One of the techniques that has come out of the social construction movement in psychology (and elsewhere) is narrative work - plotting our life story, examining the plot twists and characters, and reframing (rewriting) the story with a more positive spin.
As an example, I had serious drug and alcohol issues as a teenager. For years I beat myself up for being weak, for wasting years of my life. Over time, I learned to see that I was self-medicating to survive the pain I was in, and that without it I may have not survived. Equally important, it was a barrier in my life that could have destroyed me, but it didn't - I survived it and in doing so I became stronger.
This Daily Om from February 23, 2011 offers a similar approach to reframing our lives in positive ways that are empowering rather than disabling.
When you remember that you are the author of your own life story, you are free to create a masterpiece.
We all have our own life story. It is filled with relationships and events that help shape who we are and what we believe to be true about the world. Depending on our perspective and willingness to grow, our experiences can become fodder for negativity and patterns of playing the victim, or they can fuel a life of empowerment and continued self-development. It is the story we tell ourselves about what happens that makes all the difference.
Take a moment to look at the life story you create for yourself on an ongoing basis. If you generally feel peaceful about the past and trust in your ability to handle whatever comes your way, then you are framing circumstances in a manner that serves you well. On the other hand, if you retain a lot of guilt or resentment and often feel weighed down by life, you may want to start telling yourself a new version of past and present events. No matter who the characters are in your story or what they have done, you are the only one who can give their actions the meaning they will have for you. You are the only one who can define what role you will play in your own life. By taking responsibility for your story, you are able to learn and grow, forgive and find compassion, and most importantly, move on into a brighter future.
From now on, you can choose a life story that supports you. Let it be proof of your own resilience and creativity. Be kind with the roles you give yourself and generous with how many chances you get to learn what you need to know. When you remember that you are the author of your own story, you are free to create a masterpiece.
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