By Rev. Marla Sanderson
I like to think we were born into unconditional love, but as children our little minds soaked up everything around us, and we absorbed a lot of ideas about the way things are, what we deserve, and how we should be.
We learned this stuff from the grownups—parents, siblings, neighbors, friends, teachers, and even church folks. They meant well and didn’t know any better, but their ideas limited our self-concept.
If our grownups felt cheated by life, we might have acquired the idea that, “Life is unfair” or, “They’re out to get us.” This can keep us feeling unworthy, so that good things always seem to be out of reach.
Our prosperity programming might have come from an adult frustrated with not having enough.
If they thought cheap, we learned to be cheap. Even if we have overcome some of their limiting ideas, on some level we are probably still influenced by them.
The programming we received as kids affects every part of our world. If our family fought or was cold and distant, we’ll have similar relationships until we figure out how to do it differently. If they were affectionate and appreciated each other, we will have more of that.
Some people outgrow their early start, but most don’t even know how they got that way, or why things happen to them the way they do.
We like to hang out where we’re comfortable, so we recreate our past associations wherever we go, until we expand our minds to include something greater or bigger or better. If most of the people you hang out with think the way you do, maybe you haven’t moved far from home.
To be happy, loving, and successful you need to outgrow some of your limiting concepts about who you are and what you can be.
That “old suit” is a hand-me-down, and you don’t have to wear it.
Your life is proof of what you believe.
You can change your beliefs so they serve you, rather than limit you. Look for ways to see things differently. Don’t be afraid to rethink an opinion. Don’t judge yourself. Appreciate yourself, and you’ll find a whole lot more of life to enjoy.
You have a direct connection to Infinite Mind, and It can provide a bigger idea of who you are and what you can do. Look at possibilities, not problems. Think of every challenge as an opportunity instead of a roadblock.
Life is on your side. Get on your own side. It is more fun that way.
Marla Sanderson has been a student of spiritual practice for more than 35 years. She began as Assistant Director of The Next Step, a psychic and spiritual community in a New Mexico ghost town. As workshop leader, teacher, practitioner, and minister, she has led relationship and personal growth workshops, taught psychic development and meditation, Living Love, and the Science of Mind. Marla is available for workshops and speaking engagements. She recently founded the New Thought Center for Creative Living. www.newthoughtctr.org