What's your story?

As we start to become more conscious of our thoughts, where our mind goes, where we direct our energy and the words that we choose to use, it is interesting to notice how we identify ourselves.

When you bump into someone after a long time and they ask "what's been happening?!" do you find yourself relaying your achievements  or is it always what you perceived as the negative experiences that you recall first?

When something goes wrong during the day, or you feel unwell, or you injure yourself, do you become THAT story, retelling everyone and anyone who will listen for the rest of the day - replaying those same emotions over and over?

These emotions we attach to our circumstances do have an effect on our physical bodies, as do our thoughts - so it is critical that we start to become more aware of our behavioural patterns. Without trying to change them, first just notice them. Then notice them more frequently. From there, with more presence, there will be space in which we can respond, rather than react, choose our words, and start to live from a more loving and thoughtful space - for ourselves and also those around us.

I am not discounting traumatic events, or injuries because I too have experienced these and know how very real they can be. I've also been guilty of making them my "story"... But we are not our job title, our past relationships, our injuries or the mistakes we have made... They certainly influence who we are today, but I think it is important we accept these experiences for the impact they did have on our being and make the journey from here on in about what we HAVE learnt, what we HAVE achieved, what we CAN do...

If we start to recognise the emotions, patterns or injuries that frequently come up for us - we can start to use these as signposts in our life...

Stephan Klein say "for biological reasons, the direction given by pleasure and displeasure must aim, above all, to keep the organism in optimal condition. This is why pain almost always overrides other feelings. We are NOT supposed to ignore the signal that something isn't right"

Isn't that awesome?!

Start to recognise you patterns.
Start to notice how the words you choose, and the thoughts you pay attention to, make you feel.
Accept stress, be it in the form of pain, injury, anxiety as a signal that something is out of balance

And most importantly... Start directing your energy towards what you can control, the abilities you do have, and the people and things that bring you joy.

What will your story be?