When We Own Our Story
All of us have a story that has molded us into who we are now. Some stories can be of sadness, joy, success and defeat. There are chapters in our story that make us feel accomplished and happy. However, there are chapters that we wish would go unpublished because they make us feel shame and sorrow. Both kind of experiences make up our whole story.
My story will definitely be different from yours; it is meant to be that way. When I look back and I revisit chapters of my life, I can see glimpses of extreme joy and success. I also see the chapters of my life where I was at my lowest. Now I understand, that it happened for a reason.
Even after my recovery, I was full of shame and guilt. I was only partially enjoying the benefits of my sobriety chapter because I was stuck in the past. I cared too much and I was deeply sorry for all the damage caused to my family, especially to my children.
With time and after many years of therapy, and through the practice of yoga, meditation and mindfulness, I came to the important realization that if I wanted to be truly happy, I needed to own my complete story with both the good and the bad. Every chapter of my story influenced the person I am now and I needed to stop defining myself only by those chapters of sadness and wrong doing. All of that happened to me and all of it is in my past. I own every aspect of my story and what is really important is that everything influenced the person I am now.
Owning my story has been the most courageous act I have done. Owning my story has given me the power to write my present story of redemption. Owning my story has given me the desire to raise my voice and share it with others because in doing so I can bring hope to people who are struggling. Most importantly, owning my story has given me the opportunity to open my heart to new stories in my life.
Whatever name you want to give your story, always remember it is yours. You can not rewrite or edit the past chapters. Whatever turns your story has taken both good and bad, it is your unique story. Be ready to write the present chapters. Own the story of your life. Embrace it with both courage and love. When you are gone, it will be the legacy you will leave to future generations.
