Though Traps Unraveling Mental Roadblocks

Renewing Your Mind - Part 2

I've often wondered how I should reshape my thinking or what lessons I needed to learn from life's defining moments. These moments, especially the negative ones, were times I didn't ask for, want, or deserve. They were rooted in trauma, and revisiting them is tough but necessary.

Looking back, especially to when I was eight, my reactions were purely emotional, not rational. Abuse at that age made me see present-day situations through the lens of that scared child. I had to ask myself what negative self-talk I adopted back then. Phrases like "I don't measure up," "I'm not good enough," or "I'm unworthy" became my identity, sources of shame that I didn't even realize were controlling me.

The healing process involves identifying these negative "I am" statements and understanding how they still affect me today. It's not just about positive thinking; it's about creating new neural pathways by focusing on positive aspects of my life. When triggered, I react from that eight-year-old space, engaging either fight or flight, thanks to the amygdala's response.

Understanding what I told myself in those moments is key to overcoming them. It's about recognizing the past but not letting it dictate my future.