by Kathy Milano, Ph.D.

The other day I was stuck in a reoccurring pattern. It wasn’t my favorite. So, I spent some time in my “underworld” to discover what belief was active and how it was playing out. I looked to see where it began, how it appeared over the years and how it served me. I saw the protective intent in its formation and the limiting hold it had over me at present.

By the time I was done looking, I felt kind of muddy and tired. Like I had grappled with a sea monster who lived hidden beneath the waters. Before I moved on, I identified a belief that would better serve my life. I planted that firmly in my mind and looked to see where it was already true. When that sneaky monster of a bad idea next swam to the surface, I turned away, no longer willing to reinforce its hold on my reality.

This practice of exploring murky spaces within isn’t a lot of fun—it can be sobering, disheartening and, at times, downright frightening. Yet, you can’t expect to enter a new year and create new dreams if you’re living an old, disempowering script.

Know this: You’re a magnificent story teller. Since you’ve been young, you’ve been creating stories about yourself, how the world works and what is possible. The plot lines were borrowed or absorbed from the larger story tellers in your life—parents, teachers, friends and societal instructors—all ideas tunneling into your little mind to plant those belief seeds, many of which are holding you back today.

All humans borrow stories from one another. Often installed at a young age, they vary according to the unique path of human experience. The helpful stories invite self-acceptance, well-being and life satisfaction. The disempowering stories disrupt a sense of worth, innate goodness and potential for growth. When those scary tales whisper that you can’t be happy, healthy, wealthy, creative and meaningfully connected to others, they point you toward a path of suffering. All because you think the story is true.

It’s vital to remember that you did nothing wrong in creating these influential beliefs. They’re simply the result of growing up human. Today’s limiting belief made sense to your child mind and often served as protection or helped you navigate challenging circumstances.

When you cultivate an unwavering commitment to explore the beliefs you hold, they arise from their hidden depths; thus, making it easier to recognize what belief is running your daily existence. Start by asking yourself what story you’re telling yourself about a current struggle. Then seek the belief is hidden within that tale.

“I can’t do this or deal with this because … I’m not worthy of happiness or not smart enough to succeed. I’m lacking time, money, experience. I’m too old, young, weak, or alone. Happiness isn’t possible for me. I have to suffer. The world is dangerous. I need rescue. I don’t have what it takes to succeed.” You get the picture.

Find the belief that fuels the disempowering story. Limiting beliefs aren’t true, yet they may look like that in the present moment. If you want to be free, look for evidence of falseness. Look at the time, money and experience you do have. Recall moments of happiness, positive social relationships or the skills you’ve developed. When you notice the small pleasures, gains and connections, you loosen the hold of that old rule.

A new year naturally invites you to choose new plot lines. It’s a good thing you’re a brilliant story teller.

Kathy Milano, founder of Soul Sanctuary, specializes in Energy Psychology, Angelic Connections, Peruvian Shamanic Healing and Soul Enhancing Retreats. For more information, including on workshops and services, visit www.KathyMilano.com.