[skysblue]

I came across this inspiring good advice just now. I wish I could do what it says. Maybe if I read it enough, it will help me change my story

"What Story Are You Telling Yourself?

Several years ago, the CEO of a major corporation spoke at a
leadership conference. He begin his speech by telling us that he
wasn’t a “gifted speaker.” He then rambled for a solid hour. Clearly,
he was unprepared. It was painful.

He had fallen victim to “The Narrator.”

Inside of each of our heads lives a storyteller. He narrates the
events of our lives in real time.

But The Narrator does not merely provide play-by-play commentary. No,he specializes in color commentary—constantly offering his opinion about what everything means.

For example, The Narrator inside the CEO’s head had convinced him that he didn’t have a speaking gift (whatever that is). As a result, he
didn’t bother preparing. After all, what good would it do? He didn’t
have “the gift.”

If he had merely rejected The Narrator’s version and had told himself
a different story, he could have experienced a different outcome.

For example, he could have said to himself, I’m not a great
speaker—yet. But I can improve. I’m going to work harder to prepare. I really want to have a bigger impact on the people who hear me.

You and I can create a more empowering inner narratives by following five steps:

1. Become aware of The Narrator. Half the battle is simply waking
up and becoming conscious of the commentary running through our minds.
Most people are oblivious to it. It is especially important to be
alert to it whenever we experience adversity or trauma. Ask: What is
the story am I telling myself right now?

2. Evaluate the story the Narrator is telling. Many people confuse
The Narrator’s voice with The Truth. But The Narrator is only offering
one perspective, based on previous experiences and—too often—fear. We don’t have to accept the version of reality The Narrator is telling. Ask: Is this storyline accurate?

3. See the story from a larger perspective. The biblical character
Joseph was a man who had a dream and then unbelievable setbacks. I’m sure The Narrator was telling him, Every time something good happens,
something worse follows. Get used to it!

Instead, Joseph saw it from God’s perspective—so much so, that
years later he could say to his abusive brothers, “You meant evil
against me; but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Ask: How does God intend this situation for good?

4. Affirm what you know is true. You can either live life based on
past experiences, current feelings—or transcendent truth.
As one of my mentors often says, “Most people doubt their beliefs and believe their doubts. Do just the opposite.” Ask: What do I know to be true?

5. Write a new script. We don’t have to be passive spectators in
our stories; we certainly don’t have to be victims.
In other words, our choices matter—more than we think! They can affect the outcome. Ask: How can I
make the choices that create the best possible story?

When we lose the plot, we lose our way. Life becomes meaningless.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can take control of the
narrative, and tell ourselves a different story—a
better story."

[Wren_]

Thanks Sky ...... this really fits into where I was saying yesterday I changed part of the dance ..... either way it's changing the narration going on in our heads

I was going to say ... it sure is hard work though!!!!!

but maybe that's because the narrator is saying it is hard work so we won't attempt or will give up too easily?

whereas if we say; this is easy, I can do this .... we might actually change the script???

I want to change my story also

Now ...............................

can we both say instead

I'm choosing to change my story!!!

[skysblue]

Originally Posted by tigergirl

Thanks Sky ...... this really fits into where I was saying yesterday I changed part of the dance ..... either way it's changing the narration going on in our heads

I was going to say ... it sure is hard work though!!!!!

but maybe that's because the narrator is saying it is hard work so we won't attempt or will give up too easily?

whereas if we say; this is easy, I can do this .... we might actually change the script???

I want to change my story also

Now ...............................

can we both say instead

I'm choosing to change my story!!!

Hey, tigergirl, I want you to move in with me and be my 24/7 cheerleader.

[Wren_]

haha come on sky, say the words

I'm choosing to change my story!

[granite1]

i like it who said you cant change the way you look at things