Stories lie at the depth of human history and psychology. The oldest remnants of the lives of our ancestors come in the form of stories. Humans are innate story tellers – and we communicate information to others and ourselves using stories. In fact, whether or not you consciously notice, you are constantly updating your own story to develop a self image.
Your personal narrative makes you who you are. As you move through life your failures and successes come together to form a story. Although, facts alone do not complete the story – it requires your commentary. In other words, why did you succeed or fail? Commentary is the reason it is important to take conscious control of your narrative. Your brain naturally fills in the blank spaces of your personal story so if you do not take the time to author your life’s commentary, your subconscious mind can adopt the opinions of those around you. Others may have negative (and inaccurate) interpretations of your life’s circumstances and cast blame in places it does not belong. You know your truth so it is important to write the story for yourself.
The process of fleshing out your personal events is what fills the pages of your life’s manuscript and pushes you to grow as a person. Asking yourself the simple questions (which usually aren’t that simple) can lead to life-changing breakthroughs. Examples are “why did that happen?”, “what could I have done differently?”, “what did this teach me?”. These questions take time, effort, and thought to answer. Organizing your commentary on your life events allows you to take stock of who you are, how far you have come, and where you may go.
Your life is your story and it is the one thing nobody can ever take from you. You have the freedom to write your own narrative and you are the hero of your own story.
So…
What are you waiting for? Make your life exactly what you want it to be.
Winters' World 