We need to realize that our beliefs have been programmed in us over time through our life experience to this point. Sources include parents, siblings, peers, friends, etc. Many exist by default rather than by intent or design. That is why I say we believe these things to be true, whether they are true or not. I think it is sometimes helpful (though perhaps painful) to identify the source of the belief we want to change.

In order to change a belief we need to re-write a new and better one. To do that, we need to know what the truth is, and what we want to be true in our lives, based on the results, actions and attitudes we want.

For example, suppose a person realizes that they’ve gone from relationship to relationship over the years because they have a belief, deep down, that no one will ever really love them for who they are. They can re-write that belief based on the truth (for me, taken from Scripture) that God created them, loves them, and has a purpose for their lives. Now, even if they don’t believe that, I think they can re-write a belief that they want to be true…maybe something like: “I love others for who they are, and I am loved by others for who I am.”

Once we re-write a belief, we need to find ways to reinforce it so it becomes true in our lives and impacts our attitudes, actions and results. Meditation may help, or prayer. I like to write an affirmation based on my new belief and recite it several times each day. In this example, the affirmation could simply be: “I love others for who they are, and I am loved by others for who I am.” My experience has been that over time I come to “own” the affirmation. It is the law of exposure – we are influenced by what we think about, and our thoughts shape who we are as a person.

Hope that helps. I’ll share more tomorrow.