oh, the stories you shall tell

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There are stories and then there are Stories. I equate Stories–the capital S kind–as being about habitual actions and assumptions that we have put into practice for so long that we don’t think about them any longer. We all carry them. Some serve us more than others.

For instance, it’s a Story that I tell that the world is fundamentally good and I believe in people. I like that one! It’s a nice swap for the one I held maybe five years ago–that people were fundamentally selfish and that I wouldn’t believe in anyone until they’d proven themselves to me in some way. (I mean…ouch).

What are some Stories you’ve told about yourself or about the way life works? What would it be like to let go of them?

Freedom, I say. One of my tenderest Stories–one I carried for a long, long time–is that men were just out for sex and that they would violate boundaries at the first chance they had. I had a lot of examples to go along with that experience, so that Story seemed really, really real for me. It was after meeting men who didn’t have those intentions that I was able to shift something within myself and practice a new Story: Men (like women!) come in all shapes and sizes, and some are more trustworthy than others, and I am a competent woman who is clear on what her boundaries are and how to speak up if they are breached.

Another Story–that the only way to have creativity in my life was with a great studio, a thriving Etsy shop, and a series of hung shows. The way that that Story was interrupted was when I saw how unhappy I was with that lifestyle–trying to pull together enough work for a show, constantly comparing myself to other artists and what they were doing and were they better, the physical work of hanging a show, finding storage for pieces in between a show, cleaning up that sassy studio…these days, I far prefer a little table in my office. When I do creative work, it’s a treat. When I don’t, it’s fine. No pressure.

So what Stories do you tell? What would it be like to let go of those?

Speaking of stories (the lowercase kind), here are some that are told about The Courageous Year (registration ends tomorrow!).

“I feel like I am getting a lot of support out of this course. I am the kind of person who dithers a lot about committing to things like this, but I am so glad I trusted my instincts with this one. I would recommend it (and have done!) to whoever asks.  The lessons are so well thought out, communicated clearly and have had an immediate impact on my life for the most part. I also like that it’s kept fun.” — E. S.

“I feel I am getting numerous valuable tools to help me in my life.  It’s really interesting to begin to see how so many of these things are connected–the inner kid, the blame story, forgiveness, being in integrity with myself.  It’s been a chance for me to put a lot of pieces of my life-puzzle together, and in the process begin to either release, re-frame or forgive a great deal of the challenges I have had along the way.  It’s definitely freeing, and I’m so glad to have had the courage to begin the process.” — C. V.

“I have felt some major shifts within myself. I think just being able to recognize my “stories” for what they are, is huge. Having written down my values, and noticing my inner critic, are all of benefit…my friend was asking me if I would be happier to have the money to spend on something else, and all I could think about are the things that are most important to me – my values. And personal growth along with several others of them are a match for me with this course. I want to live BIG, and I know that I am capable, I just need more tools in my toolbox – and I’m getting those here. I also enjoy having a group of women to share the process with.” — D. W.

“I was on this path (of dreaming and achieving bigger and living by my values) anyway and this course is giving me good structure in which to keep on that path which some extra encouragement and tools along the way.  I have been surprised by some of what I have learned and that’s why I am continuing.” — E. H.