Set Yourself Free

When you liberate yourself from the ties that bind you, you’ll never look back, says writer Christabel Smith

We can all relate to Freddie Mercury blasting out I Want to Break Free – who doesn't want to shake off their shackles and soar to a world without limits? Somehow, it just isn’t that easy. We put it down to circumstances, our past, or other people, but the truth is, all that’s holding us back is the voice in our head. Happily, we have the power to shut that nagging old parrot up and listen to something kinder instead. Follow these ideas to make a start.

1 STOP SABOTAGING YOURSELF

Do you sometimes feel you’re your own worst enemy? Perhaps you buy that bag you can’t really afford, eat doughnuts after a workout at the gym, or put off saying yes to a potentially exciting date. Coach Kim Morgan says self-sabotaging ​ behaviour is unintentional, and many people use it in a misguided attempt to protect themselves from difficult experiences and emotions. The way through is to understand what drives your behaviour. You may feel deep down that you don’t deserve that fulfilling job, healthy body, or loving relationship.

DO IT Write down examples of happy relationships in your life – past or present – work successes, and times you’ve felt good about the way you look. It’s the first step to turning negative beliefs into positive ones that, in time, lead to stronger self-belief.

2 GET RID OF PESKY ANTS!