The Loop in My Head (And Maybe Yours Too)

Have you ever caught yourself thinking the same thought over and over again—even when

you *know* it’s not helpful?

Maybe it’s about your body. Your worth. Your place in the world. A belief that sneaks in

quietly, then settles in like it pays rent.

These are what I call *thought loops*—quiet, repetitive stories that take up **precious real

estate in our heads**, crowding out more empowering, joyful, authentic ideas.

You may not even notice them at first. But once you do? You realize how much space they’ve

stolen.

Where Mine Began

When I was little—maybe five years old—I had red hair, freckles, and a big imagination. I

wanted to be a princess. I didn’t think about flaws or fitting in. I just *was*. Curious, sparkly,

and completely myself.

One of mine still centers around my legs-my “thunder thighs”—short, not slim enough,

never quite how I want them. It started as a comparison, became a fixation, and in my fifties,

it spiraled into obsessive movement and restrictive eating.

I was praised for being “fit”, no longer having “thunder thighs”. But I was trapped in a loop

That said, “Just a little more, you can do it”...

It wasn’t just about legs. It was about the need to prove, perfect, and perform.

The Moment I Realized The Loop Was Still In My Head

Just the other day, I was driving and listening to one of my favorite YouTube channels on

self-awareness and conscious living. I wasn’t expecting anything new, but something the

speaker said it differently that day:

“How much of your mental real estate is being rented out by old beliefs that aren’t even

Yours?”

We all are carrying loops we didn’t choose—especially after 50, when life changes bring old

insecurities roaring back.

Common loops sound like:

• “I am fat.”
• “I’m too old to change.”
• “Everyone else seems so confident—why can’t I get it together?”
• “I feel like I’ve lost my edge—my usefulness, my spark, my appeal.”

Research shows that over 60% of women struggle with negative body image, and 70% of

high-achieving women experience impostor syndrome at some point. These patterns don’t

magically disappear after 50—in fact, they often intensify with physical changes, career

shifts, or empty nesting.

A 4-Step Practice for Rewriting the Loop

Try this for the next few days:

1. Notice the loop.

The one that makes you feel small or less-than.

2. Ask: Is it even yours?

Where did it come from? A parent? A cultural story? An outdated identity?

3. Thank it—and release it.

“You’ve protected me for a while. But I don’t need you anymore.”

4. Choose a new thought to invite in.

Try:

● I am strong and healthy.

● I am passionate and caring.

● I am intelligent and live with purpose.

● I am a badass rewriting my story.

✍️ About Nancy

Nancy Waring is a holistic wellness coach, yoga and breathwork guide, and the author of The Vibrant Sage: Arousing Energy for Health and Happiness. She helps women over 50 reconnect with their bodies, build sustainable habits, and live with energy, clarity, and purpose—no matter where they’re starting from.