A Journey Into Self

The Power of Rewriting My Mental Script

Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately, and listening to Positive Thinkers whose lives have been dramatically changed when they go through the process of retraining their brains. Many of us go through life operating on autopilot. We get used to certain ways of thinking—sometimes negative, limiting, or even downright self-sabotaging—without stopping to question whether these thoughts are true or beneficial. These ingrained mental patterns shape how we experience the world, how we see ourselves, and how we define our possibilities. For a long time, I didn't question them either. But on my current journey of self-discovery, I’ve committed to something that has the potential to change everything: rewriting my mental script.

Recognizing Old Thought Patterns

Following the experts’ advice, the first step in this process is to identify the patterns I’ve been carrying around for years. For many of us, these patterns can feel like they’re set in stone and it would be illegal and/or sacrilegious to change them. They come from all around us—our families, communities, media, and sometimes our own life experiences. We’ve internalized these messages for so long that they’ve become a part of who we think we are––“think” being the operative word.

I’ve realized that many of my thought patterns were rooted in fear, doubt, and a sense of limitation, and inadequacies. Thoughts like, “I’m not good enough,” “I’ll never have success,” or lately as I climb the age ladder, “It’s too late for me” had become automatic responses to any new challenge or opportunity. It’s incredible how our minds, over time, reinforce these beliefs and filter everything through them. I became so used to them that I accepted them as reality without questioning whether they were actually truth.

The truth is—I wasn’t born with these beliefs. I learned them somewhere along the way. And just like they were learned, I realize that they can be unlearned. I can rewrite my mental script.

The Role of Affirmations

This is where affirmations come in. At first, I was skeptical of them. I had heard about affirmations for years but always thought they were wishful thinking. “Standing in front of a mirror telling yourself you’re enough—how is that going to change anything?” I used to wonder. But as I began to learn how the brain works, I started to understand the power behind affirmations and manifestation.

Our brains are constantly creating new neural pathways. The thoughts we think most frequently create the strongest pathways, and over time, these pathways become automatic. Affirmations are a way of introducing new thoughts—positive, affirming thoughts—into the mix. When repeated consistently, they help weaken the old, negative pathways and strengthen the new, positive ones. It’s not magic; it’s science.

I started small with simple affirmations that spoke to where I wanted my mind to go:

“I am capable.”

“I deserve happiness and success.”

“I am worthy of love and respect.”

“I am enough.”

At first, these affirmations felt foreign and a little uncomfortable. That’s because I was so used to thinking the opposite. But the more I repeated them, the more natural they began to feel. Over time, they became a part of my mental dialogue, popping up when I least expected them, or need them most in moments of weakness, helping to guide me toward more positive ways of thinking.

Retraining the Brain

One of the most important things I’ve learned is that retraining the brain is an ongoing process. It’s not about flipping a switch and suddenly having a completely positive mindset. It’s about catching those old thoughts when they arise and consciously choosing new and happy ones. Some days are harder than others—old patterns can be stubborn. But what keeps me going is knowing that every time I choose a positive thought, I’m taking another step in the direction of the life I want to create for myself, and I actually picture myself in that realized future.

It’s like learning a new language. At first, it feels awkward and slow, but with practice, it becomes second nature. By consistently choosing to think positively, I’m giving my brain a chance to rewire itself. I’m telling myself a new story—one where I am not limited by fear or doubt but open to possibility and growth.

Why This Journey Matters

This journey of rewriting my mental script is about more than just thinking positively. It’s about reclaiming, or more specifically, realizing my power to create my desired reality. For so long, I allowed negative thoughts and beliefs to shape my reality. They told me who I could be, what I could do, and what I was capable of. But now, I’m taking back control of that narrative. I’m learning that I can choose my thoughts, and in doing so, I can choose the direction of my life.

Affirmations are just the starting point. They are the foundation for creating the mindset I need to move forward. As I continue on this path, I know there will be challenges, but I’m prepared to meet them head-on, knowing that I have the power to change the way I think, and by extension, the way I experience my life.

This is just the beginning, and I’m excited for what’s to come. If you feel stuck in old patterns of thinking, I encourage you to give affirmations a try. Start small, be consistent, and watch as your mental script begins to change—one thought at a time. Share your journey.