Stories and narratives

Imagine yourself way back in time. Far, far back to your ancestor’s ancestors. Back to a time when knowledge was passed on through storytelling. Sitting around a campfire sharing the day’s events. Connecting, learning and developing together. Sharing a meal and recounting what had happened since the last meeting. Stories were shared and took on a life of their own, cultures shaped and tribes developed.

Stories are born continuously. In our modern fast paced world stories still carry us through every second of our day. Each story we tell, share, believe, or not, shapes who we are, our life and our connection. We are surrounded in stories through commercials, news, social media, company visions, gossip and pretty much everywhere we look there is a perception that in turn becomes a narrative or a story. Every relationship, family and company has a story. Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, etc. all tell stories and in their way support connections. Or not.

We are emerged in stories more than ever, but often oblivious to the impact they have on our mindset and inner narratives.

There is a story in the words we speak as much as there are stories in the unspoken and in the way we perceive something. It informs us and helps us understand the world we live in but our stories can also be clouded by assumptions and unmet expectations. The pain and disappointment of that create new stories and narratives and can be particularly painful or counterproductive if we do not differentiate extrinsic values from intrinsic values.

Our inner narrative helps us connect with others or holds us separate depending on what we tell ourselves. It shapes our perspectives, what we pay attention to and what we value.

What we focus on and believe becomes our truth; often without our conscious awareness.

I have, like you, many stories and numerous narratives. Some stories define us as strong and capable, while others make us less of who we are. One of my inner narratives is so ingrained in my being that it became the backbone of who I and others saw me. “You do not, under any circumstance, give up. You are strong!” It is a powerful and supportive narrative, but at a turning point in my life, it became a burden to what I needed and what was healthy. I needed to take a closer look and change it, giving it new meaning and a different wrapping.

As individuals, families, teams, organizations, and communities we cannot not tell stories. We cannot delete our inner world of thoughts or silence our inner narratives. Our stories and narratives make us who we are. We do, however, need to stay alert and pay attention to the words, phrases, sentences, and perceptions we use both subconsciously and conciously. What is the constant underlying narrative that we tell ourselves? What words do we use to describe ourselves, explain or defend? How do we talk about ourselves to others, and how do we talk about others to ourselves? What might we change?

I love working as a coach! I have the most amazing clients and I am thrilled to the core every time my clients have a breakthrough, stretch, step into courage and boldly claim the life and identity that is truly them, be that men, women or teams. Part of what I do as a coach is to help my clients discover and unveil their story. This is at the very heart of my work and is also one of my key drivers. The relief, joy and excitement, abundance and sheer power that emerges when people connect with and own who they are, step into their confidence and courage is deeply fulfilling and touching. Big words but I believe our world needs more people who are confident enough to do what it takes, be bold and be the change they want to see.

Your narrative shapes you

Stepping into courage is more easily said than done. As human beings, we are – contrary to what we are constantly being told – not supposed to do everything by ourselves. Going the distance alone is not only silly but downright unhealthy. As social creatures, we need to feel connected both emotionally and biologically. We function best when we have our tribe, our support group, our team or our family of trusted people we like and love. We need our safe haven to gather strength, feel secure, heal and get ready for the next step. We need someone in our corner who believes in us, challenge us and really sees and listens. As I coach I have the privilege to be in the corner and help my clients move forward.

Take notice of the impact your inner thoughts and words have on you and how the story you tell yourself affects the way you show up, lead and live your life, both at work and in your private time. Change your story and you will change your life! Our narratives, whether internal or spoken out loud, shape how we see ourselves and others – good and bad – and thus greatly impacts our behavior and well-being.

Thanks for being here and reading to the end. Reach out to get in touch and lets find out what will help you uncover your narrative and create a strong, powerful story as you move forward!

Leni Christine
leadership- & team coach
ceo | c-momentum