From Self-Sabotage to Self-Mastery and How I Took Back Control of My Mind
- Brainz Magazine
- Jul 3
- 4 min read
Rachel Strachan is a Reiki Master, Mindset Coach, and Sound Healer who brings over 20 years of experience with insights from her own healing journey. She creates supportive spaces for both people and animals, offering practical yet powerful tools to help restore balance and reconnect you with your authentic self.
Growing up as an only child, loneliness was a quiet thread running through my life. I spent so much time in my own head, observing, overthinking, trying to make sense of a world that didn't seem to understand me.
My family struggled financially when I was young, and I often heard phrases like "we can't afford that," "be grateful for what you've got," and "things like that aren't for people like us." I took those messages to heart and came to believe that success, peace, and joy were things that happened to other people. School wasn’t an escape. I was bullied, excluded, and made to feel like I didn't belong there either. I often felt like I was on the outside looking in, wondering what was wrong with me.
That sense of disconnection followed me well into adulthood. I was the person who smiled on the outside but was silently battling self-doubt and a constant need to prove myself. I didn't believe I was worthy of good things or that someone like me could create a happy or abundant life.
On top of the emotional and mental pain, I developed fibromyalgia and endometriosis, both chronic conditions that brought their own layers of suffering. I came to see myself as “different,” trapped in a body I didn't recognise, one that seemed to be betraying me.
And yet, somewhere deep within, I held onto the tiniest spark of belief that there had to be more. That I deserved more. A happier, freer, more connected life.
That tiny spark is what led me to energy healing, and it changed everything. Reiki was the first practice that didn’t try to “fix” me. Instead, it helped me remember who I was beneath the pain. It connected me to my inner wisdom and showed me that healing isn’t about perfection, it’s about accepting and nurturing who you are and, in doing so, becoming whole.
Through Reiki, I began to soften, listen, and trust myself. Nature and animals played a huge role, too. Horses, dogs, birds; their energy reminded me of what it felt like to be present and accepted, just as I was. I felt seen by them in a way I hadn’t felt seen by people. And that connection became medicine.
I no longer believe these conditions are a punishment or something I caused. They are part of my journey, yes, but they do not control my story.
Today, I’m stronger within my mind. I meet myself with compassion instead of criticism. I honor my limits without guilt. And I lead others, through my healing work and coaching, to find their way back to themselves too.
You are not alone.
You are not broken.
You are not behind.
Gentle, soul-led tips that supported me and may help you too
1. Get curious about your patterns
Start noticing when you self-sabotage. Ask yourself gently, “What am I afraid will happen if this goes well?” You might uncover old beliefs that are ready to be released.
2. Practice radical compassion
Speak to yourself as you would to a child you love. So many of our patterns come from unmet needs. Be kind to yourself, even in your messiest moments.
3. Explore energy healing for body, mind, and soul
Reiki can support you in reconnecting with your body, mind, and soul. It helps calm the nervous system, clear energetic blockages, and bring you back to center.
4. Connect with nature and animals
Take off your shoes and walk on the earth. Sit under a tree. Spend time with animals. Their grounded presence can remind you to just “Be in the moment.”
5. Honor your body’s wisdom
If you live with chronic illness or physical discomfort, know that your body is not the enemy. She’s communicating. Listen with love. Rest when you need. You are worthy of care.
6. Surround yourself with safe energy
Whether it’s a coach, healer, friend, or animal, find spaces where you feel seen and accepted. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation.
7. Remind yourself daily: I belong. I am enough. I deserve joy
These affirmations might feel hard at first, but with repetition and feeling, they begin to plant new seeds.
It took me years to unlearn the belief that I wasn’t good enough, deserving enough, or capable of change. But I want you to know: it’s possible. You can reclaim your mind. You can heal. You can create a life that feels safe, joyful, and true.
Your pain is not your identity.
Your past is not your limit.
And your healing is your birthright.
You are already whole.
Reiki helped me reconnect with my body, mind, and soul. If you're curious about Reiki, you can learn more through the UK Reiki Federation.
You can also learn more from the NHS about fibromyalgia and endometriosis, or visit Fibromyalgia Action UK and Endometriosis UK for more resources and support.
I now support others through Reiki healing and coaching, combining energy work with deep inner guidance to help you return to yourself.
Read more from Rachel Strachan
Rachel Strachan, Life Coach & Wellness Practitioner
Rachel Strachan is a Reiki Master, Mindset Coach and Sound Healer with over two decades of experience supporting others on their wellbeing journey. Her own transformation journey has given her deep compassion and understanding, allowing her to connect authentically with each person with whom she works. Through her thoughtful blend of energy work and mindset coaching, Rachel creates space for healing that gets to the root of stress, builds genuine confidence and helps people reconnect with who they really are. She also works with animals and offers sound healing sessions, believing in the power of gentle, holistic approaches to create meaningful change. When she’s not working, you’ll find her spending time in nature or with her animals.
