Time to Break the Cycle

Let’s get real for a moment: some patterns just need to go.

That same toxic friend who only calls when she’s spiraling (and never when you need her)?

That romantic spark that always turns into a dumpster fire (but somehow still smells like nostalgia)?

Or maybe it’s the way you silence yourself in rooms where your wisdom should be taking up space?

We’ve all got our loops. And in this phase of life, you start noticing them a little more clearly—and feeling way more tired of them.

So here’s the good news: you can break the cycle.

And you don’t need a complete life overhaul to do it. You just need a little curiosity, a whole lot of compassion, and the willingness to believe something different is possible.

What Is an Unhealthy Cycle, Anyway?

Think of a cycle like a well-worn trail in your brain (and your life). You keep walking it because it’s familiar—even if it’s headed straight for a dead end.

Unhealthy cycles can show up in:

• Relationships (romantic, platonic, or family—you name it)
  
• Self-talk and limiting beliefs (“I guess I’m just not good with money…”)
  
• Burnout patterns (hello, overgiving and under-receiving)
  
• Conflict avoidance (smiling while your insides scream)

Sound familiar?

Growth Mindset Isn’t Just for Kids and CEOs

Let’s set the record straight: growth doesn’t stop at 50.
(And if someone told you it does, they’re probably stuck in their own tired narrative.)

A growth mindset means believing you can change—not because you’re broken, but because you’re evolving.

You get to decide: That version of me helped me survive. But it’s not the version I want to lead with anymore.

Here’s the wild truth: cycles don’t break because you hate them enough.
They break when you start loving yourself enough to want something better.

5 Truths to Help You Break the Cycle

1. Awareness is the first act of rebellion.
   If you’ve noticed the pattern—congratulations, you’re already ahead of the game.
   
2. You are not “too late.”
   You are right on time. Wisdom takes time. So does rewiring.
   
3. Boundaries are your birthright.
   Not everyone deserves access to you just because they’ve always had it.
   
4. Permission granted to choose differently.
   You’re not flaky. You’re evolving.
   
5. It’s okay to grieve the old you while building the new one.
   Let her go with grace. She got you this far.
   

Try This: The “Pattern Interrupt” Ritual

Next time you feel yourself slipping into the old loop (cue the phone call from the chaos tornado), try this:

• Pause: Take a deep breath. Literally. Count to five.
  
• Name the pattern: “Ah, this is my ‘fix-it reflex’ showing up again.”
  
• Ask a new question: “What would I do if I believed I deserved peace?”
  
• Choose one small action: Maybe you don’t answer the call. Or maybe you answer with a boundary in place.
  

That one decision? That’s growth in motion.

Final Thoughts

You are not here to repeat the same year 20 times and call it a life.

You are here to shed what no longer fits and step into the woman you’re becoming—with love, intention, and a little sass.

So go ahead. Break the cycle. Not because you’re broken. But because you’ve outgrown it.

Total U Living is here for every version of you—especially the one who finally says, “No more.”