What Story Do You Keep Sharing?
Let’s be honest—everyone has that story they tell over and over again. You know, the one where you were wronged, betrayed, ignored, overlooked, underestimated, dumped, fired, or left on read (the audacity!). Maybe it’s your go-to at parties, or the one you share when you need validation. Maybe it’s even the one you replay in your head when you’re trying to fall asleep (which, by the way, is a terrible bedtime story).
But here’s the thing—what if that story is actually holding you back?
The Tale of Two Narratives
We all have two ways to tell a story:
The Victim Version – This is the woe-is-me, the world is against me, I can’t catch a break version. You star as the poor soul who was wronged, and the villain (your ex, your boss, Mercury in retrograde) gets all the blame.
The Hero Version – This is the “Damn, I overcame that” version. The plot twist isn’t about how you were broken, but how you broke through. You recognize the lessons, the growth, and how your resilience made you who you are today.
So… which one do you keep telling?
Why Your Story Matters
The stories we tell shape our beliefs. If you keep telling a negative one, you reinforce that narrative in your brain. It’s like subscribing to a newsletter full of doom and gloom (except you’re the editor-in-chief). But when you shift your mindset and retell your story with purpose and positivity, you start seeing yourself as the badass, capable, unstoppable person you truly are.
How to Flip the Script
1. Catch Yourself in the Act
Next time you start rehashing your go-to sob story, pause. Ask yourself: Am I telling this from a place of growth or a place of pity? If it’s the latter, time to hit the edit button.
2. Rewrite the Narrative
Instead of saying, “I got fired, and it was humiliating,” try: “I got fired, which forced me to chase a job that actually aligns with my purpose.” Or instead of “My ex broke my heart, and I’ll never trust again,” try: “That relationship taught me what I deserve—and what I won’t tolerate.”
3. Look for the Lesson (Even if It Sucked)
Not every challenge is wrapped in a shiny life lesson, but there’s always something to gain. Maybe it’s resilience, clarity, or a new perspective. Even if the lesson is just “Never text your ex after two margaritas,” that’s growth, my friend.
4. Surround Yourself with People Who See Your Strength
If your circle encourages your victim story, it might be time for some new characters in your life. Hang out with people who remind you how powerful you are, not how pitiful.
5. Use Humor as Your Superpower
Life’s already hard—why make it heavier? Finding humor in your past struggles lightens the load. The time you fell in public? Comedy gold. The time you said “You too!” when the waiter told you to enjoy your meal? Classic. If you can laugh at it, you can rise above it.
Time for a Rewrite
The story you tell is the story you live. So why not make it a good one? One where you’re the main character, not the sidekick. One where you take setbacks and turn them into stepping stones. One where you own your power, your joy, and your future.
So, what’s your new story? Drop the old script and start telling the version where you win.
