January is the time many of us make resolutions for the New Year.  Some give up candy or soft drinks, others go on diets or an exercise program.  Some make vows to treat others in the family better or be kinder at work.

For grievers, a healthy resolution is to give up limiting thoughts and beliefs.  Everyone harbors limiting beliefs deep within themselves that do not serve us, are negative in nature and hold us back in life – often without us even knowing it.  They hinder us when making decisions during challenging times, prolong our suffering and prevent us from reaching out true potential as human beings.

Can you identify your limiting beliefs? It is a big step in the the right direction. Here are a few samples:

One. My life will never get better and I have no control.

Two:I am not good enough.

Three. I don’t have enough time or money.

Four: Life is hard.

Five: I will never be happy.

Six: I am not lovable.

Seven: I’m too old to make changes in my life now.

Eight: No one cares about me.

Nine: God is punishing me.  Many people believe this one.  They can’t imagine a loving, forgiving God.  Do you really want to worship a God who would “zap” you? With cancer or give your spouse a heart attack?

My grandfather who was born in 1901 said many times, “Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it.”  Often our perception and interpretation of a situation is creating the current reality.  What is causing suffering and pain is not the circumstance we are in, but our thoughts about the circumstances we are in.  Our thinking is what is causing our pain. This statement is true in most all situations. So identify your limiting beliefs, shed them and replace them with empowering new beliefs.  Monitor any negative self talk.  What a great New Year’s resolution!

Next Month: LIVING WITH LOSS: Connect to Your Higher Self

You can contact Becky Watkins at the following e-mail address: becky.watkins@christushealth.org