Re-Writing Old Stories
Have you ever noticed the stories that you tell yourself? Sometimes a story defines what you allow yourself to do or not do. Sometimes you define what you expect of yourself based on some moment in the distant past.
We all tell ourselves old stories to different extents: we expect the future to repeat the past. In some ways, this is normal and natural except for when the story you are replicating deviates from the norm and is outdated. Imagine judging how you behave in relationships based on your first love experience. We all must admit that as teenagers, we were irrational and overwhelmingly dramatic in our love stories. I remember feeling the world was over if I couldn’t speak to my boyfriend for a day or two. I can’t make my current (44 year old) decisions on those old stories. I have to update my story. Re-tell, re-adjust and even question if the old story is relevant.
This is a combination of “Labeling Theory”and the “self-fulfilling prophecy,” (from sociology), as well as, Cognitive Behavioral Theory’s cognitive distortions. (Overgeneralization: You see a single negative event as a never-ending pattern of defeat. Arbitrarily, you conclude that things that happened to you before will occur over and over again, without any hope for change. This is frequently a sweeping negative conclusion that goes far beyond the current situation that triggered the automatic thought).
Can your new interpretation of old stories be integrated? And what does it change for THE NOW?
What stories have you told yourself about yourself? Were there distortions? How can you readjust them? Is there a new viewpoint with your adult/new perspective? How did those stories keep you from growing or stunt you? And how does re-writing those old stories effect you now?
Are you interested in working on your personal development? Are you looking for a life coach or a life consultant? Are you feeling stagnant? Do you want to jumpstart change?
My transformational approach is a process where awareness, alignment, and action work together as catalysts to create momentum for change.
*Awareness is knowing what you genuinely want and need.
*Alignment is the symmetry between our values and our actions. It means our inner and outer worlds match.
*Action is when you are conscious that what you say, do and think are in harmony with your values.
Together we build an understanding of what you want to accomplish, and delve deeply into building awareness around any thoughts and assumptions that you may already have. To truly transform your life, I will empower you to rethink what’s possible for you.
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Learn more about my approach to life consulting and relationship coaching here or get in touch for your free 30-minute consultation here! Don’t forget to follow along @LilyManne on social for more regular updates!