jdiddy, I'm also dealing with some clinging beliefs and habitual ways of thinking that arise from those beliefs. If I fight either the beliefs or the habitual thoughts, I find they just stick around and give me a headache. When I acknowledge them and then let them go, they gradually lose their power over me.
The most important thing for me is just to remain vigilant -- to stay awake and not go unconscious when making my decisions; also to watch for my triggers -- like if I've gone too long without eating, I'm more vulnerable to making non-conscious choices.
Then, I've got my little mnemonic devices: confronted by a clinging belief or habitual way of thought, I'll do one or all of the following:
-- ask myself, "is that true?" for some reason, that question immediately frees me to think other thoughts.
-- invoke my secret magic word. I use this word as an instant key to any thought that's locking me up. It's funny, but now if my friends catch me being unconscious (e.g., saying something that indulges feelings of being worthless or other old thoughts that don't serve me), they'll actually use my magic word at me, as they've heard me use it and figured out what I'm doing without having had it explained to them. My pals are very smart people! (I guess my word is not so secret.)
-- Imagine a possibility that works better in that moment (joy, freedom, connection) as a big ball in my arms that I am holding in front of me. I can't "hold" the negative thought if I'm holding the one that works.
Be alert!
California needs more lerts.