Fun Self-Appreciation Exercise to Boost Spirit

I stumbled on an interesting concept or practice and a surprisingly motivating exercise quite by accident.  I want to share it with you so you can either play with it... or not!

Back in February, I had an epiphany while listening to my favorite Barry White song, "You're My First, My Last, My Everything." (Yeah, I really do love Barry White!).  I'd always sung this song about my husband (we just celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary yesterday).  (Download the lyrics here).  The realization was that this love song, one he seems to be singing to a woman, is a song I can sing to myself! 

This idea came to me at a time when I was feeling quite proud of the results I created with the "How to Love Networking" workshop I customized for Harris Bank employees last year.  It was an amazing experience to sing these lyrics to myself. I imagined I was singing them to my little girl, my inner child, to young Gail and have done so since.  It creates an amazing feeling of warmth, love, empowerment, pride.  I associated this discovery with just this one song.

NOW! The new development and discovery is that while driving my car last week on my way to a speaking engagement, I listened to one of the love song channels on the radio and had the same experience... with EVERY (happy) love song!  They all fit! I tried this intentionally to get myself grounded, since I always have some nervousness before speaking.  Well, I got so pumped up and inspired and felt so anchored, loving and empowered I felt I could do anything!

So... my invitation to you is to try this exercise yourself!  Here's what you do.

• Find a love song radio channel or throw on a CD of love songs
• Sing one or two of these songs to yourself, with you as the love interest... sing it perhaps to your little girl or boy. 
• Try this when you are feeling good so you can see how it reinforces the way you feel. 
• Anchor the feeling of all the good you know is inside you. 
• Then, on a day when you might be feeling low, try it again and let the words of the song sink in.

You are likely to get some insights, to feel more secure and confident, to feel special and appreciated, and filled up -- less empty.  And that is a gift you can give yourself! 

If you'd like to read some lyrics to love songs for a different affect, click here to go to a site I found or one you like best (full link: http://www.links2love.com/love_lyrics.htm).  Check out Beauty and the Beast... VERY interesting sung/read to your Self for those times when it seems unlikely you can love yourself.

If you choose to try this, I'd love to hear what your experience is. 

Meanwhile, I leave you grateful for and focused on all that makes you lovable and unique.

Comments

[Cynthia]

Hi Gail,
Thanks for sharing your great idea about singing a love song to yourself. I'm definitely going to use it with clients! Right now I'm thinking about "my song" and will let you know when I find it.

Your endless creativity and generosity are a constant inspiration to me. You are definitely in the perfect career for contributing your unique gifts.
With appreciation,
Cynthia

[Jaylene]

Hi Gail,

I love this article. It is so true and what a great reminder to use for when you get busy and forget how important you really are. My song is James Taylor, whenever I see your smiling face. Thanks for the reminder and have a great day!