or proper, rich or poor, tall, small… ?
Let’s pause for a moment and ask ourselves: Who am I, truly ?
And how often do I abide by the response to this question, when I say “I am” ?
Our “I am” statements can literally alter our world, in the worse or best ways, by means of our subconscious, which is really our auto pilot through life.
Knowing this, would you be willing to consider an experiment?
I suggest that for the next few weeks, you make a point to listen and notice how often you use the words “I am” and in what context.
Then, when you are becoming more aware of it, to make an effort and pause to reformulate any statement that would have been negative, or disparaging, into a better one.
It can feel contrived at first, but do it as a game, for a little while.
You don’t have to lie, either (some people resent this exercise as “being fake”).
Here is an example: “I am such a klutz!” can shift to “Being nimble is a goal of mine” or “Agility fascinates me!”. Instead of “I am sick and tired of this!” one can affirm: “I wonder how to change this!”.
Whatever it is, if it does not serve you well, take a transformative step and try to say it so it opens a door toward positive change.
Beware of your inner reactions to this.
They will reveal places where you attached your identity to certain personal traits (accurately observed or imaginary). For whatever reasons we tend to be defensive of our self-image, positive or not, and call this “being honest” or “self acceptance”.
Unfortunately “honesty” can prevent us from a useful shift.
A good alternative when we can’t let go of something all together is to re-frame it gently : “Up to now, I used to be a klutz”. That leaves a door open in our subconscious, for a new behavior, an improvement, without putting any blame on the current one.
The goal here is to be willing to experiment and play with this powerful tool and see what unfolds.
It will surprise you if you let it.
Once you get better at this, start peppering your inner talk and your conversations with things like” “I am creative” or “I am getting good at this”, “I am in love with my life!”…
Be bold. Play it full out.
And tell me what happens…
To your beautiful essence!