You Are Not Your Old Story

The Looking Glass
by Fernand Toussaint

Over the years, we’ve all created stories of who we are based on our circumstances, experiences and interactions with the world. These stories come from our own perceptions mixed with the opinions and ideas of others. We’ve internalized many of these to the extent that we believe them to be true, even if they’re falsehoods we've made our own.

We hold onto these stories because they’re familiar. They’re almost addictive in nature. We’re used to defining ourselves through them and there’s a real comfort in that. Where would we be without them and how will others react if we change our story now?

But these old stories distract us from living our best life based on what’s true for us. We must let go of what’s not real if we are to move into an authentic life of genuine purpose.

It may be hard to find the authentic story, but it’s there waiting for you to claim it. Think about your own story. What have you been telling yourself for all these years? Is it one that aligns with who you really are? Or is it a one that you’ve allowed yourself to believe for a myriad of reasons, all of them very human?

Exercise – Start to Create Your True Story: 

Clarify in a few sentences, either in your mind or on paper, what you’ve allowed yourself to believe about who you are up to this point. Thank the old story for being a good friend throughout the years, one that’s helped you navigate through life. Then let it go.

Reflect on who you really are and what you truly desire. Realize that in this moment, in any moment, you have the power to write your new story based on who you really are. 

A new story begins with new thoughts, It is a vision for yourself. Create a new and authentic story now, one that brings positive energy motivates and inspires you.

Realize that in this moment, in any moment, you have the power to create a new story. God will be at your side as you do so. You are opening the door to an authentic life.

Show Your Gratitude to Others

Photo of Montmartre in Paris,
From the Chez Jolly Etsy Shop

In A Little Book About Something Much Bigger: The Gift of a Spiritual Practice, Victoria and I write about how important it is to live life from a place of genuine gratitude. While doing so, be sure to take the time to let others know how much they're appreciated. Vibrations are raised all around.

One can give thanks in many ways: a simple thank you, a sweet gift from Etsy or a heartfelt letter of gratitude. I've decided to give thanks thanks to my mom with this blog post. Years ago, she surprised me with a trip to Paris, complete with cooking classes, where we spent two magical weeks together. We arrived in that wonderful city on a soft summer evening in June of 1975. I was 19 years old.

Class started early at the newly-established La Varenne Ecole de Cuisine. This meant a knock our hotel room door at 7 am to wake us while breakfast was brought in. We enjoyed freshly-baked brioche, sweet butter, marmalade and Café au Lait which we made ourselves by pouring two pots of steaming hot coffee and hot milk into traditional bowls.

Vintage French Coffee Bowl
From the Vintage Decor Francais Etsy Shop

In between we rode the Metro like it was old hat, bought small packages of Madeleines from sidewalk food vendors, drank our first Kir Royale, were berated by taxi drivers for not tipping enough, walked back to the hotel after dinner each evening to burn off calories, saw Impressionism brought to life at the Musée de l'Orangerie and had no problem riding the Bateaux Mouches while sipping a bottle of champagne.

After lunch with our classmates, we'd head out for an afternoon of exploring as much of Paris as we could cover. My mother had found an incredible paperback called Turn Left at the Fountain and we'd set out each day to follow one of the detailed walking tours to a T. We had the greatest fun. We'd come home exhausted from the sun and the exercise. By the time we got back to the hotel we'd have to soak our feet in the bathtub before heading out for our 8:30 pm dinner.

A bit touristy and over the top? Perhaps. A shared experience that will last us a lifetime? Bien sûr. Thanks Mom ♥, Lois