‘What the future could hold, and what each of us could become, is limited mainly by what we believe.’
(G. Steinem)
Beliefs are what cause some individuals to make the most of their lives, and become heroes. Beliefs are what keep some people in desperation.
We, all of us, have different belief systems, some of them have power to create while others can destroy us. It is not what happened to us that shape our lives but what we believe happened to us.
Often we are not even conscious of what we believe, and why?
In recovery it is important to start to question our beliefs. Many of them are keeping our condition functioning.
Today when you have some time to spend alone, spend it thinking about your beliefs. Evaluate them.
What are the first “truths” you learnt?
Do you remember any of your earliest decisions?
Trace each of the “truths” you remember to their sources…Who do you associate with these “truths”?
Whose voice do you hear behind these troublesome thoughts?
Consider the possibility that they might not be true, that they are only one way of looking at things. Start questioning.
Keep in mind that it could be your choice to believe or not to believe.
How would your life be different if you choose a different “truth” to begin with just for today?
Take for example:…”Life begins at forty” Who said so ?
“Boys don’t cry” Says who?
“Thin is beautiful” by whose standards?
Start to ask yourself some of these questions:
Where/who did I get this belief from?
Why did I choose to make it mine?
What benefits did the beliefs bring me at the time or the short term/
How has this belief affected my ability to lead a normal fulfilling life?
Why am I still holding onto this belief?
If I continue to hold onto this belief what might it cost me in the future?
Do you really want to keep this belief?
What will replace the old self-limiting belief?
The new belief has to be positive and stated in the present.
Affirmation for today: I am letting go my limiting beliefs
‘If you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right. H Ford
