What would you pay for a patch that promises to make you more energetic, confident, and beautiful? $50 a month? $100? More?
I recently watched a segment on the Today show that I found quite fascinating. If you haven’t caught it, here’s the gist: A number of women were asked to take part in a clinical study. The ages of the women varied. Each was to wear a patch for a set period of time to see if the proprietary combination of ingredients would make them more beautiful.
At the end of the study the women were interviewed. To a one they spoke glowingly of how the patch did indeed make them more beautiful and confident. When asked if they’d like to know the “secret†ingredient, they eagerly said, “Yes!â€
It turned out the patch contained… nothing. Zip. Zero. It was just a patch of fabric stuck on their bodies, but oh what it did for their belief system!
Some of the women were sure there had to at least be caffeine involved because as their confidence grew so did their energy. The talisman, aka patch, convinced them ingredients were at work to make them beautiful. Once convinced, they were more beautiful even though nothing had actually changed. Isn’t that amazing? Why is it we believe beauty comes from outside of us?
It got me thinking about the whole issue of confidence, beauty, and belief. As a child I was told I was not the pretty one, and therefore I still believe I am not the pretty one. I play games with myself though. When I want a confidence boost I wear my prettiest undergarments as a secret weapon to make me smile with a Mona Lisa aura. I will adorn myself with favorite pieces of jewelry… the mother’s ring my children gave me with each of our birthstones sitting side by side, the first necklace my husband bought me while we were dating, or perhaps the silver encircled penny worn on a neck chain in honor of my mom. Do any of these items have magical powers? Absolutely! They help me feel close to those who have supported me come-what-may, and therefore I’m stronger in the moment.
My husband keeps a stone in his pocket (or he’s just happy to see me!). I selected that stone from a stream that tumbles down a hill in one of his favorite places on earth. When he’s stressed or worried he touches the stone and remembers what’s truly important. It calms him and resets his thoughts.
So what would you pay for a patch that promises beauty? Now that you know it isn’t a magical blend of chemicals, herbs, or medicines, but the power of belief and confidence, what has changed? Do you have a “secret†talisman you turn to? Please share!
www.youtube.com/DovePatches
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