I don’t know about you, but I am a master storyteller. I have been practicing for years. Like a toddler, I love hearing the same story over and over and over again. My story becomes comfortable and safe like a well loved security blanket. I retell my story so often that it becomes entrenched in my being and a part of who I am.
My favorite story lately has been about exhaustion. You see, I am recovering from one of the most traumatic years of my life and I am tired. I am grateful that things are better, they have been for about 4 months, but now that I am on the other side of the trauma I realize that I am exhausted. For the past 2 months my exhaustion has been deepening and the story I am telling myself sounds something like:
“How can you possibly think about rebuilding your business, you’re so tired and you need to save what little energy you have for the kids.”
And as a result of telling myself this story countless times, over the last 2 months my behaviour has changed:
- My self care declined, I am no longer writing in my journal, meditating or eating well, all important components in my well being and directly impact my energy levels.
- My boundaries got sloppy and I am finding myself over extended and exhausted as a result.
With every breath I take I am reinforcing my exhaustion. I have been waking up exhausted and simple chores feel overwhelming.
At any given moment you have the power to say: This is not how the story is going to end. ~ Unknown
I am tired of being tired and miss the exuberance I normally have for life. I need a new story, one with a different ending. A story where I remind myself of my strength, resilience, exuberance and my desire to be of service to others. A story where I can balance being a great mom and rebuild my business all while honoring my fatigue and taking care of myself. Actually, it is the act of self care that allows me to be my best physically, mentally and spiritually.
My new story is short and sweet but oh so powerful.
“I am vibrant and full of energy and it is the perfect time to rebuild my business.”
As I retell myself this story, it will become a self fulfilling prophecy since our stories become our realities.
What stories are you ready to change? I would love to hear from you!
Fabulously Yours,
Randi
May 16, 2012 @ 13:18:43
LOVELOVELOVE this, Randi!! ” I need a new story, one with a different ending.” …or maybe a different/new beginning?
May 16, 2012 @ 13:33:27
Start writing Jenny! The beauty is we are the authors of our beginnings, middles and endings of our stories. We may not be able to control some of events that occur in our stories but we can sure as hell control how we respond to them!!!
May 16, 2012 @ 13:57:23
You are singing my song, Randi. We forget how powerfully the stories we tell ourselves shape our thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behavior — in short our lives! Thank you for the reminder. I love your new story!
My old story that I don’t have enough time to shop and cook in a healthy way, exercise, meditate, write my book is the story I want to change. It will begin, “Once upon a time, there was an amazing woman who had plenty of time to take care of herself and nurture her creativity because she made terrific decisions about how she chose to use her time.”
May 16, 2012 @ 14:16:48
I am looking forward to the rest of the story Carol!
May 16, 2012 @ 14:45:36
Ah, I so need to work on my own ‘time’ story. As in I have plenty of time to write, create and build a business, practice self care, and be present with those I love. I love this idea of rewriting a (short & sweet) story. Thanks for this Randi!
May 16, 2012 @ 16:03:36
Sarah, just think of the possibilities once you have rewritten your “time” story! We so often forget the power of our stories!
May 17, 2012 @ 19:48:07
I think this is my favorite blog so far Randi – I have been thinking about a few of my stories today and they are definitely in need of an update!
Thank you for your thoughtful insights!
May 17, 2012 @ 21:20:04
I am glad it got you thinking Jenn! I hope you enjoy the process of updating your stories!