All the things that keep us stuck come from beliefs and habits. Changing habits can make an enormous difference to the quality of our lives. Habits powerfully affect how we live our lives and the resulting happiness or dissatisfaction that we experience.

Worry can be a very disempowering habit, but it is something that we can learn to break free from. A powerful way of replacing worry is to bring our thoughts and consciousness into the present moment. Focus on what is happening now, as worry is almost always about what might or might not happen in the future, or what has already happened in the past.

One of the most painful traps that we may need to break free from is feeling I hate myself. Self loathing can prevent us from experiencing joy and fulfillment and create terrible misery and suffering. The good news is though, that it is possible to transform this this feeling with understanding and persistence.

Another trap which can be formed is the negative cycle of pessimism which comes from a belief that life sucks. Breaking free from this begins by seeking signs that life does not have to, and for the large part does not, suck.

Changing any pattern of thinking or behavior requires time, patience, and discipline. The very first step is making the decision to be free. Making a choice will give you the courage to take the additional steps needed. A positive statement to yourself that ‘I am now beginning to break free,’ empowers you to begin the journey of going your own way.

There are three main barriers that prevent us from being free and choosing our own paths.

The first is the way social conditioning holds us back. From earliest childhood we are trained to ‘fit in,’ and ‘play by the rules.’ Individuality is mostly discouraged. Phrases like ‘don’t rock the boat’ and ‘don’t make waves’ imply that we should keep the status quo at all costs. Whether or not we consciously accept the truth of these beliefs, they become ingrained in our subconscious minds. It takes courage to dare to be different.

The second thing that can deter you from going your own way is the thinking of the people around you. Most people are too afraid to take a chance and make changes. They don’t want you to either. It’s much more comfortable if everyone around them is also trapped in limited thinking. If you stay stuck, it gives them backup for their claim that they have no choice. If you succeed in breaking free, it challenges their comfort zone by proving that there is another way to live.

Read this article about how we can also become trapped in trying to live our lives according to other people's expectations and what to do about it.

The third, and perhaps the biggest obstacle to going your own way is your own mindset.

Let’s say you believe that it is impossible, or very difficult to choose your own path. If this is the case, you are very unlikely to dare take the steps needed to begin to creating freedom. Read how a positive mental attitude can overcome limiting beliefs for a quick shot of inspiration.

You may have convinced yourself that the life you think you should want - steady job, 2.5 kids- is what you really do want. Once you have talked yourself into something- often over a period of many years, it is not easy to talk yourself out of it.

Maybe you have also convinced those around you that the way you are living your life now is exactly what you want. It can feel awkward to make changes that alert others to the fact that you have not been living the life of your choice and that you now want to break free.

You might also believe that it is selfish to go against what you feel is expected by those around you. Being a 'people pleaser’ is definitely a barrier to experiencing self-fulfillment.

Wow, that’s a lot of challenges to face in the quest to break free. It can definitely be a daunting prospect, but like with any big, life-altering change, it can be done gradually. One step at a time.

It is a dozen years since I made my first big 'rock the boat' life choice. That started me on the journey of breaking free and learning to live life my way. I am still learning! But it definitely gets easier, and life gets a lot more fun!

Back to Choosing Life My Way from Break Free

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