The stories we tell ourselves

Storytelling is a part of being human.  Stories help us share information in a way that creates an emotional connection, they help us understand things, they help build cultures and society as a whole.

Stories can inspire change, spark a dream, set us on a new path.  But on the flip side, they can also hold us back, shackle us to the past and determine whether we back ourselves or not.

Stories are powerful.  And the stories we tell ourselves are too.

While many of our stories fit in the past, some of these stories don’t fit in the present and they may be blocking the future.

We often hold onto our stories. They help us make sense of the world and can keep us safe.  But sometimes they don’t. Sometimes they are no longer true and can hold us back.

Our stories, through the power we give them, tell us if we are or aren’t good enough.  They tell us what we are and aren’t capable of, whether we are worthy of that promotion, love or the career of our dreams.  They inadvertently determine what the future holds for us.

So next time you’re running your stories in your head, about to make a decision or take on a challenge, ask yourself; is this story I’m telling myself working for me or holding me back?

No matter where you are on your journey, you get to write the next story. 

We have agency over what story we write for ourselves.

Write often and edit well.