Have you ever noticed how easily we can get wrapped up in our stories? Everyone has them! I have noticed lately how some people seem to love to hang on to their dramatic stories and will tell them to anyone who will listen. Have you ever noticed how those people seem to attract and even enjoy the drama in their lives? They can go on and on about the little details and how terrible something was, whether it was happening to their neighbour, a family member or a friend. It doesn’t seem to matter who the subject is or the details, as long as they get to wallow in the dramatic story. Well if you happen to be one of those people, even some of the time, know that we all have stories that can be an easy trap to fall into. Here’s my words of advice to you: STEP AWAY FROM THE STORY!
Why? Have you ever noticed when you or someone else goes into the blah blah blah drama details how stressful that can feel? The story teller can hang on tightly to the unpleasant emotion associated with that situation as if they don’t want to let the negativity go! They go back to feeling those unpleasant emotions too. That can’t be good for the body, mind or spirit! From that place, it’s not easy to look at the situation objectively if it needs a solution or a fresh perspective.
If you find yourself in the habit of running on with unpleasant, or negative stories from the past that don’t feel very good, see if you can notice it and remind yourself to STEP AWAY FROM THE STORY. Maybe ask a close friend to share when they notice you in a story. Then take a deep breath and take an objective and honest look at how you’re feeling about the situation or story. Or perhaps ask yourself how you can find a solution to this predicament if it needs one. My mom’s favourite line is “There’s got to be a way”. The details are not as important as how you respond to it. Do you wallow in the drama of the details, or do you see the lesson in it and move on?
I invite you to give it a try just for one day. I believe hanging onto old stories is a habit that doesn’t serve us. Like any unhealthy habit we first acknowledge it, intend to focus our awareness on it, and turn it around to something more positive. It is also important to be with the feelings and release them. I encourage you to get help or support if you find yourself stuck in a story or old pattern that is causing you ongoing discomfort and suffering. Remind yourself in a fun loving way to STEP AWAY FROM THE STORY and see what happens.
What stories are you hanging on to? Is it time to STEP AWAY FROM THE STORY? I’d love to hear your experiences around this topic. Even commenting on this can be very therapeutic and a first step to shifting that habit of holding those old unwanted stories.
In Joy!