Who Would You Be Without Your Story?
Byron Katie so wisely repeatedly asks her clients: “Who would you be without your story?“
This question has fascinated me the moment I heard it.
Of course this question can be understood in two ways: One way is who would you be if whatever happened to you in your life (that forms your life story) never happened?
The other meaning is the implication of what kind of person you have become as a result of having experienced your story in your life. In this article, I am using this meaning.
I have dealt with so many people who told me their stories in such heartfelt manner that was bound to capture my listening. Their fears, worries, pains, and memories formed unique constellations of meanings and emotions that demanded my respect and admiration for the strength they did not know they had.
When people talk about their problems, they do not immediately realize that the mere thing that aches them is the source of insight in their lives. The human psyche and brain are two miraculous creatures that are worth nothing but respect.
I see with people shedding their tears over stories that break their hearts. I hear people talk about themselves as if they were inferior or less perfect than others whom they admire. I deal with people who feel deep sadness or shame for leading unproductive lives, and wishing for ones that are more perfect.
I always listen to them with so much respect and say: Who would you be without your story? If you meet someone who is going through exactly the same story, you’d have so much knowledge and support for them, which will help them find solutions, like you did.
Our stories differentiate us and make us unique. Our ways of reacting to them is the signature we leave in this world. Why feel ashamed of it if with the knowledge you got out of it, you can help tens of people going through the same circumstances?
It’s important not to dwell on the past, but to harness the experience you got from it in ways that will help others around you. We all have problems, but the best of us are those who use the seed of knowledge in planting trees, whose fruits can brighten (benefit) other people’s lives.
I always invite people to remember who they really are and who they truly wish to be in this life.
In conclusion, there are two powerful questions that sum up what a person is all about:
What is your story? (Past)
and
What legacy do you wish to leave in this world? (Future)
Posted on July 26, 2012, in Articles, Creative Solutions For You, Life Coaching and tagged Arts, Attachment parenting, Business, Byron Katie, Canada, certified professional coaching, child, Child Education, Child Health, Clothing, family, feelings, Fiction, God, happiness, Health, Home, Human, inspiration, Inspirational, Katie Byron, Mother, Online Writing, Parent, Philosophy, Psyche (psychology), Recreation, relationships, Respect, School, Self-Help, Series Stories, United States, USA. Bookmark the permalink. 8 Comments.
I think we are inextricably connected to our stories – and the fascinating way in which we interpret our personal histories. In terms of legacy – for a while I wanted to be remembered in part for breaking the mold of stereotypical HR executives, but as I move farther away from that world, more personal priorities become clearer. To be remembered as one who genuinely tried to treat humanity with care, a mom who adored her children unabashedly and without reservation, as a wife who provided her husband with inestimable love and friendship. A person who valued laughter and never took herself too seriously. As a friend who gave of herself without reservation. And as someone who truly, truly loved the breadth and width of life and remained grateful for all of the blessings I received. I know it sounds corny, and I’m sorry for going on for so long. The question drove the response – and what a wonderful question to pose…
Thanks for this deep and wise reflection!
I am constantly amazed by what I read from wonderful minds like yours.
What a noble legacy you are leaving behind! I strongly acknowledging you for consciously choosing your life purpose, and what a purpose it is!
Thank you and hope you’ll remain a close follower of my blog.
Razan
You can count on it! I will continue to follow with interest and enthusiasm..:-)
Wonderfully thoughtful post. I tend to think of the events in question as catalysts in which we can choose to become bitter or become better. So much of our life is what we tell ourselves is happening – why not make that story a worthwhile one?
Absolutely! What a powerful reflection! I can tell you have a powerful mind!
Thanks for connecting with me, and hope you remain a close follower of my blog!
Razan
I hope you don’t mind my “reblogging this for my readers at http://www.selling4aliving.com I found it very thought provoking and insightful. always a pleasure reading your posts
Hey Donnie,
Thanks for reblogging my post for your readers. Please feel free to do so any time you enjoy any of my writings.
My blog’s exposure is made better by efforts like yours and those of other active bloggers.
Many thanks, and hope you keep reading along.
R
Reblogged this on selling4aliving and commented:
I wanted to share this insightful article with my readers It is from a sight Titled “Wisdom within coaching”