A couple weeks ago I was reading the fitness and weight loss blog posts of Phit-N-Phat. One of the posts was talking about how when you are watching what you eat and say "I can't have" something it almost automatically makes people what you to have it. They are not intending to be food pushers and are often not aware that they may be pressuring you to go off your plan. The word can't implies you are being deprived and we don't want our friends to be deprived, right? So as soon as you say "I cant have dessert" people immediately say things like can't you have a little piece, you can have some if you work it off, etc... Your friends don't want you to be left out or miss out on what they are experiencing. Conversely the post said if you say "I don't eat sugar", "I don't eat fried foods", etc... people usually say OK and all those helpful suggestions on how you could still indulge stop. Funny how powerful words are. The simple switch from "can't" to "don't" also brings about a completely different emotion. Often the don't has a negative connotation. But it does not have to. Sometimes the word don't can be strong and purposeful. For example when I say I can't go over my budget I automatically think of all of the things I want but cannot buy. However when I say I don't go over my budget I feel strong, in control, and determined.
I think it is time I embrace the word don't.
- I don't have to please everyone!
- I don't need to make other people's happiness a higher priority than my own!
- I don't take advantage of other peoples insecurities or weaknesses!
- I don't go a single day without praying!
- I don't doubt my own intelligence!
- I don't do things that will hurt me!
- I don't expect to be perfect!
- I don't hate anyone!
- I don't delight in the misfortune of others!
- I don't accept a life without Joy!
- I don't need everyone to like me!
- I don't give up on myself or my dreams!
- I don't overeat!
- I don't eat to mask my emotions!
- I don't let other people's decisions stress me!
- I don't worry about things I can't control!
- I don't engage in negative self-talk!
- I don't doubt myself!
- I don't over analyze the past!
- I don't do things just because it is expected!
