From a young age, I was always a keen artist. This led me to work in freelance graphic design. It seemed natural for me to pursue a creative path in life. However, I soon tired of this uninspiring work. Becoming more and more disillusioned, I began to wonder if I had taken the right path in life.
Around the same time, I discovered a love of reading psychology and became endlessly fascinated by how the human mind processed and functioned. The work of William James was especially eye-opening, especially his work on psychophysics (the study of the effect of physical processes upon the mental processes of an organism).
Further reading over the years led me to Milton Hyland Erickson, now regarded as the godfather of modern-day hypnotherapy. It was through his lateral approach to literal problems that I began to wonder if I could use self-hypnosis to overcome my self-doubts, despondency and my limiting beliefs. It was his belief that everyone possesses the resources and capabilities within themselves to overcome any problem. I found this so inspiring.
“Happiness is a by-product of finding Meaning And Purpose” – Viktor Frankl
My belief in the power of hypnotherapy began to lead me to question whether or not it was too late for me to follow a different path in life; a path where I could use my creativity and love of problem-solving to serve others in a meaningful way. Helping others overcome their limiting beliefs.
This eventually led me to study Cognitive Hypnotherapy at London’s Regents University. I had the great fortune to have been taught by Trevor Silvester, the course founder.
Here, my outlook on life changed in ways that I’m still benefiting from to this day.
Happiness is not so much about what happens to us, but what we psychologically do with what happens to us. The lesson learned is that once you take stock of your decisions you can begin to live more courageously; you can be defiant against imaginary limitations.
Anything in the past can be used to catapult us into the future we desire.