Editor’s note: Liberty Forrest, author of several self-help books and a certified Law of Attraction Life Coach, reminds you that you have the power of choice, and you can use it to recover from the sociopath. Read more about Liberty.

By Liberty Forrest

I know how it is to feel trapped. I know how it is to feel helpless. Powerless. Like there’s no way out, and nowhere to go even if you could get “out” (wherever that is or whatever that means). It’s so easy to go with the negative thoughts and believe that you’re stuck.

But it is only a belief. And the beauty of that – and the power in that – is that you can change your beliefs. And with that, you can change your feelings – and you can change your life, too. This is the power of choice.

If, for example, you feel trapped in an unhappy home environment and unable to leave, you can change your mindset about your situation, and the words you use will be important. Words are extremely powerful and they carry energy that has a profound impact on us. When you change your language and your perspective about the situation, you will notice a significant shift for the better.

You can stop feeling trapped

For example, instead of constantly thinking about being trapped and having no way out, it is important to remember that you do have choices – because you do. There is always a way out. You might not see it at this moment, but as soon as you change your language to something like, “I’m not happy in this situation and I’m open to finding a way out,” or “I’m open to finding a way to improve it,” you’ll immediately feel a little lighter and more positive.

Read more: Sociopaths target our dreams

As a result of that shift in your mindset and being open to seeing solutions, you’ll begin to see them. Doors will open, signs will appear, answers will come. But unless you are willing to change your mindset – i.e. your thoughts and perspective – you will continue to feel stuck and trapped.

At the very least, even if you’re in a difficult situation you can still choose to focus on the blessings in your life and this can lift your spirits. You can still choose to meditate and take yourself to a peaceful, restful place in your mind (which can do a lot to help reduce the stress you feel in general). You can still choose to actively seek solutions to the problems, or look for a way to improve your environment.

How to feel like you have control again

It’s so easy to feel like you have no control over your life. Sometimes we feel like helpless victims who have ended up in a terrible position because of someone else’s decisions, needs, feelings, expectations, etc. It’s so easy to blame others and not recognise the part we played in things turning out as they have. In doing this, however, we give away our power. In putting the blame elsewhere, we say, “I don’t have the ability to choose for myself or make my own decisions or say ‘no’ or insist on doing something the way I want it done.” We say, “Here, you can have control over my life. Take my power. Please.”

But that’s probably because you weren’t aware that it’s okay to keep your power and make your choices and stop worrying about trying to live up to what everyone else wants from you. You’ve always got one of the most powerful tools in the world. You are able to choose your thoughts and perspectives. You have the option to change your mindset. You have the ability to make choices. Your own choices have led you to where you are right now. Yes, you had a hand in it, whether it’s a good place or not, or a little of both. You made choices that landed you exactly where you stand in your life at this moment.

And if you’re not happy with it, don’t be mad at me for saying that. Instead, think about how that knowledge can give you back the power you didn’t think you had! You have the power to make a different set of choices, and end up on a path that is of your choosing, not that of someone else.

Sure, the Universe will lob stuff at you and throw obstacles in your path. That’s its job. Yours is to overcome them, to make choices that will navigate your way around them, over them, through them, and find your authentic self – and the peace and happiness that will come from that journey.

It all begins with every choice you make. Big ones, little ones – every one of them packs a whole lot of your own personal power so take careful aim before releasing them to the Universe. You always have the power of choice.

This article was originally published at LibertyForrest.com. Reprinted with permission from the author.