We all have belief systems that we use to make sense of the world. Wikipedia (it’s the only website I can view at work) says this about them: “The British philosopher Stephen Law has described belief systems (including belief in psychic powers and alien abduction) as “claptrap” and said that they “draw people in and hold them captive so they become willing slaves … if you get sucked in, it can be extremely difficult to think your way clear again”.
Like everyone else, I also hold many beliefs that are near and dear to me, and some of these beliefs are actually valid (I think). For example, I believe that do be a totally functioning and healthy person, we need to be not only mentally, but also physically and spiritually fit. This is what is known as a GOOD belief. How do I know this? Well, for one thing, I have never (yet) been arrested after leaving a gym or my therapist’s office!
However, I have discovered by staying sober that a majority of what I believe is just crap.
I could be wrong, but my guess is that most all of the beliefs in my system were formulated before age 7 or so. Such as my perception and ideas that I have about women, and their roles in life, which I got from Mommy, of course; let’s just say they are not accurate…. Or the belief I have sometimes, that the world is not a safe place; turns out to be bullshit, too. And there many more beliefs like this that I used to form the “Operating System” for my computer brain. Anyway, when I began drinking and drugging, any hope of changing or even looking at my beliefs, vanished.
For instance, I try way too hard to make people like me because I am a “people pleaser”, which is just one of my worst character defects. The belief is that if people like me, I am ok! This belief persists, even though I have observed over the years that most people don’t really give a crap what I am thinking about because they are so full of their own thoughts.
So, be sure to check your belief systems today, boys and girls! Ask yourself this question: Is it working?
But, don’t worry, changes that occur in beliefs usually come in small increments, thanks H.P. And for those of us that tend to resist change, as I do, they sometimes come in micro- increments. The good news is that through staying sober, showing up and trying to do the right thing, we do get them, never-the-less.
So, stay tuned, I am sure more will be revealed! – John B
