In the quiet moments of self-reflection, have you ever felt a stirring within—a story clamouring to be told, a wisdom yearning to be shared? Perhaps you’ve weathered storms that have shaped you, gained insights that have transformed you, and now feel compelled to extend a guiding hand to others through the written word. The journey of writing a nonfiction book is not just about penning your experiences; it’s a wild journey of self-discovery, growth, and ultimately, of letting go.
But what exactly must we release to embark on this transformative journey? In this article, we’ll explore the concept of limiting beliefs—those invisible barriers that often hold us back from realising our potential as writers and healers. We’ll delve into their origins, understand their impact, and learn practical strategies to overcome them. By the end, you’ll be equipped with powerful tools, including a meditation practice and a writing exercise, to help you begin your healing book project with clarity and confidence.
But first, let me share that I too have to let go of my silent saboteurs, although sometimes they do not feel so silent. I know that the gremlins that live in my head come from childhood and I have done a lot to work through these, as I am sure you have. But to write your healing book there are things to let go off and when you do, and I don’t promise that it is easy, you will write your book.
Understanding Limiting Beliefs: The Silent Saboteurs
Before we discuss what to give up, it’s important to understand the nature of our adversary. Limiting beliefs are deeply ingrained thoughts or perceptions about ourselves and the world around us that constrain our behaviour and hinder our progress. They’re the silent whispers that say, “You’re not good enough,” “You don’t have anything valuable to say,” or “Who would want to read your story?”
I say “how very dare they?” but dare they do.
The Origins of Limiting Beliefs
Limiting beliefs don’t materialise out of thin air. They’re often rooted in our past experiences, shaped by our environment, and reinforced over time. Some common sources include:
- Childhood Experiences: Messages we received from parents, teachers, or peers during our formative years can leave lasting imprints on our self-perception.
- Cultural and Societal Norms: Expectations placed upon us by our culture or society can create internal conflicts and self-doubt.
- Past Failures or Trauma: Negative experiences, particularly those related to writing or self-expression, can instil fear and hesitation.
- Comparison with Others: Constantly measuring ourselves against others’ success can breed feelings of inadequacy.
- Lack of Representation: Not seeing people like ourselves in the roles we aspire to can make those aspirations feel unattainable.
- Misinterpretation of Events: Sometimes, we draw incorrect conclusions from our experiences, leading to self-limiting beliefs.
Understanding the origins of our limiting beliefs is the first step towards challenging and ultimately releasing them. Now, let’s explore some common limiting beliefs that aspiring authors of healing books often grapple with, and how to let them go.
The Power of Letting Go
Letting go creates space—space for new ideas, fresh perspectives, and most importantly, for healing. It’s akin to decluttering your mental and emotional home, making room for the story that’s yearning to be told.
1. Give Up Perfectionism
Perfectionism is the silent killer of creativity. It’s the voice that whispers, “It’s not good enough,” or “Who are you to write this?” This limiting belief can paralyse you before you even start.
Remember, your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to exist. As Ernest Hemingway famously said, “The first draft of anything is shit.” He didn’t mince his words did he? Embrace this truth and give yourself permission to write imperfectly.
How to mitigate: Start each writing session with a mantra: “I am writing for progress, not perfection.” Set a timer for 15 minutes and write without stopping or editing. This practice, known as free writing, helps silence your inner critic and gets words flowing onto the page.
Now a word on mantras. If you write one and feel resistance, grab your journal and explore. What do you learn?
2. Give Up the Need for External Validation
Many aspiring authors struggle with the belief that their story isn’t worth telling unless it receives immediate acclaim. This need for external validation can stifle your authentic voice and prevent you from sharing your unique perspective.
Your story matters because it’s yours. Your experiences, your insights, your growth—these are inherently valuable, regardless of how others perceive them.
How to mitigate: Create a list of reasons why your story matters to you. Refer to this list whenever doubt creeps in. Remember, you’re writing first and foremost for yourself and your own healing.
3. Give Up the Myth of the “Right Time”
There’s a common belief that there will be a perfect moment to start writing—when life is less busy, when you feel more inspired, or when you’ve gained more experience. The truth is, there’s no “right time” other than now. There is a saying that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago and the next best time is now.
How to mitigate: Set a specific date and time to start your writing journey. Mark it in your calendar and treat it as you would any other important appointment. Remember, starting is often the hardest part. Once you begin, momentum and motivation will build.
4. Give Up Comparison
In the age of social media and instant success stories, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty. This limiting belief can lead to discouragement and self-doubt. And anyway is social media really real?
How to mitigate: Create a “comparison detox” plan. Limit your exposure to social media during your writing time. Focus on your own journey and progress. Celebrate small wins, like writing consistently for a week or completing a difficult chapter.
5. Give Up the Fear of Vulnerability
Writing a healing book requires opening up about personal experiences and emotions. The fear of being vulnerable, of exposing your wounds to the world, can be paralysing. Yes, I know… This is what has stopped me for years.
Remember, vulnerability is not weakness; it’s courage. It’s through sharing our authentic experiences that we connect most deeply with others.
How to mitigate: Start small. Share snippets of your writing with trusted friends or a writing group. Their supportive feedback can help build your confidence. Also, remind yourself that your vulnerability could be the key to someone else’s healing.
6. Give Up the Belief That You’re Not a “Real” Writer
Many aspiring authors struggle with imposter syndrome, believing they’re not qualified or talented enough to write a book. This limiting belief can prevent you from even starting your healing journey.
How to mitigate: Redefine what it means to be a writer. A writer is someone who writes, full stop. You don’t need a degree in literature or a bestselling novel to claim this title. Start calling yourself a writer, and act like one by writing regularly.
7. Give Up the Need for a Linear Process
Writing, especially when it comes to personal healing, is rarely a linear process. Many people get stuck believing they need to write their story chronologically or follow a strict outline. No you don’t. I do advocate a framework, but you know healing journeys are not straight lines, mine certainly isn’t.
How to mitigate: Embrace the messy middle. Allow your writing to be as nonlinear as your healing journey. Write the parts that call to you most strongly, even if they’re out of order. Trust that the structure will emerge as you progress. And keep an eye on your framework.
Meditation: Releasing Limiting Beliefs
Now that we’ve identified some common limiting beliefs, let’s practise a meditation to help release them. Find a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed for about 10 minutes.
- Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths.
- Visualise a limiting belief you hold about your writing. See it as a heavy object you’re carrying.
- As you inhale, acknowledge the weight of this belief.
- As you exhale, imagine yourself gently setting down this weight.
- With each breath, feel yourself becoming lighter, freer.
- Now, visualise yourself picking up a pen or sitting at your computer, feeling light and unencumbered.
- See yourself writing freely, joyfully, without constraint.
- Take a few more deep breaths, holding onto this feeling of freedom and possibility.
- When you’re ready, slowly open your eyes.
Practise this meditation whenever you feel weighed down by limiting beliefs. Over time, you’ll find it easier to let go and embrace your writing journey.
Writing Exercise: Challenging Limiting Beliefs
This exercise will help you confront and reframe your limiting beliefs about writing your healing book.
On a piece of paper, write down three limiting beliefs you hold about writing your book. For example:
- “I’m not a good enough writer.”
- “No one will want to read my story.”
- “I don’t have anything new to say.”
For each belief, ask yourself:
- Is this belief absolutely true? Can I be 100% certain?
- How does holding this belief affect my writing and my life?
- Who would I be as a writer without this belief?
Now, rewrite each limiting belief as an empowering statement. For example:
- “I am constantly improving as a writer.”
- “My unique perspective will resonate with those who need to hear it.”
- “My experiences and insights are valuable and worth sharing.”
Finally, write a short paragraph (100-200 words) from the perspective of your future self who has successfully written and published your healing book. What would this version of you say to your current self about these limiting beliefs?
This exercise helps you challenge negative thoughts and replace them with more supportive ones. Keep your empowering statements and future self’s message visible in your writing space as a reminder of your potential and purpose.
The Journey Ahead
Writing a healing book is more than just putting words on a page; it’s a profoundly twisty turney journey of self-discovery and growth. By giving up limiting beliefs and embracing your truth and authentic voice, you open yourself to transformation and the possibility of touching others’ lives through your words.
Remember, every great author started exactly where you are now—with a story to tell and the courage to begin. Your wounds, your healing journey, your insights—these are the raw materials for a book that could change lives, including your own.
As you embark on this journey, know that you don’t have to walk it alone. The Healing Book Project offers a supportive community, expert guidance, and a structured approach to help you navigate the challenges of writing your healing book.
Are you ready to let go of what’s holding you back and step into your power as a writer and healer? The world needs your story, and The Author’s Journey is here to help you tell it.
Join us in The Authors Journey, where I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of turning your wounds into wisdom, your pain into purpose, and your experiences into a book that can heal both you and your readers.
Don’t let another day pass with your story untold. Take the first step on your healing book journey today. Visit to learn more and join our community of aspiring authors and healers.
Your story matters. Your voice deserves to be heard. And your healing journey could be the light that guides someone else out of darkness. Let’s write this healing book together.
