The stories we tell ourselves shape our reality. They steer how we see the world, how we show up with other people, and, most importantly, how we view you. Plenty of these stories come from what we lived through; some we inherited from our parents’ own scripts. Some stories lift you forward. Others keep you stuck, tethered to pain, to shame, to small thinking.
Before you can change the story, you have to know the one you’re telling. Try a quick journaling check:
When you think of your life in the big picture, what keep showing up? Are you cast as the hero, the victim, the over-helper, or the bystander?
Which beliefs run the show? Which were handed down and which did you choose?
What feelings color the story most — fear, regret, gratitude, hope?
Write the thread you keep replaying. Seeing it on the page makes it less mysterious and more manageable.
Two people hit the same setback. One says, “I blew it, I knew it wouldn't work.” The other says, “That taught me what not to do.” Same facts, different story. The second one moves forward; the first one gets stuck. That difference? It’s the story. It’s the lens, and lenses are changeable.
Some stories sneak in from trauma, rejection, or expectations that never fit. They show up as:
Self-doubt: “I’m not smart enough / not cut out for success.”
Fear of failure: “If I try, I’ll lose everything — better to stay put.”
Unworthiness: “I don’t deserve joy, money, or love.”
These are usually invisible background tracks. Call them out by name and they lose some of their power.
Acknowledge the past without shaming it. The past is a chapter, not the whole book. “I failed” becomes “I learned what doesn’t work for me.”
Reframe your thinking. Move from fixed scripts to growth scripts: “I’m not good at this” → “I’m learning, and I’ll get better.”
Practice self-compassion. Treat yourself like a close friend — fewer burn-the-house-down critiques, more steady encouragement.
Visualize the life you want. Picture who you are in that version — how you act, what you prioritize.
Rewrite your script on paper — in present tense. Example swaps:
Old story: “I’m always overlooked at work.”
New story: “I show up confidently and claim the assignments I want.”Old story: “I’m unlovable.”
New story: “I am worthy of deep, healthy love.”
These are practices you repeat, not one-time cleanups. Keep the new script visible, say it, write it, live it.
Your brains loves the familiar, even if it hurts. When the old story tries to pull you back, remind yourself of the payoff for change and use small habits (affirmations, 2-minute wins, prayer, breathwork) to rewire the pattern.
Some people prefer the old version of you because it fits their expectations. That’s when boundaries become your best ally. Protect your growth by choosing company that matches your new story.
When you change your story, everything responds:
Relationships shift — you attract people who match your worth.
Work shifts — confidence opens doors you thought were closed.
Mental health shifts — less anxiety, more steady hope.
This isn’t magic. It’s pattern change plus persistent action.
What’s one limiting belief you’ve carried for years?
How would your life look if you stopped believing that story?
What’s one small step you can take today to start rewriting it?
Your new story is waiting. Pick up the pen and write a chapter you’d actually like to live in. Join I Am Well for daily ways to upgrade your life and rewrite your own story.