Digging Deeper: The Chains We Cannot See

When we think of chains, we often picture something physical—something visible and tangible that binds us. We might think its our job, a relationship, addiction, or behavior that binds us but I want you to take a moment and think about the reasons you remain chained to those things. When we truly dig down, beyond the surface, we see that the root of those chains are not physica at all. The most powerful chains are often the ones we cannot see. These are the emotional, mental, and spiritual barriers that keep us from experiencing true freedom.

Recognizing the Invisible Chains

Many of us are walking through life feeling stuck without fully understanding why. These invisible chains often disguise themselves as part of our personality, routine, or even our survival instincts. Here are some common ones and how they might be showing up in your life:

• 🔗 Fear – Do you avoid taking risks or pursuing dreams because you’re afraid of failure or rejection?

  • For years I stayed stuck in jobs that were so far removed from my hopes and dreams because I was scared. I was afrain my past would come back and steal my dreams out from under me so instead of pursuing my dreams, I stayed stuck in jobs that took more than they gave. 

  • Are you letting fear hold you back? Is there something that you are tolerating becuase out of fear? 

    
    

• ⚖️ Guilt – Do you carry the weight of past mistakes and let them define your self-worth?

  • Guilt can be a powerful thing. It can push us to run and hide or numb with work, lash out in anger, or turn to behaviors or substances to keep us from feeling the guilt. Is guilt fueling your behavior? 

  • For years, guilt caused me to hide in a bottle, substances, and behind a always-bubbly personality. I felt like being the life of the party hid the guilt I felt about a teenage pregancy and abortion. When I was supplying the fun, nobody asked the hard questions so I didn't have to deal with my guilt. 

    
    

• 😞 Shame – Do you believe you are unworthy of love, success, or happiness?

  • Shame in my life was linked to situations that I felt out of control in. I was victimized by a boyfriend, and yet, I felt shame. I was forced to have an abortion, and yet, I felt shame. I turned to drugs, alcohol, and sex to cope with my guilt, and I felt ashamed of that.

  • Shame is often tied to experiences where we had no control, yet we internalize them as personal failures. Where in your life has shame kept you bound, even when the situation was out of your hands?

    
    

• 🎯 Perfectionism – Do you feel like you have to be perfect to be accepted or valuable?

  • When I finally got sober and got my life together, I started working my way back to the person I was before shame, guilt, and drugs. I was smart, driven, and I had dreams. I tried to go back to those but my belief that I had to be perfect in order to be accepted after my checkered past was like a chain around my foot. I thought striving for perfection would make me better but the truth was, it only held me back.

    
    

• 🤝 People-Pleasing – Do you sacrifice your needs and desires just to keep others happy?

  • After working a 60-hour week, volunteering with my daughter's school, and being a wife, I sat on the couch realizing that I had been drunk or hungover every day since the beginning of the year. When I sat and reflected, I realized that it was linked to my need to please those around me because of the fear of them seeing me as the addict I was.

  • Are you wearing yourself thin so that everyone has what they need but struggle to carve out time for yourself?

  • When was the last time you took time to do something that brings you joy?

    
    

• 🚫 Limiting Beliefs – Do you tell yourself you’re not capable, strong, or deserving enough to go after what you want?

  • I did this for far too long. I even changed my major for my master's program because of my limiting beliefs. Two years later, I decided to let go of the limiting beliefs and ended up needing a second master's to pursue my dreams. What are your limiting beliefs holding you back from?

How to Recognize These Chains in Your Life

Recognizing these chains is the first step to breaking free. Ask yourself:

1️⃣ What thoughts or beliefs do I repeat to myself that limit my potential?

2️⃣ Where in my life do I feel consistently stuck, unworthy, or afraid?

3️⃣ Do I avoid making changes out of fear of failure or disappointing others?

4️⃣ Am I truly living for myself, or am I constantly seeking external validation?

Once you start identifying the patterns, you can begin the process of breaking free from them.

Breaking Free and Moving Forward

True freedom requires intentional work. It’s about challenging these thoughts, replacing limiting beliefs with empowering ones, and making bold choices that align with who you truly are.

To help you on this journey, I’ve created a Breaking Free Journal—a guided tool to help you uncover what’s truly holding you back and take actionable steps toward a life of freedom.

📥 Download Your FREE Breaking Free Journal Today!

This journal includes:

✅ Prompts to uncover your hidden chains

✅ Exercises to challenge fear, guilt, and doubt

✅ Steps to start making bold moves toward real freedom

Breaking_Free_Journal.pdf

Download PDF • 195KB

💬 What’s one limiting belief or hidden chain you’ve recognized in your life? Drop it in the comments below—we’re on this journey together. 🕊️✨