Your beliefs become your destiny. Quite the bold statement, I know. Let me explain.
First, let’s talk about where our beliefs come from. Beliefs are shaped by how we perceive both our environment and the people around us. Many have heard how we’re “the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” I would argue the scope of this statement is too limited. However, the idea it represents still holds true: those who we spend time with greatly affect who we become.
Why is this?
Our conscious brain learns and picks up on things from those around us, but our subconscious brain does so to an even greater extent. When we spend a lot of time with someone, we subconsciously begin to think and act in ways like they do. Most of us can recall a time when we picked up a certain saying or exclamation we heard someone else repeatedly say. In some cases, we don’t even recognize we’re doing it until it’s pointed out! Imagine how else our friends might be influencing us.
Second, let’s look into how our beliefs affect our destiny. When we take on a belief, it causes us to think a certain way. When our brain creates a thought, we typically speak and act in accordance with it. When we take action repeatedly, we create habits that, in essence, create who we are destined to become.
We are who we are, because of what we choose to believe. It’s important to remember: the majority of what we choose to believe is done subconsciously. Once we acknowledge this, and begin to recognize it, we gain power over our beliefs. Now, as we recognize this, we can explore what beliefs our subconscious has programmed within us, and whether we still find them beneficial to who we desire to be. We might wonder: why do I think I need to hit ‘snooze’ every morning? why do I think I can’t run? why do I think I’m afraid of the dark?
And guess what?!
We all have the power to change our beliefs. When we take the time to examine our beliefs and consider where we developed them, we can then pick out those that no longer serve us. When I discovered this, I felt a world of possibilities open up. I realized I had developed so many limiting beliefs, so I decided to test it out…
I had always believed I was a slow reader. I recognized this idea resulted from the comparison I had once made between myself and another 5th grader, and ever since, I had allowed this limiting belief to rule over me. After this realization, I decided to boldly believe I really was capable of reading fast. Over a couple weeks of reminding myself of my new belief and making a conscious effort, I one day picked up my book and it took me just half the time it normally would have to read the same amount! Until I changed my belief, I was destined to remain a slow reader.
I also used to say I couldn’t run. Then one day, I began to say I could, and over the next month, I ran a total of 50 miles—more than all my life’s running combined! Now, I’m taking it to a new level: my health. I honestly can’t wait to see where this new belief takes me, and I look forward to sharing my journey with you. Please comment with your thoughts and experiences below, or send me a message!
Author Bio: Hi, I’m Bethany! Over the past 10 years, I’ve been on a winding journey in search of healing. I created Love myHealth as an outlet to share my story and empower others. I’m passionate about all things health, but what intrigues me most, is the healing essence of an empowering mindset. Some of my favorite things in life include AcroYoga, walking under the stars, life-changing conversations with strangers, and food (most notably: gluten-free pizza and nice cream.)