Master Storyteller

I love to read! I’m old-school though and I like to hold a copy of the book in my hand. My favorite way to read is in a comfy seat in the sun. My favorite genre is romance; the light fluffy beach reads. They are essentially Hallmark movies in a book.  I can get lost in the story, identifying with the characters and their circumstances. In fact, after I’ve finished a book, I have to sit with it for a while. I savor it and mourn that the story has ended. I have to let it wash over and through me before I can move on to the next one. Escaping like that is one of my self-care strategies. I can break away and hide in a place that feels protected from the harsh realities life gives.

I often wonder about the authors and how they keep manufacturing these stories. How long does it take them to develop the plot or storyline, and the characters? I think it takes such talent to create something out of nothing like that. I know how difficult it can be from time to time to simply write a blog every month. But then I realize that I too am a master storyteller. Not in the same way these best-selling authors are, but in my own mind. I can create tales with twists and turns from the smallest encounter. Perhaps I have an interaction with someone, and it doesn’t go the way I think it should or hoped it would and I am immediately on the fast track to some type of story. “They don’t like me.” “I’m not good enough.” “There’s something wrong with me.” The examples of self-talk are immeasurable.

I recently attended a training that focused on the topic of “Confusion to Clarity” by Tim Davis. And even though I’m a clinical therapist and am aware of how our thoughts impact our behaviors, it was helpful to learn about the science behind the brain's thought patterns. He shared that we are constantly thinking, but the thoughts we latch onto and think about repeatedly eventually become our truth. That made sense to me. I know I can give energy, time, and space to particular thoughts and eventually in time they become my reality. “I don’t have enough time.” “I have too much to do.” “This is hard and I can’t do it.” “I’m too tired.” “I’m so busy.” Do any of these sound familiar to you? While there may be some truth here, these statements are not always true. We may feel like we can’t do something or we don’t have enough time, but that may not be the actual truth. Slowing down, even for a moment to check that thought before we buy into it could be helpful. Maybe we find that we do have time, or we can learn how to accomplish a challenging task. Perhaps we realize that some of the items on our to-do list can wait. (That frees us up and gives us more time).

I’m learning that if I continuously tell myself I’m stressed or too busy or overwhelmed, then I can start to feel that way. Which then leads me to feel more stressed and overwhelmed. However, if I tell myself I can be productive and I have time to accomplish a certain number of tasks that impacts my attitude and energy allowing me to get more done.

We may not be bestselling authors, but we are all master storytellers. Let’s make a commitment to create stories for ourselves that help us feel lighter, more joyful and provide us with moments that we can savor. Then we can live happily ever after.