What is Your Story

“The way you tell your story to yourself matters.” - Unknown

Everyone has a story. A story about who we are, what we have or have not done, where we are going, who we have encountered. What story have you told others about yourself? Are you the victim who has been hurt and mistreated and now are only trying to survive? Are you the one with the failed dreams that never went anywhere and now you just need to make it to tomorrow because it’s pointless? Think about the story you tell yourself. Writing it down sometimes helps because you see it on paper and can read it back to yourself. Then ask yourself why? Why is this your story? Are you seeking sympathy or a motivational push? Are you seeking love or a caregiver? It’s very important how you are portraying yourself because it is part of the path you are walking on. You cannot expect to win battles, if you are stuck retelling the story of how you have lost. You cannot get over that heartbreak if you keep repeating how you have been wronged. 

If someone were to ask you today to tell your story, how would it go?

There are times we tell others amazing stories of who we are but then beat ourselves down because we believe them to be lies. Those amazing stories are just being told because we feel that’s how we are supposed to be portrayed. But it’s another story that is playing over in our head. I see that I am supposed to be strong so I act strong, but do I go home and claim to be weak and lay in bed? In this case you are caught between two stories, but you should only have one. The one that you pick is very important to reaching your purpose. Pick the one of strength. Pick the one of courage. Because that is the one that is really true to your core.

Deciding to change your story is part of a growth mindset. Yes, I did something terrible but I am becoming a better person. Yes, I was broken at some point in my life but I survived it and stand here stronger. I may not be where I thought I would be but I am not dead and will still get there someday. Your story is not over and your story is only yours to be told. To yourself and to others. No one else should tell your story for you either, because then they are dictating your life. It starts with one word and builds up. Your words have power. “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21 NIV). You do not have to be stuck with the story that you have. So let’s change it!

You are a warrior not a worrier. You are capable and strong. You are going to get to your goal. You are healing, you are letting go. You are forgiving, you will be all right. You will not be stagnant. You are moving forward. Your dream is attainable. You will attain it. Today, I started to tell myself a new story. For years I said I want to stay under the Rock, protected by God, but it caused me to run from any scary situation. My story needed to change. My story was starting to include fear disguised as trust. When instead there is great power placed inside of me to achieve great things through Him. My story is no longer living a safe life but going boldly forward. Knowing that the Rock will protect me as I continue to move forward. What is your story?