Whose voice is it?

Last week I posted this question on social media:

‘What was something that you were told when you were young, but you could now let go of?’

I shared my own answer, which was ‘don’t stand out…be quiet and humble and meek.’ Who delivered the message is not important. What IS important is how deeply my unconscious absorbed it, and how ‘trying not to stand out too much’ shaped so much of my life. If you know me, you may not think that I’ve lived my life in a meek way. But I’ve struggled my whole life with visibility…both craving it and avoiding it. 

My post got some wonderful answers.

‘Children should be seen and not heard.’

‘Money doesn’t grow on trees.’

‘Most girls aren’t good at math.’

‘You’re too sensitive!’ (this one coming from a world renowned male classical musician!).

‘Be tough; boys don’t cry.’ 

I’d like to believe that these sentiments came from well-meaning adults wanting only the best for us. A more likely explanation is that we’re all flawed humans, and a limiting belief gets passed down from generation to generation like a fancy old teacup. It’s not until we start to examine the thoughts we’ve believed that hold us back that we start to grok: THOSE VOICES IN OUR HEAD ARE NOT US.

If this sounds like liberation, it is! It’s the beginning of the end of your limiting beliefs having power over you. So the next time you hear that stern voice in your head, criticizing you for something you’re not doing well enough, or telling you what you can’t possibly do, pause. Who does that voice belong to? Can you thank it for whatever positive intent was behind that message and let it go?

Have some limiting beliefs you’re ready to chuck? Visit my Love Yourself February Special page and let’s get to work! May your week be filled with self-love and deep insights. With love, Amy ♡♡♡