Stories we outgrow
Verse & Reflection
I think a lot about belief. It’s a large part of my work with others. Beliefs shape us in ways we often don’t realize. They’re the invisible threads that weave through our lives, guiding our thoughts, actions, and self-perceptions. In the poem, I explore the idea that our beliefs are not always our own; they’re passed down to us by parents, teachers, and the world around us when we’re too young to question them. These inherited stories tell us who we are, what we’re worth, and how we should navigate life.
Beliefs are like the software running in the background of our minds. They come from our earliest experiences, shaped by our families, communities, cultures, and the messages we absorb before we even know how to think critically. As children, we learn what’s “right” and “wrong,” what’s acceptable and what isn’t, all based on the feedback we receive from those around us. These early lessons form the foundation of our worldview, impacting how we see ourselves and the world.
Over time, these beliefs solidify into mental frameworks that can either help us grow or hold us back. The trouble is, many of these beliefs go unexamined; they’re like old furniture that we never bothered to replace, even though it no longer fits our lives. When we don’t question our beliefs, we stay stuck in patterns that limit our potential, unaware of how much they influence our decisions, feelings, and relationships.
To truly grow, we need to pull these beliefs into the light, to examine and challenge them. This can be a difficult and uncomfortable process because it means letting go of what’s familiar and stepping into the unknown. But it’s also the key to becoming more aligned with our true selves, to discovering who we are beyond the stories we were told. It’s in this unlearning that we find the space to create something new—our own truths, our own narratives.
The journey of questioning and unlearning these beliefs is something that has always captivated me. It’s a process that can be both painful and eye-opening, leading us to redefine what is true for us as individuals. This poem is a reflection on the courage it takes to look at our beliefs honestly, to ask ourselves if they still serve us, and to embrace the possibility of change.
The poem captures this transformative journey of questioning and unlearning, highlighting that change is not only possible but necessary as we evolve. Beliefs aren’t static; they should grow with us as we age, learn, and expand our understanding of the world. The act of challenging these old stories is a brave one, requiring a willingness to face the discomfort of uncertainty in order to embrace the freedom of self-discovery.
This is why understanding the origins of our beliefs is so important. Our beliefs are formed through a combination of direct experiences, societal messages, cultural conditioning, and the influence of authority figures. These sources provide a blueprint for our expectations, fears, values, and goals. When we blindly accept these blueprints, we live a life that may not truly reflect our essence or our potential.
The process of re-examining our beliefs is a path to empowerment. It’s about reclaiming the power to define our own narrative, to decide for ourselves what’s true and meaningful. This poem serves as a reminder that while unlearning is hard, it’s also the most direct route to finding the courage to create your own story and to live a life that feels authentic and deeply connected to your personal truth.
Poem
Beliefs are the stories
passed down by parents,
teachers,
the world around us.They tell us who we are,
what we’re worth,
how we should move through life.They come from early lessons—
from being told what’s right,
what’s wrong,
from what we saw,
what we heard
when we were too young to question.They shape the way we see the world,
how we see ourselves.They push us to act,
to feel,
to think,
without us even knowing why.But beliefs can be outdated—
old,
stale,
no longer fitting.Worn-out truths we never asked for,
holding us in patterns,
keeping us stuck,
limiting what we believe is possible.To break free,
we have to pull them into the light,
examine them,
challenge them,
ask: *Is this really mine?Is this even true?*
It’s hard work,
breaking down what’s familiar,
but only then do we make space
for something real,
something new,
something more true
to who we are becoming.Beliefs can change,
should change,
as we age,
as we learn,
as we grow.It’s a brave act,
to question,
to unlearn,
to be willing to grow.But maybe it’s the only way
to find yourself
within the stories—
to create your own,
and fly free
in your own truth and power.
Reflection
Beliefs have the power to shape our lives, but only if we let them go unchallenged. When we take the time to examine them, to question where they came from and whether they still hold true, we open the door to transformation. It’s a brave and sometimes uncomfortable journey, but one that leads to a deeper understanding of ourselves and a life that aligns with who we are becoming.
I invite you to reflect on your own beliefs. Consider the stories you carry—those inherited from family, culture, or past experiences. Ask yourself: Which of these beliefs truly serve me, and which are holding me back?
As you go about your day, take a moment to notice when a belief shows up, whether it’s a limiting thought, a habit, or a pattern in your behavior. Ask yourself, Is this belief still true for me? Does it reflect who I am now, or is it a remnant of who I used to be?
Give yourself permission to let go of what no longer fits. Start small, with one belief at a time, and see how it feels to loosen its hold on you. You may find that the act of questioning these old narratives creates space for new ones to emerge—ones that are more aligned with your values, your vision, and your truest self.
Write down one belief that you feel limits you in some way. Then, write a new belief that you’d like to adopt in its place—one that feels more empowering and true to who you are now. Carry this new belief with you, repeating it to yourself whenever you need a reminder that you have the power to choose the stories that guide your life.
Remember, the process of unlearning and relearning is a journey, not a destination. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate this path. Trust that each step you take toward questioning and redefining your beliefs is a step toward living in greater alignment with your own truth and power.
All my love,
B
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