Recently, my sister sent me an old newspaper clipping of women marching in front of the County Government Center holding protest signs. I was there! We were protesting budget cuts imposed upon the Battered Women’s Shelter.
When I look at this younger version of myself I see intensity, determination, and a caring heart, all wrapped up in a high degree of tension and neurosis. The through line of good intention remains now, happily the tension and neurosis less so.
I am living a new story. In one thread of my rewrite, I am deeply loved. Although I have been loved for many years, I’ve never fully believed it. So I always operated from a desperate place of lovelessness. This is an orientation that cultivates constant tension and fear. You see, if you do the slightest thing wrong, any possibility of love will fly away.
I can’t say that drama is done entirely. Our stories tend to be entrenched, and it takes patience and perseverance to change the biology of our brain. At the same time, I've seen people make remarkable shifts in short periods of time. So please feel encouraged. Changes is possible.
These are some of the threads of my new story:
- I have a wonderful life.
- I am loved. I am love.
- I feel safe.
- I embrace my sensitivity and intuition.
- I live with more ease.
These aren't affirmations, although they could be. They are simply the truth of my life when the mind-distortions are peeled away.
Try Out a New Story
Would you like to live a new story? You can. There are so many possibilities. You could:
- Get out of debt.
- Simplify your life.
- Go outside.
- Get hooked on gratitude.
Understandably, there might be some limits, but you could, practically speaking, do almost anything. Here are some tips for getting started on your new story.
1. Pick a story thread. What are you sick of in your life? What tired deceptive message keeps you running in circles? Is it a theme of unworthiness or never being or having enough? Whatever it is, start there. It can be small or it can be big. It can be practical or it can be deep.
2. Set an intention. Intention is powerful. Change begins the minute we set a new intention. Stating a clear intention will imprint a new direction in both your conscious and unconscious mind. With this new information, your unconscious mind will start working invisibly on your behalf. At the same time, your conscious mind will have a different anchor so it will be easier to maintain your focus, gain momentum, and accomplish your goal.
3. Allocate time and attention. Set aside a specific time each day to work on developing your new mindset or habit. Be realistic about the amount of time it will take to develop your new way of being. It could be 20 minutes or it could be an hour. Just don’t cut it short, and unwittingly sabotage your success.
4. Get help. There are so many fabulous e-courses on the internet, and in face-to-face life too. Or maybe you want to dig deep, and some form of psychotherapy or counseling would be helpful. You’re not alone with your challenge, and you don’t have to be alone with your change. So much support is available when you tap into the right stream.
Don’t wait to be struck by lightening or ripped apart by life circumstances. It's easier to be proactive, and move forward of your own volition.
What are you sick and tired of in your life (if anything)? Would you like to start a new story? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Thank you for your presence, I know your time is precious! Don’t forget to sign up for my e-letter and get access to all the free self-development resources (e-books, mini-guides + worksheets) in the Always Well Within Library. May you be happy, well, and safe – always. With love, Sandra