Turns out all I ever had to do in order to start healing, was believe that I could.

So why did it take me until I was in my 40s to earnestly start the process?

Because sometimes, believing in ourselves is the hardest thing to do. We’re raised by parents who weren’t raised. We’re surrounded by people who were never taught to believe in themselves.

And we can’t teach the things we never learned.

Take a moment and repeat after me. Out loud.

“I am worthy of love.”

Go ahead, try it.

“I am strong enough to overcome.”

“I deserve to heal.”

Now, let that sit for a little while. Does it ring true? Listen to your body and let it tell you how it feels.

Again.

“I believe in me.”

Does it feel uncomfortable? Does it feel wrong somehow?

“I believe in me.”

Are you fighting it? Is it hard to say out loud?

“I believe in me.”

Are you actually saying it out loud?

In 1967, a psychologist by the name of Martin Seligman proved that dogs could be conditioned to believe they were unable to escape abusive situations that were, in fact, easily avoided.

All he had to do was make them believe.

During my healing process, I’ve uncovered some highly uncomfortable truths about myself. I was so wrapped up in my cycle of self-defeat, that I completely failed to comprehend I deserved better. I didn’t even know that I could.

I was a dog in a cage, trapped by abuse and self-doubt. And I never once realized the door to safety was wide open.

It’s the same for so many of us. We’re stuck in the same spot, spinning our wheels, never moving, never healing, with no idea why.

But do you truly believe you can? Do you believe you deserve it?

“I am worthy of love.”

“I am strong enough to overcome.”

“I deserve to heal.”

I forgive you, fellow human. I forgive you for doubting yourself. I forgive you for putting up with way too much. I forgive you for your struggles. And I forgive you for accepting less than what you really deserve.

I forgive you for going back to that person who doesn’t treat you right. The one who lets you give and give and never quite seems to return the love.

But the time has arrived for you to escape. The door is wide open. All you have to do is believe.

And walk through.

“I believe in me.”

Try it again.

And again.

And again.

“I. Believe. In. Me.”