The ancient Greek philosopher Hecato of Rhodes is quoted in Seneca’s writings as saying:
“What progress, you ask, have I made? I have begun to be a friend to myself.”
This pursuit of self-friendship is the journey you undertake when you work to gently reject your limiting beliefs in favor of more empowering internal narratives.
In life, you have the power to choose your beliefs just as you do your friends. Unlike in life, every belief you entertain wants to be in relationship with you.
Unfortunately, self-limiting beliefs aren’t very good at friendship. Being insecure and in pain, they try to exert power over you to make themselves feel better. Their voices are loud, their words are cruel, and their demands are all-consuming.
In short, self-limiting beliefs are emotionally abusive, and it’s your responsibility to end the relationship for your own wellbeing.
That said, breaking up with limiting beliefs can be difficult due to their manipulative nature. They’ll often make you feel silly or guilty for wanting better for yourself.
Even if you are aware of your beliefs’ toxic behavior, it’s not uncommon to resist a big break-up. After so many years spent in relationship with your limiting beliefs, you may struggle to imagine what your life will look like without them by your side.
How can you work up the courage to call off the relationship?
