The beliefs we have about ourselves and the many aspects of the world we inhabit, influence everyday how we think and feel. When we consider ‘well-being’ then we always have to consider that we’re talking about more than just how we physically feel, right? We are holistic beings after all and what we think impacts how we feel ~ how we feel can influence how we respond ~ how we respond then sends either a healthy or unhealthy signal to the cells in our bodies. So for today let’s just look at the area of the mind and how our beliefs can effect our well-being. Beliefs are defined as;

An acceptance that something exists or is true, especially one without proof ~ trust, faith, or confidence in (someone or something)

I find that definition fascinating as it states that;

1. A belief does not have to have proof
2. It’s something the individual has confidence in

Which tells me that we can believe something potentially ‘wrong’!! We can have negative and bad beliefs about ourselves (and others) which will hinder our personal growth and potential for happiness. So how did our beliefs form? Well, there are universal beliefs that many of us hold, such as we believe that the sun will rise in the day and will set at night. We believe that spring follows winter, which leads into summer and then autumn. We believe that the opposite of up is down and that the law of gravity keeps our feet on the ground!

Our personal beliefs are formed as we’re growing up and are influenced by such things as our parenting, culture, life experiences and what others may speak over us or to us. Imagine a table ~

For example, if when you were a child somebody constantly said that you were clumsy and uncoordinated you would likely grow up believing that this is true. The first incident placed the first table leg and then any time you dropped something, tripped over or the somebody who originally said it, says it again, erects further table legs, reinforcing the belief so that it is strong within you. You might avoid anything that required coordination and limit your life experiences in life as a result, just because someone has spoken that over you. It may never have been true but as they say

If you say you can or you can’t, you’re right …

What we believe about ourselves does have an impact. We’ve said before that words are powerful, and the phrase,

sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me

is NOT TRUE!! Names absolutely CAN hurt you and can influence what you believe about yourself. Many of us believe unkind and horrible things about ourselves that we often have no idea why, but all we know is it feels true. It can become an unhelpful cycle in that what you think affects how you feel, and what you feel affects how you think and the whole ‘chicken and egg’ scenario comes into play. ie. what came first?

Can we do anything about this? YES!!! It takes some intentional thinking and sometimes we might need to see a life coach, a therapist or a counsellor to support us with this, especially if our beliefs about ourselves are really damaging our sense of self worth and sabotaging our well-being.

Take some time alone in a peaceful place where you won’t be disturbed (turn off your mobile), to reflect and think about what you believe about yourself. Write down any beliefs that you have that you know are not good (regardless to whether you think they’re true as they’re probably not ~ you just think they are). Then allow yourself the time to reflect on what beliefs you would really like to believe about yourself, and then believe it or not, choose to believe those instead. Wow! That’s incredibly simplistic Sam and can’t be that easy! You’re right, some aren’t, but actually some are. Some of the beliefs we have are weak and you can sweep the table legs from under them and the belief will come crashing down. You won’t know until you try and if the belief doesn’t change then start to intentionally speak out what you do want to believe about yourself as though you already are that, not just wishing for it. Example,

I am loved and I am worthy of love

rather than ~ “I wish I was loved“

Look for guided meditations on YouTube that speak the affirmations that you know you need to hear and allow yourself to relax and let the positive message wash over you like clean, fresh spring water cleansing and refreshing you. When you enter a time of meditation or relaxation then your brain waves are in Alpha and your subconscious is open to receive all the good messages that you need. It can take time but why not decide today to make a start on changing any negative beliefs that you have about yourself that are not supporting your well-being.

I’m here if you need me,

many blessings, Sam 🥰