Children internalize information and sensory experiences through their subconscious minds. The majority of their beliefs about the way things are or what is true are shaped by the messaging they receive from parents and society. But what if these beliefs are false? For example, if your father sighed every time your mom asked him to help with the dishes or your grandma relentlessly criticized your looks, you might automatically believe, “marriage is hard” and “I’m unattractive.” Your conscious mind, which develops during puberty, is responsible for critical thinking, analyzing information, and making independent decisions about what is true and false. Now that you’re past puberty, you’d think your conscious mind would take over—but does it? People tend to blindly follow the beliefs they establish early in life without ever really questioning them. The good news is that you can stop blaming yourself for your insecurities and start consciously choosing new beliefs.