Daily Gratitude: Most of our “personal” issues are rooted in the past. They are the product of our upbringing and influence from so many people and groups (parents, siblings, friends, religious leaders, school teachers, media, music and theater even. We’ve been brainwashed galore as children and although that feels rather terrifying, it’s a necessity of sorts because we are totally clueless and defenseless as babies and children.

What happens, though, is that we never take time to examine those things that are crammed into our heads. We never make any choices after that. It’s just “the way it is”.

IFS (Internal Family Systems) is pretty much all about taking the past out of the present. Our parts are stuck at the age they are “born” (when they develop) and they act that age and perform the role they did way back then.

Have you ever said “I did such and such and it was so out of character for me. I just don’t know what happened.” That is the protector(s) talking and behaving.

Even if you don’t subscribe to IFS theory and practice, it’s imperative for growth that you examine your beliefs. How many do you still really belief. Remember that a belief is just a thought you keep thinking. It is NOT the gospel and does not come from above. It’s a thought that has been ingrained in you all those years ago most likely.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a library of beliefs so that you can pick, choose, and discard? Like a 7-11 you can just go into your “belief convenience store” and see what works for you today.

It’s not really that simple and I’m not making fun of the process. I’m just using the lighthearted spirit to illustrate that you can change your beliefs. It takes work but you’ll be surprised….and happy. It will feel so good to know you’re making your own choices.