Events are happening around us all the time – even when nothing is happening, ‘nothing’ is happening. From the minuscule, everyday event to the epic it’s all happening around us and has been doing so since we were born. But it’s not the events that make up our life stories – it’s the meaning we place on those events that make our life stories. And it’s our life stories that we see as our truths that inform how we live our life.
We can’t control all events we experience but we can (and do) control the meanings we place on them. We live by our stories. We CAN change our stories – not by changing facts but by changing the meaning and importance we place on them. If we repeat negative, destructive stories they are the beliefs that will guide our life and usually leave us feeling stuck.
And this doesn’t just work with individuals. The re-telling of particular stories (and therefore beliefs) also greatly affects decisions made by family groups, communities, professional sectors and public policy makers. Workplace and individual workers’ stories inform each other so it’s important to consider in review time.
Do you know the answers to these questions?…
- What are your life stories?
- Where did they come from?
- Are you okay with your current stories?
- Which stories would you like to work on so they work FOR you?
- How will you change these stories (Tip – the clues are within your current stories!).
Seven steps to creating a happier life through your life stories:
- Identify your current dominant stories
- Take a stand on these stories
- Align your stories with your values
- Explore alternative stories
- Claim and express your new/preferred stories
- Create a life guided by your new life stories
- Rinse & Repeat
So, if we’re going to make meanings out of every event (yup – you’re already doing it!) – let’s make it contribute towards our wellbeing. In other words…
Make your life stories work FOR you not against you!
Break free from the shackles of your life stories!
Don’t let your life-stories hold you back!
We live multi-storied lives with many mini-stories all running simultaneously and often in contradiction to each other. All the stories may be TRUE but it’s the stories we choose to give the loudest voice to that will have the biggest impact on how we live.
Giving someone the idea that they can REFRAME the meanings of events = opportunity to change their stories = hope!
Story work is constant work in progress but there are tools you can implement everyday to ensure your stories work for you. This life skill can become the new habit – one that I think is worth passing on. Living a life that is informed by stories based on our values leads to increased fulfilment and contentment – and who wants more of that? Yes please!!
Need help with your story work?
Contact us for details and bookings.
1:1 Story Work Sessions ($88hr inc GST)
Available face-to-face in Canberra / phone / Skype
Story Work Group Sessions – COMING SOON
Story Work Online Course inc private Facebook group – COMING SOON
Digital Storytelling Workshop – COMING SOON
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