As we sat street side at a Palm Springs Mexican restaurant, my loving teacher Petra said to me I’d appreciate it if you would “stop making up stories about me”.
Out of context you might think she meant I was telling stories out of school, gossiping or doing any number of untoward acts we do toward each other. Instead she was referring to my remark to her that “I don’t think you like me .”
A common story I’ve told myself all my life. I even once for a prayer request that “everyone would like me.” A brief stint in AA surrounded me with the same story. As much as this beautiful 12 step program would like to own the idea that “not good enough” is their theme song, it is prevalent everywhere, all the time, with everyone.
I discovered a long time ago that all adults are little kids running around in big grown up bodies wondering “what about me?” Our “stinkin’ thinkin’ will get us into more trouble than we could ever imagine. I was reminded again this morning with GI Jane the incredible fitness instructor at 24 Hour Fitness that even those we perceive on the outside as “having it all together”, have their own self-doubts and self-talk that does not support who they truly are. As Oprah often says you never what is going on inside the house from looking at the outside.
What is the difference between the haves and the have nots? Simply the story they tell themselves. The story I made up about Petra was no where near as bad as the stories I make up about myself.
It will impede relationships, marketing, health and any other area of life that falls under the spell of the “story”. A good example of my story always shows up in marketing my seminar business. Instead of realizing that my gifts are precious and lovely, I choose a lot of times to “hide them under a bushel” because I don’t want to put anyone out by “marketing”. In this case no one gets the gift. I don’t get to give it and they don’t get to receive it.
Today think about the stories you make up about yourself. How do you know what the story is? Anything that you tell yourself over and over that is not life affirming, creative and supporting your dreams and passions. How are you hiding your gifts under a bushel? How selfish is it to keep them there?
Make a new choice today. A choice to be bold and let the light out. Stop making up stories about everyone else, especially yourself and know the real story about you and the light.
You are the light, you are the gift. Come to life’s party with your gift and let the world unwrap it and delight in its magic.