Have you ever had that feeling of running away from something when there isn't any obvious reason to run away from it?
What about that feeling you get when a great thing is about to happen and anxiety just bursts forth?
Do you remember a time when you were astonished by great news and you froze in response?
Do you remember any times when someone's actions brought on overwhelming emotions way stronger than they should be?
Have you ever thought about what it is that actually triggers you?
Your past holds the answer to all of the above questions.
Throughout our lives, we create different coping mechanisms to protect ourselves and survive anything that threatens our physical, psychological or emotional well being.
Fight, flight, freeze or fawn responses and anxiety are some of them.
Those mechanisms shape different versions of ourselves.
We tend to respond to new situations with old behaviours when something in the now subconsciously reminds us of past experiences. It could be as subtle as a sound, the time of the year, a scent or anything really that was present during a threatening situation.
Though not threatening, those details do wake up memories of the past.
We are lucky to have such mechanisms. We should be grateful for them as they protect us.
We should also come to understand that it is ok to let go of them when they do not serve us anymore.
Place your hand on your heart. Take a deep breath. Remind yourself you are grateful for this once really helpful mechanism.
Reassure yourself that it is ok to let it go and that you are safe to experience new situations without it.
Are you ready, my dear?
Are you ready to release yourself from the past versions you created just to survive?
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