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.

Daily Gratitude: Sometimes we need tiny bits of accomplishment just like we need little pieces of chocolate sometimes.

This is one way to get that “hit”. Can you make a game out of it? How can you be different than you were 5 minutes ago? Can you think differently, maybe act differently, or perhaps even feel differently?

What can you think about that will change you, just a tiny bit? Can you look at a subject with more of an open mind? That’s not to say you have to change your mind, just be willing to examine another point of view for a few minutes. Can you think about a person with less judgment and criticism? Can you try to see where they are coming from or maybe figure out reasons they act as they do? Or maybe even entertain the concept that you don’t know everything and maybe some people think the same of you?

An easy way to get started is to just explore the reverse or the opposite of what first comes into your mind when you see or hear something.

It’s a fun way to change and to expand your horizons.

Daily Gratitude: Read this a few times and then think about any time in your life when your ship stayed in the harbor.

I love this concept and I have been able to use it when thinking about whether or not I want to take a chance on something. It’s helped me gain the courage to swim out of the harbor beyond my comfort zone.

Do you know what you are built for? This could have to do with your career or something outside of your career – anything that gets your passion going. If you have a passion and excitement for something, then get your sails raised or your motor started and start getting out of the harbor.

It really does help to review things in your past. It will give you reference points and perhaps even help light your way out of the harbor.

I’ve printed this out and put it in several places in my home so that I see it several times a day.