Your Life, Rewritten: Break Free From the Old Stories That Steal Your Power

Welcome to the inaugural issue of Your Second Chance Starts Now—a monthly newsletter dedicated to empowering you to embrace the lessons of your past, shed limiting beliefs, and confidently hit reset when needed. Here, you’ll discover a safe space with transformative insights, uplifting stories, and actionable steps to help create a life you love.

This week, Demi Moore won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Female Lead for her performance in The Substance. In her raw and vulnerable acceptance speech, she reflected on the stories she had been told—and told herself—that had caused her pain and limitations for over three decades.

“Thirty years ago, I had a producer tell me I was a popcorn actress,” she shared. “I believed him. That corroded me over time to the point where I thought maybe this was it. Maybe I was complete. But a few years ago, this magical, bold, courageous, absolutely bonkers script came across my desk, and the universe told me: You are not done.”

Her words struck a chord, and I couldn’t help but think of the stories we all carry—the ones that limit us, define us, and often hold us back from stepping into our power.

Like so many of us, my life has been an anthology of stories I’ve carried—tales that shaped how I saw myself, my limitations, and my potential.

There was the story of the abused, motherless girl who grew up believing she was unworthy of love because the people who should have cared for her couldn’t.

The story of the grieving, homeless teenager bouncing between shelters and sofas, always hearing: You have potential, but your circumstances will always define you.

The story of the young woman chasing—and achieving—her dreams as a writer, yet doubting herself thanks to a diagnosed narcissist constantly telling her she'd never write anything of value.

Then finally, the story of the expat who took a chance and left a thriving life and career to start completely over in a new country and culture. The one who believed in herself enough to make the leap but still let the whispers taunt her., saying "You don’t belong and Your success won’t translate here" every time she faced a setback.

For years, I carried variations of these narratives into every room, every relationship, and every opportunity. While I didn't always abide by their directives, there were times when they convinced me to play small, quiet my voice, and seek approval from people who didn’t matter.

I didn’t realize I had the power to put them down.

Until one day, I did.

Before I continue, let me be clear: there was no sudden epiphany, and change didn’t happen overnight. At first, I simply sat with the discomfort when things didn’t feel right and started to ask myself, Is this even true? (Spoiler: 99% of the time, it wasn’t—or wasn’t anymore). I began to test the perceived limits, moving with curiosity even when I didn't have confidence. For example, when I was told "no", I didn't automatically give into feelings of rejection or embarrassment and shame, I asked for more information. Many times, this simple act of asking 'why not?' helped me to make valuable tweaks to projects and pitches or reinforced my ideas or stance.I tried new things without seeking assurance or applause, but instead just allowing myself space to exist and experiment.

Finally, I asked: Why have I let other people’s fears, judgements and opinions become the borders of my life?

The epiphany came later, when I realized the world didn't end by doing this. In fact, I usually got what I wanted—or a lot closer to it.

This is what I hope for you, too —to question the old stories and challenge them so that you can finally find the courage to follow your values, your heart, and your calling more closely.

Because here’s the truth:

• Just because you tell yourself (or are told) something 100 times doesn’t make it true.
• You are allowed to stop playing a role that no longer serves you — regardless of how uncomfortable it may make those who rely on you to play the part.
• You don’t need permission to change your mind, your outlook or your direction. Your life is a gift given directly to you and you can unwrap it and wear it any way you want to.
• Finally, please remember that no one has the right to define you or dictate what you can and cannot be and achieve. Their words do not have to be your reality.

Here Are Three Steps to Start Writing Your New Chapter:

1. Identify the Limiting Stories: Take a moment to reflect on the beliefs or narratives that have been holding you back. Write them down.
2. Challenge narratives: Ask yourself: Where did this story come from? Is it rooted in fact? What evidence do I have that proves this wrong?
3. Take One Proactive Step: Identify one small, actionable step that aligns with the life you want to be living. Maybe it’s pitching yourself for a podcast, saying yes to a new opportunity, or starting that passion project you’ve been dreaming about. It could also be disengaging in conversations where people are seeking to define or limit you, or finally blocking the ex who always pops up just in time to derail your attempts at moving on. Whatever it is, do it for yourself and find a way to celebrate even your smallest wins.

Will you shed every false narrative and totally transform your life overnight? Probably not. But you’ll create a story worth telling—one you’ll be proud to share.

Let this be the year you give yourself the second chance you deserve.

With love and gentle audacity,

BDC Xx

What’s the first step you’ll take to rewrite your story? I’d love to hear about it—and support you however I can.

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This piece is also available on Substack: https://substack.com/home/post/p-154317182