Own Your Story

 

I have really gotten into podcasts lately. There is something really cool about hearing other people's stories and what they have learned from the experiences they have had. It's a lot like reading a really good book that holds pages and pages of triumphs and tribulations, except it is woven together in a story that is told from the unique perspective of the person that lived it. There is something really magical about someone who embraces their story and own their narrative rather than locking it away in the recesses of their own heart. They are taking the bold step to actually share it with others, and in the process, help others see that we are all connected and related in some way if we are willing to open up and own our stories. After all, wouldn't you rather tell your story yourself rather than have someone else do it for you? If that happens, it might not be told the right way and we all know giving that power to someone else usually means they aren't going to tell it right.

Owning your story is not an easy assignment. It is a profound act of self-love and self-acceptance. It's about embracing your past, shaping your present, and forging your future with unwavering authenticity. Being vulnerable, learning to advocate for authenticity and self-expression, and helping others find the courage to own their stories is something that is unnatural for a lot of human beings. With every rough patch we have in our lives, we tend to put up guardrails and walls so we don't have to experience things have wrecked us previously. This is our innate self-defense mechanism that has been perfected in our species, but it is also a huge barrier to actually owning our stories. After all, walls and guardrails don't really make a good conduit for sharing with others. 

Your story does not rise and fall on the expectations that are set by others. It sometimes feels that way, but the reality is if you approaching things this way, you will feel unfulfilled and disconnected from your true self. The only way to break this cycle is to take ownership of your own narrative and begin setting the expectations yourself. By setting the benchmark yourself, you are taking the reigns and determining what you are capable of instead of others doing that for you. This process won't be without challenges. You will still fear disappointing others, but in the process, you will also realize that you are now taking control of you story and telling it from your perspective. You don't have to reject your past before you found this new found control over your life, but rather, embrace it as a chapter in your personal epic and how it has shaped you into the person you are now becoming. Acknowledge the lessons you have learned and the strength you have gained from your experiences. In doing so, your story will become a source of inspiration, not only for you, but for those who hear it. After all, if you are telling your story, it will be a lot better than if someone tries to do it for you.

#OwnYourEpic #Embrace