You know, those stories that roll around in our heads that tell us how the world is…and how we fit into it.

Sometimes, these stories are fact-based. And, sometimes, they’re not…sometimes, they’re formed and driven by thoughts and feelings that are connected to our own lived experiences and/or perceptions about how others live their lives. 

A story, ie a narrative, has the power to frame, shape and give flavor to our experiences. Oftentimes, though, the narrative is skewed. They can feed our fears and insecurities. In reality, they’re likely meant to be self protective, even though they end up being destructive.

That’s what my therapist told me. She told me, “you’ll find what you’re looking for…”  That was her way of telling me that the negative story in my head would look out into the world and hone in on some detail of a situation that would prove I was right. (spoiler alert: I wasn’t.)

I’m strong though…or maybe stubborn. I held onto a particular “story” for a very long time because I believed it was true, despite much feedback to the contrary. In hindsight, which is always beautiful, I wonder what purpose that holding-on served? 

Simply put, I wasn’t ready to let it go. Thankfully, I did. It’s possible. It’s possible to rewrite the script. No matter how old we are…it’s possible.

What stories might you be holding onto that no longer serve you? If you were to release an old story, what might your quality of life be like?