The Suitcase Exercise
Your honesty and imagination are your most powerful tools when it comes to changing your habits
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I’m glad you’re ready to try my suitcase exercise.
First though, you should understand that your “suitcase” may look very different from mine.
Yours might be a four storey building, and that’s okay too.
Also, it’s time to hang up those worn out Judgy McJudgy pants and stretch your imagination.
Because habits can take many forms.
My habits, which were cigarettes and alcohol are pretty obvious in terms of the physical space they take up.
Yours might require a different kind of imagery.
For example, if your biggest habits are overthinking or experiencing feelings of shame or guilt, you’ll need to think about the mental burdens you’re carrying.
Think in terms of weight rather than size.
It’s not how big your suitcase might be, but how heavy.
Furthermore, it might help to ask questions like these:
- What does overthinking do to you?
- Do you need headache medication?
- Sleep aids?
- How does it materialize in your life?
- Do you buy things and then second guess your purchase?
- Do you second guess your words?
- How many conversations do you have with yourself late at night rethinking your whole day.
- What do those minutes look like?
- How much space would they take up if they were stones you placed in a backpack?
- How heavy do they feel when you shoulder that bag?
If you’re dragging around emotions, give your emotions a shape.
- How big is this shape?
- What colour is it?
- What’s the energy around it feel like?
- Would you need a titanium suitcase to contain it?
- Do you need a storage unit?
TAKE ACTION
- Brainstorm a brutally honest list about your worst habit(s).
- Itemize everything.
- Figure out what kind of storage container you will need.
- Figure out the costs.
- If you like, create a collage.
- Most of all, don’t judge. Just notice. This exercise is about awareness.
Not sure what my Suitcase Exercise is all about? Read the full article HERE.
