In a recent column, I wrote about the power of suggestion. I stated, “When our subconscious mind is exposed to a constantly repeated message, it’s going to penetrate unless we are cognizant of it.” Becoming conscious of indoctrinating media messages is important, but recognizing your own internal propaganda is even more so.

Whether positive or negative, your self-talk is continually feeding your subconscious mind with the power of suggestion. Our thoughts control our feelings. For many of us, those thoughts are negative, and changing them takes some effort. But first you must become aware of them.

Most likely you didn’t create the core beliefs that cause your self-talk. Those beliefs were developed during your early youth. Back then, your parents were your primary authority figures, and because your very life depended on them, you hung on their every word. To this day, they still retain that authority over you via your inner dialogue.

On the whole, your parents were passing on wisdom to help you survive in the world. But they may have passed on to you their own insecurities and fears.

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