Breaking Free: Overcome Limiting Beliefs to Cultivate Self-Love
- Kelly Godar
- Feb 19, 2024
- 2 min read

Our relationship we have with ourself is the most often the most neglected relationship we have. We tend to think that self-love is selfish and that everyone else's needs are more important than our own. If we don't take care of ourselves, we can't give ourselves to others. One of the difficulties we have when it comes to cultivating self-love is overcoming our limiting beliefs. These beliefs often unconsciously adopted from our caregivers, teachers, and society, can become deeply ingrained and shape how we view ourselves and our capabilities. These beliefs often lead us to doubt ourselves, our worth, and our abilities. This makes it challenging to prioritize our own needs and cultivate self-love.
One of the most destructive limiting beliefs is the notion that we are not capable or worthy. Believing that you are not competent or worthy of love are to two main pillars of self-esteem. Imagine being told as a child repeatedly that you are not good enough, not creative or smart enough. Whether the messages are subtle or overt, they can become internalized creating a barrier to self-love and self-compassion. As adults we may find ourselves seeking validation and approval from others, constantly striving to meet external expectations and neglecting our own needs in the process.
Cultivating self-love requires us to challenge these limiting beliefs and rewrite the narratives that have been imposed on us. It requires us to acknowledge that we are worthy of love and care simply because we exist, not because of what we do or achieve. This can be a daunting task because it requires us to confront our deep-seated beliefs that may have been with us for most of our lives.
We can begin this process by identifying and becoming aware of our thought patterns that are holding us back. This can be done through meditation, journaling or working with a therapist or coach. Once you become aware and identify the beliefs you can then:
Determine how the belief limits you.
Decide how you would rather be, act, or feel.
Create a turnaround statement that affirms or gives your permission to be , act, or feel this new way.
For example:
Negative: It's not okay to focus on my own needs.
Turnaround: My needs are just as important as everyone else's needs.
It is also important to practice self-compassion and kindness towards yourself, just as you would a friend. This means be gentle with yourself when you make mistakes, and recognizing that your worth is not dependent on your achievements or the opinions of others.
As you begin to learn to overcome these limiting beliefs and embrace a more compassionate view of yourself you can start to prioritize your own needs and desires. You can set boundaries that protect your emotional and mental well-being and pursue activities and relationships that bring you joy and fulfillment. You will cultivate a deeper sense of love and acceptance, while also freeing yourself from the constraints of your past beliefs and creating a more fulfilling authentic life.








Comments