I’ve been at this personal development game for a looooong time. Over 35 years.
I first learned that change was possible, FOR ME, when I read Louise Hay’s book “You Can Heal Your Life”. Before that, I truly thought that we all had to live “the lot we were handed” in life. I believed our destiny was decided before we were born by some “white guy up in the sky” (AKA “God”).
I believed what I was taught.
Things like, if I was “good”, loving, kind etc.- all the virtues the bible taught – I would get what I want. I would be provided for (“Jehovah Jireh, my provider his grace is sufficient for me”). If I was “bad” or not virtuous, I would be subject to his wrath, hell fire and eternal damnation.
With this indoctrination came a perspective of a judgmental God who’s love was conditional on my “good” behavior. It resulted in me seeing myself and others through the lens of judgment, comparison and fear.
I learned that God is a MAN. Because God is usually referred to as a “He” (male). [I believe the Source energy, “God”, is non – binary. It has no gender. It simply IS.]
And I learned that God is ALL POWERFUL.
No wonder so many women have such a hard time loving ourselves unconditionally, and embracing, embodying and wielding our power.
Through Louise’s work, I was exposed to different and empowering thoughts and perspectives. A major one being: the power is within ME.
I began paying attention to the words I was speaking and singing (affirming) on a regular basis. (Becoming aware of how often I said “I can’t” was an appalling discovery.)
As I learned to love and accept myself, I could no longer blindly repeat the affirmation “Lord I am not worthy to receive this cup” before the Eucharist at church. I knew it was not – and never could be – true that I was not worthy.
On my journey of spiritual awakening, I learned to connect with my inner guidance, open my mind and connect with my Soul’s guidance. I learned to find my own answers and trust them.
When I was first heard the message from my Soul: “YOU are GOD. Everyone and everything you see is GOD”, it collided big-time with my conditioning! It felt blasphemous to even think it , much less say it aloud!
I’m sharing all this to say:
If change is to be possible, we have to WAKE UP and become conscious to the messages we have bought as absolute truth and change the beliefs and behaviors that promote the very patterns we are wanting to liberate ourselves from.
We have to QUESTION much of what we have been taught. EXAMINE our beliefs and behaviors and adopt NEW BELIEFS that are more aligned with the TRUTH of who we are.
Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Much of what we were told is “love” is actually not love at all. It is fear.
- You have the power to choose.
- You are the creator of your life.
- You are more powerful and magnificent than you have been led to believe.
- YOU are the gift you came to give the world.
Now go act like it! 🙂