By Arielle Giordano
You can change your story by knowing you created it!
A life event becomes a “story” as we perceive it in our own unique way because our story is our perception and interpretation about that life event. When we talk about ourselves and our life, we are sharing our perspective and understanding with others in the world. Each tale is different based on individual cultures, experiences, family history, patterns and distinctive flavors. The more we tell our stories, the more we believe them—and the more real they become to us.
We hide behind our stories, and we use them blockades from being real and authentic. But life happens, and it comes at us in many forms including situations, issues, patterns and circumstances. When meaning is then overlaid on a story it becomes bigger—and we all add personal meaning and belief to our stories.
Giving a story meaning and belief can impact us on many levels. Why? Because beliefs are extremely powerful and shape who we are, what we think and what we become. Relating to and believing in a story makes it seem real.
Integrating a story into your life invites your life to become your story.
Identifying with a story makes it seem relative and real. The facts are real, but interpretation of the facts is subject to error, distortion and exaggeration. For example, some people have been brought up with abusive parents and their upbringing may impact their identity. They may see themselves in their story and their story in themselves and perpetuate abuse. It becomes a vicious cycle that is hard to break—but it can be changed through awareness.
Finding the objective TRUTH is the way out of the story, and it brings you into knowing that you can change your perceptions and consequently change your life circumstances for the better.
Honesty separates you from a story, and with it you begin to see that your story is not real. You begin to realize that you made your story up based upon personal perceptions, interpretations, meanings and beliefs. Transformation and change happens by being objective and honest. When you are honest, you are open to know and see the truth.
When you can listen to the truth with your heart, you are no longer your story.
At this point, you are ready to accept that you are responsible for creating your stories and believing them. This will set you free to be the real and authentic you!
Arielle Giordano’s new book, Dancing with Your Story from the Inside Out, was released in March 2017. With a Masters of Arts and Masters of Education, Arielle is an author, professional dancer, inspirational speaker, certified Essentrics/Aging Backwards instructor, and workshop facilitator. She enjoys sharing her gifts and talents with an authentic style rich in the grace of dance, psychology, philosophy and the expressive arts. Her career includes: provisional psychologist, guidance counselor and substance-abuse therapist. As a Lead Faculty Area Chairperson and Faculty Member for College of Humanities at the University of Phoenix, she inspired students with her creative gifts. She also writes for Tampa Bay Wellness, We Woman and Transformation Magazine.