Some say we’re here on Earth to evolve. Yet, in times of hardship, we often tend to feel overwhelmed, as if life is happening to us.

But what if these difficult moments were actually signs inviting us to look within? What seems like a bottomless pit can become a springboard to wonderful opportunities, once the meaning behind the suffering is revealed. Let’s explore a few steps we can take to get there.

1) Becoming aware of the belief cycle

Did you know that our subconscious shapes the vast majority of our reality? Between the ages of 0 and 7, we absorb everything around us, forming our first core beliefs, which deeply influence how we perceive life.

Throughout our lives, these beliefs generate aligned thoughts that shape our emotions and behaviors. With repetition, these patterns become habits. Over time, our reality, built through this process, and our experiences, reinforce our beliefs in a continuous cycle.

Let’s take the fear of failure as an example:

  • Belief: I’ll never succeed.
  • Thought: I’ll fail if I try.
  • Emotion: Anxiety or discouragement.
  • Behavior: Avoid taking risks or seizing opportunities.
  • Habit: Never taking steps toward your dreams.
  • Reality: Never achieving those dreams.

The good news? We don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle! While certain thoughts may surface involuntarily, it is possible to consciously shift them to create a new reality.

2) Pause for introspection

Taking the time to observe yourself allows you to identify the beliefs shaping your automatic programming. This inner exploration not only helps us to better understand ourselves, but also to welcome our emotions with a sense of detachment.

When we’re emotionally overwhelmed, the pain of a situation can easily take over. Introspection gives us the chance to step back and clarify our vision.

Emotion vs. emotionality: Understanding the difference

An emotion is a temporary response to a stimulus, while emotionality is the tendency to feel and express emotions intensely. Unpleasant emotions are, in fact, valuable messengers that warn us of something affecting us or triggering a sensitive spot.

The trap? We often tend to fully identify with the emotion. When we dive in too deep, we risk losing all perspective. This immersion can lead us to react impulsively or feel overwhelmed, making it difficult to step back to understand and navigate through our emotions.

3) Explore your passions through focused questions

Now that you’re aware of what’s holding you back, what about what lifts you up? Identifying your passions allows you to integrate them into your daily life.

Ask yourself:

  • What makes me feel truly alive?
  • What activities make me lose track of time?
  • Who inspires me, and why?

4) Choose and nurture supportive thoughts

Every emotion is valid and deserves to be fully felt. Once we understand why it’s there, we can regain control of our thoughts and adopt a supportive rather than limiting vision.

Make it a habit to feed your mind with thoughts that support your aspirations and boost your confidence. Each day, repeat positive affirmations such as “I can achieve my dreams” or “I deserve happiness.” This regular practice helps strengthen your resilience and determination.

5) Reprogram your beliefs through mindfulness

Our brain works through neural pathways that form our automatic behaviors. To change them, it’s essential to adopt supportive thoughts. Be careful with negative phrasing: thinking “I don’t want to be tired anymore” may actually attract more fatigue, as the subconscious doesn’t process negations well. For example, if someone tells you not to think of a pink elephant… what do you see?

Mindfulness helps us stay grounded in the present moment, allowing us to listen to our emotions and needs without judgment. With daily practice, you’ll begin to focus more clearly on what you truly want to achieve in your life.

Take just a few minutes each day to practice meditation or conscious breathing. It will help you reconnect with yourself and make informed decisions later on.

In conclusion, developing self-awareness is an ongoing journey that takes time and patience. By following or being inspired by these steps, you can bring more meaning into your life, reconnect with your deepest aspirations, and live more in tune with who you truly are.

Like surfing, sometimes you’ll ride the wave effortlessly… other times, you’ll be thrown into the water. Each step is part of the process and never takes away from your worth. Keep going, you’ve got this!

Interested in hypnotherapy? Book an appointment with Maxime Roy today!