We all live in a story; the one we tell, the one we were told, or a combination of the two. Humans do not live in a vacuum, simply chilling out in a wordless vacant cocoon until something or someone surprises us by steering our lives in one way or another, right?
The question is then not whether we live in a story or not, the real question is what story, and whose story is shaping your future.
Now when it comes to story, context is super important, humans.
The story (content) matters, however, what you believe and therefore tell yourself (context) about the content carries far more weight in crafting your future than you could possibly imagine.
A quick story
Because I love the power of words and story 🙂.
In the above example, the frogs were trapped in a frightening situation (context), and they could not sit back, chilling out, pretending that life was bliss; this would be a classical case of denial. They could also not pretend that they were relaxing in the comfort of a 5-star hotel. On top of that, there was little encouragement coming from the wise crowd peering into the pit of desolation. Their story simply affirmed what they saw. Feeling stuck in the pit, looking around at their circumstances and believing the story coming from above, one of the frogs very quickly gave up and died.
Except for Ben.
Now Ben, who could not hear the external story, decided to believe a different, far more motivating story even though their circumstances were exactly the same. It was this story which inspired his actions and kept him focussed. His actions certainly did not make sense to anyone watching, however, these actions were 100% aligned with his story; one that spoke of his freedom – “I can get out of here, everyone is encouraging me, and I am not giving up.”
In the end what really mattered was the uplifting, inspiring future-focussed story he crafted for himself. The one that encouraged Ben’s belief and inspired his actions even when his legs ached from all the jumping. His story of freedom, the one he courageously kept believing in the face of adversity, was what got him out of that deep, dark pit.
What is your story?
When last have you looked at the story that runs and often ruins your life? Are you allowing the constant opinions of others to shape your story, distracting you from becoming all you were born to be?
You see if you don’t have your own inspiring, encouraging story informing your actions and decisions, you will find yourself constantly influenced by past stories and the stories others have formed about you and your capabilities. When I say your own inspiring story I am not referring to wishful thinking or fantasising about all you will do when you inevitably win the lotto. Your story must be grounded in actions you can take and goals you can work towards – something measurable so that you can hold yourself accountable while trusting that the Universe will reward you with unexpected miracles. Your belief, and the clarity of your story, supported by courageous actions are the “keys to unlocking Universal synchronicity”.
Some call it luck. I call it the inevitable outcome for the courageous ones; those who have crafted their own story, written for them, by them, courageously taking the often difficult actions required to move the powerful hand of a loving, abundant Universe.
Listless wishing and hoping while hanging out on the couch, aimlessly scrolling through an array of social media platforms will not unlock the Universe’s magic touch in your life.
Back to the frogs
This one little frog’s actions, inspired by an unwavering belief and supported by determined, courageous actions were what made the difference. I can almost see the Universe smiling, reaching out and giving that young frog a firm lift out of the pit of desolation, rewarding his persistent belief and his determined actions.
What is your story? Is it one that inspires action towards a desired future irrespective of your current circumstances or the loud and overbearing opinions of others?
If I could make your future a reality in an instant, could you tell me your story in sufficient detail allowing me to bring it to fruition?
Are you willing to risk the discomfort of investigating your story, your strong opinions, and your fixed views if it meant a different tomorrow?
Often we are locked in a repeating, limiting story that is not ours. This is a story that belongs in the past, one with no ability what so ever to inspire new thoughts, words and actions. Remember that without new thoughts, words and actions your future cannot be any different to your current reality.
Does your story inspire you to keep jumping when your legs are aching?
I ask because your future truly depends on it.
“For the great enemy of truth is very often not the lie, deliberate, contrived, and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic. Too often we hold fast to the cliches of our forebears. We subject all facts to a prefabricated set of interpretations. We enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought” – John F. Kennedy
My wish for you is a story filled with possibilities. One in which you are the greatest version of your incredible self.