How To Change The Story of Your Past

I recently did a Facebook Live where I discussed the importance of how you tell your story of your past, and I want to share some of that here.  Becoming aware of how you tell your story and deciding if you want to continue has been one of the most beneficial tools I've seen for a number of people.

Your past is over, and in this moment it only exists in your mind.  You may tell the story as if you are just relaying observations, telling the "facts" of it.  But the truth is, what we think are facts are typically just our memorized thoughts.  Have you ever had a recollection of what happened and a sibling or spouse reminds you of it differently?  It happens to me all the time.  So when you tell your story how does it feel?  Does it cause you pain today, in a way that holds you back from moving in a direction that gets you to your goals?

I want to share an example with you to get a better idea.  One of our dogs died 2 years ago in October.  Here is the way I can tell you the story -

          Our dog had been diagnosed with cancer.  We had to put him through surgery to remove the tumor, and then it grew back.  One Sunday my husband was at work and I was at home with Abe by myself when he collapsed.  I got him into the kitchen and we had to wait for my husband to get home.  The ride to the vet seemed to take forever, and it was so sad.

I can also tell you the story this way -
          We found out our dog was diagnosed with cancer and we were so lucky to have the funds to be able to have the tumor removed.  Amazingly, we enjoyed another year and almost half with him.  Those times were so precious.  One Sunday he collapsed while we were outside, but I got him inside and he hung on until my husband could get home from work.  I felt so fortunate we were able to all go to the vet together.

Notice how the stories feel so different.  

The way you can do this for your story, is to take an event and write the story as you tell it now.

Next, take out only the facts - true facts that can be proven, and agreed upon in a court of law.

Now - decide on purpose if you want to continue to tell it they way you are.  You get to keep what you want from the past, and leave the rest.  Your past only exists in your mind, and you have total control over what you are thinking.

Retell the story in a way that serves you.

Is the title of your story one you want to keep?

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