Three Types of Weapons You Use Against Yourself
Have you ever felt like you’re standing in your own way? Sometimes, without even realizing it, we sabotage ourselves with behaviors that drain our energy, rob us of joy, and keep us from growing into the people we’re meant to be. Today, I want to highlight three of the most common weapons we use against ourselves—and how to break free from them.
1. Being Reactive Instead of Proactive
One of the biggest ways we hurt ourselves is by reacting impulsively to situations and people. Whether it’s a rude driver, a coworker with a bad attitude, or even a family member trying to get under your skin, reacting emotionally gives away your power.
When we react without thinking, we allow others to control our emotions. It can shift our entire mood, affect our productivity, and even change the way we treat others throughout the day. Instead of reacting, we should focus on responding with intention. Being proactive means choosing how we engage with people and situations, making sure our actions align with who we truly want to be.
A simple principle to remember: Don’t let someone else’s negativity take the beauty out of you. If you let them pull you into negativity, you’re giving them a piece of your joy. Instead, take a step back, breathe, and respond in a way that serves you and your purpose.
2. Holding Grudges (Against Others and Ourselves)
Grudges are like carrying around a heavy backpack filled with stones. The longer we hold onto them, the more exhausted we become. Whether we hold a grudge against someone else for wronging us or against ourselves for past mistakes, we are the ones who suffer most.
Forgiveness isn’t about excusing bad behavior—it’s about freeing yourself. When you let go of resentment, you create space for peace, growth, and new blessings. And just as we extend grace to others, we must also learn to forgive ourselves. We all make mistakes, but beating yourself up over them will only hold you back. Show yourself the same compassion that you would offer a friend in need.
3. Living on “Spiritual Train Tracks” (Stuck in Negative Patterns)
This third weapon is often the hardest to break free from because it feels like second nature. Some people refer to these as generational curses or ingrained habits, but I like to call them “spiritual train tracks.” These are the deeply rooted behaviors or attitudes we’ve carried for years, sometimes without even questioning them.
Maybe it’s a habit you’ve had since childhood—like impatience, overeating, self-doubt, or even dishonesty. Maybe it’s something you witnessed in your household growing up and adopted as your own. Whatever it is, it can feel like a train on a track—set in motion and difficult to change.
But the truth is, you have the power to step off that track. Just because a habit has been part of your life for years doesn’t mean it has to define you. You are not a train bound to a fixed path; you have free will, authority, and the ability to change. Breaking free takes effort and intentionality, but the freedom and growth you’ll experience are worth it.
These three weapons—being reactive, holding grudges, and staying stuck in negative patterns—can do more damage to us than any external force. But the good news is that we have the ability to disarm them. By choosing to be proactive, forgiving, and intentional about our habits, we can step into a more joyful, peaceful, and empowered version of ourselves.
If this message resonated with you, I encourage you to share it with someone who might need it. Let’s all strive to be better, stronger, and more mindful in how we live our lives. Stay blessed!