Are You Being Programmed?

Each of us has our own personal preferences, dislikes, prejudices, and life experiences. Our families, instructors, siblings, spouses, religion, the books we read, the news we ingest, and the social media influencers we like and follow all form and mould us. The impact of social media algorithms on our attention spans, emotional wellness, and cognitive capacities is currently under intense study. This is programming, and it can be dangerous.

It is true that social conditioning exists. Consider it similar to breathing. It doesn't have to be obvious that it's there for it to happen. Nonetheless, it has an impact on the course of our lives—every decision we make and every action we take. It tires us easily. Without realizing it, we are hardwired to social media, spending too much of our time on smartphones, sitting on the couch 24/7 and not even going for a walk.

To some degree or another, we are all programmed. And I'll be the first to acknowledge that there's a lot of it that's very good. I value manners, real cuisine, transformative leadership tools, and the spiritual path I follow. I'm grateful that we can navigate the city securely as long as everyone observes the rules of the road. This programming aids us in navigating our environment.

There is, however, certain programming that must be unlearned. This programming is ingrained in many people from an early age. I'm not worthy, my thoughts don't count, how I feel isn't significant enough, or I can only achieve what I want by weeping, yelling, or walking out the door.

Were you brought up to grumble all the time? Do you ever find yourself blaming people for your problems? Do you ever feel as if others are stifling your progress? Or you say "yes" to preparing and preparing for the worst, too preoccupied with looking after everyone else that you don't have time for yourself. Have you been feeling this way for years and haven't been able to change it? Blaming people (staying in victim mentality), selecting fights, always expecting the worst and feeling sorry for yourself?

If you're looking for change outside of yourself, you'll never find it. Not only will you exhaust yourself but most of those around you. So, you have to be careful. The solution only comes when you make the first move to RECOGNIZE, that there is indeed a problem that needs to be solved immediately. For example, have you seen termites problem in some houses? When there is one termite making hole on the ceiling, it has special sensors to call its buddies to join in the fun, thus destroying the surrounding wood and the ceiling. We are so careful to destroy all the termites, how much more should we be in destroying negative thinking as well as negative habits. I believe you will agree with me, too, on this one.

We must be aware of what is said about us and what information we allow into our lives.

When a grumpy person sees you laughing, eating well, working out, making plans for the future, being appreciative, trying new things, being open to new possibilities - saying YES to life – that person will make it about them in order to elicit your compassion on why they can't do what you do.

The importance of mindset cannot be overstated. Detox, reduce weight, get healthy, feel better in their body, and receive a makeover are all things that people come to me for. I cannot assist someone who is not willing to change. I can't and don't want to force anyone to do anything. Individuals must say YES for themselves and participate willingly.