THE STORIES WE TELL OURSELVES: HOW YOUR INNER NARRATIVE SHAPES YOUR REALITY

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, This is just how I am or Things never work out for me?

The stories we tell ourselves—about who we are, what we’re capable of, and what’s possible—shape our reality more than we realize. Sometimes, these stories empower us. Other times, they keep us stuck. But the good news? Just like any story, they can be rewritten.

Take a moment to reflect: What’s one belief about yourself that you’ve carried for years? And is it still true?

Why our internal stories matter
Our minds are constantly interpreting the world, creating narratives based on past experiences. If we’ve faced rejection, we might develop a story that says I’m not good enough. If we’ve struggled with uncertainty, we might tell ourselves I’m just not a risk-taker.

But these stories aren’t always facts. They’re interpretations. And when we hold onto them without questioning them, they become self-fulfilling prophecies.

How to rewrite the stories that no longer serve you

1. Identify the narrative. What’s a thought or belief that repeats itself in your life?

2. Question its truth. Is this a universal fact, or is it something I’ve just assumed to be true?

3. Reframe it. Instead of I’m not confident, what happens if you say I’m learning to trust myself more each day?

Imagine what would change if, instead of reinforcing limitations, you started telling yourself a story that aligned with who you want to become.

The stories we tell ourselves either empower us or hold us back. And the best part? We have the power to rewrite them.

So, I ask you: What’s one belief about yourself that you’re ready to rewrite?