Your Life Story

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I was listening to the car radio and I think the conversation was about death.  I suppose it was an author talking, and they said one of those things we have all heard before, but for some reason it really got me to thinking.

You are the author of your life story.

Ask yourself what your life is about and compare it to what you would like it to be about.  How do you want to be remembered? What will your story look like?

I would suggest that the following exercise is not a waste of time.  The goal is to help you develop a full life. I suppose some of you would like your life's story to be like the private window on your web browser, while some of you would like it to be so open that everyone could tell it.  Probably some of you are somewhere in between.

Regardless, if the reality of your life doesn't match the narrative you want to leave as your legacy, now is a good time to look at it.

Remember, a person's life story isn't just a list of bullet points, but it is a full-on narrative of things weaved together, and if you take a few minutes to write down some details of the story of your life, your story will emerge.  You may even be surprised at how wonderful it actually is!

But, if you are not liking what is unfolding, consider how you might work to improve things.  If your life doesn't feel full enough, worthwhile, or if it feels empty, this is your motivation to address your circumstances in a very tangible way. 

I only have one caveat. Please don't think reviewing your life's story means you have to make drastic changes that will leave a trail of pain and loss for those around you.  Add to and improve your life, but don't blow it up!

So how might you begin to develop a richer life story?  How might you begin to live, rather than just slide through life?

Write a loose sketch of your life story and evaluate where you are.  Are you living a life that reflects your values?  Your gratitude for each day? Your appreciation of your blessings? 

Or, are you stuck inside a box of your own making, surrounded by walls of fear or apathy, with a lid tightly clamped down?

In doing this exercise, you will be giving yourself a chance to write a story that is more intentional, mindful of possibilities, and one that you will love.  Pray over it.  Try to avoid getting depressed about your current circumstances.

When envisioning your story, I encourage you not to get stuck in the "My life is boring. I haven't done anything great. I don't have any dreams" mentality.  That's not helpful at all.

Clarify goals.  Make goals if you don't have any! Examine and re-examine tightly held beliefs.  Maybe even formulate a plan.

Of course, I would never encourage you to do this without first recognizing that God has put you here on this planet for a reason, and if you don't know what that is yet, you can look forward to discovering it in this exercise.

I look forward to hearing what you discover!

Happy New Year!

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.com

#goals
#lifestory

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