What Is Your Story?

I remember my childhood was filled with my grandmother’s stories. I can recall every single one of them; remembering exactly how she would tell each story with her calm and warm voice. The lessons I learned from her stories still remain effective in my life. Back then, I used to believe in those stories, they had formed my reality. What is essential to understand now is that those were stories of my childhood, not my adulthood.

Everything you attract into your life is a reflection of the story you believe  and keep telling yourself.

The stories we tell ourselves shape who we were, who we are, and who we will become. These stories shape our attitudes, beliefs, self perceptions and so on. In life there may be certain stories we like to tell ourselves repeatedly. It is important to understand that not all stories are meant for you and not all stories are true. It is possible for a story to be built on a lie or a fear. I call these stories fiction; they do not enhance or empower you, instead they deter you from living life to its full potential. It is dangerous to believe in such fictions.

"Stories can conquer fear, you know. They can make the heart bigger."― Ben Okri

What is the story that you tell and believe in about yourself today?

• You can't succeed.
• You are not good enough.
• You are not having a good year.
• You are not talented enough.
• You are stuck where you are and nothing can change the situation.
• Your situation is so unique and no one else can help you.
• You have to accept the circumstances the way they are.
• Your life is just terrible.

Such stories are the byproducts of lies once told and fears once felt.  It's time to change your story. It is time to tell a real story.

How, you may ask? 

Stop repeating fictions and start realizing your reality. Don’t buy into the lies people tell about you or the lies you may have told yourself. Release yourself from the grip fear has on your life. Tell yourself a story of growth, encouragement and greatness. Find what lies within you and allow it to speak loudly and clearly; repeat it often enough for it to become your belief.

Here is your new S.T.O.R.Y.

S.

You are SPECIAL, you are SIGNIFICANT, you have been created to SERVE, and SUCCESS is always within your reach.  

T.

You are TRUSTWORTHY, you are always THANKFUL, and you have been gifted by TENACITY, hard work, dedication. Yes, "I CAN" is what you believe and nothing else.

O.

You are OPEN-MINDED, you are OUTSTANDING, and been created to OUTREACH toward the needy, OUT DO any competition and OUT LEARN any lesson.

R.

You are REFINED, you are RESPECTED, and you are REWARDED with many gifts and talents by God.

Y.

You are YOUTHFUL and are daily renewed by God's given energy and compassion. You do not yearn for more than what you have, instead you celebrate your life with joy and youthfulness. You are forever young.

Be the hero of your own story. You are born to turn your mess into a message and your test into a testimony. 

This practice goes beyond the positive thinking cliché. It is not just thinking about these stories; it is about living and believing these stories.  This is about your life. It is crucial to understand the power and impact of a true story. People may forget your name or your face, but they will never forget a good story, a true story. Tell them your story.