I am super super excited to be getting into the topic of "SELF-DESTRUCTIVE" patterns this month of September! It's getting into fall, a time of transition. A perfect time to step back and do some deeper self reflection, don't you think?
WHAT ARE THEY?
First of all, what are self destructive patterns? It can include any behavior or thoughts that are ultimately harmful to ourselves. It can be small-scale level, for example getting injured and pushing through anyways, or larger level, like staying in a toxic, unhealthy relationship.
Either way, harm is harm, and self-harm at any level is significant and worthy of taking a look at and considering how we can end it.
HOW DO THEY AFFECT US?
Self-destructive patterns are particularly insidious because no one else is seemingly harming us; we're seemingly doing it to ourselves.
From the outside it looks like we've thought about it and chosen the decision that ultimately is not the best for us. It's either harming us physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally -- and often more than one of the above.
One caveat I'd add here is that it's actually not really a free choice. Let me explain:
WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?
Self-destructive patterns are born just like any other patterns -- from not yet healed childhood hurts. They are often likely from a combination of hurts from when we were young and people did not think about us well. The events do not need to be major events. They can be seemingly minor events that had a big impact to us as little ones. Remember when are 2 years old or 10 months old we do not yet have "perspective." This is key.
More on this next week!
Meanwhile try out the journaling prompts this week on this exciting topic! Sign up in the form above if you haven't already to receive them early Monday morning!