We Are Not Defined by Our Histories and Stories

We all have histories and stories. They can feel like they define us, but these stories aren’t who we are. In fact, it can be harmful if we think these stories that we (and others) may believe about ourselves are actually who we are. The experiences we’ve had through our lives make an impact and sometimes leave a wound, but they don’t need to define us.

It’s really normal to feel like we ARE our pain. Our experiences of trauma, our challenges and our hardships can start to feel like they are the most important part of us and take center stage.

But what is your experience like if you separate who you are from what you’re experiencing?

For example, if you have back pain, it is different to say “I’m experiencing back pain right now,” rather than “I have back pain.” When we say “I have back pain,” it feels like we are identifying with this pain, like it is us. What is it like to have a little bit of space between what you are experiencing? How does the experience feel different?

How we might identify with back pain is just one example. You might find you notice this pattern in other areas of your life.

If you’d like support around unwinding you from the stories about yourself or who you have been, or you’d like to explore how to find more space between you and a symptom you’re experiencing, please reach out, I would love to support you.