Ever stop to think about the quiet little voice in your head that seems to narrate your life? You know the one. Sometimes it whispers things like, “I can’t handle this,” or “I’m not good enough,” or maybe even “The world’s out to get me.” Those thoughts? They don’t come from nowhere. They’re rooted in something deeper—your core beliefs. These are the deeply ingrained ideas you have about yourself, others, and the world, and they act like the operating system for your brain.
The problem is, some of these beliefs might be outdated or downright wrong. And in recovery, they can either hold you back or become the foundation for real, lasting change.
Core beliefs are like the roots of a tree. They’re hidden beneath the surface, but they shape everything above ground—your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For example, if you have a core belief that you’re unworthy of love, it might show up in your actions as self-sabotage or pushing people away. If you believe the world is unsafe, you might avoid risks or opportunities for growth. These beliefs often form early in life, shaped by experiences, family, culture, or trauma, and they stick around until we stop to examine them.
In recovery, core beliefs can have a powerful influence. Negative or limiting beliefs—like “I’ll never change,” or “I’m a failure”—can fuel destructive behaviors, keeping you stuck in old patterns. They’re like a bad soundtrack playing on repeat, reinforcing feelings of shame, hopelessness, or fear. But here’s the good news: just because a belief feels true doesn’t mean it is. And just because it’s been with you a long time doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it.
One of the most liberating parts of recovery is realizing that you have the power to challenge and reshape your core beliefs. It’s like finding an old notebook of rules you thought you had to follow, only to realize you can cross out the ones that don’t serve you anymore. And that’s where the real work begins—digging deep, identifying the beliefs that no longer align with who you’re becoming, and rewriting them to reflect the person you want to be.
Start by identifying one core belief that’s been holding you back. Think about a recurring thought or feeling that seems to pop up in tough moments. Maybe it’s, “I’m not strong enough to handle this,” or “People will always let me down.” Once you’ve named it, take a closer look. Where did this belief come from? What experiences might have shaped it? And most importantly, is it really true?
Now, let’s challenge that belief. Look for evidence that contradicts it. For example, if you believe “I always mess things up,” think about the times when you didn’t. Maybe you’ve handled a tough situation with grace, or maybe you’ve worked hard to repair a mistake. Write those examples down—they’re proof that your belief isn’t the whole truth.
Next, create a new belief to replace the old one. This is where affirmations come in. Instead of “I always mess things up,” try, “I am capable of learning and growing from my mistakes.” Instead of “I’m not good enough,” try, “I am worthy of love and respect.” The key is to choose a statement that feels positive but believable—something you can repeat to yourself and start to internalize.
Incorporating these new beliefs into your daily life takes practice. It’s not like flipping a switch; it’s more like planting seeds and nurturing them until they take root. One way to do this is by repeating your affirmation regularly—write it on a sticky note, set it as a reminder on your phone, or say it to yourself in the mirror each morning. The more you reinforce the new belief, the stronger it becomes.
Another helpful practice is journaling. At the end of each day, take a few minutes to reflect on moments that challenged your old belief and supported your new one. If you’ve been working on “I am capable,” write about a time that day when you proved your capability. This builds a bank of evidence that strengthens your new belief and weakens the old one.
Reshaping core beliefs is one of the most transformative things you can do in recovery. It’s like clearing out the mental clutter and replacing it with thoughts that empower and uplift you. And as your beliefs shift, so do your actions. You start to show up differently—in your relationships, your goals, and your approach to challenges.
Of course, this work isn’t always easy. Core beliefs can feel deeply ingrained, and challenging them might bring up uncomfortable emotions. That’s okay. It’s all part of the process. Be patient with yourself and remember that growth takes time. Celebrate every small step forward, whether it’s catching a negative thought or practicing your new belief in a tough moment.
Recovery isn’t just about breaking free from substances—it’s about reclaiming your mind, rewriting your story, and stepping into your full potential. Your core beliefs are a big part of that story, and you have the power to shape them into something that reflects the amazing person you are becoming.
So, grab a pen, dig deep, and start rewriting. Your new story is waiting to be told, and it’s going to be incredible.
Comments