We are all storytellers in our own lives, consciously or unconsciously crafting narratives about who we are, what we’ve experienced, and what we’re capable of. But what happens when the stories we tell ourselves keep us stuck?
I am a firm believer, as Gil Scott Heron so powerfully articulated, that "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised." Over time, I’ve come to understand that liberatory work is as much—if not more—an internal process as it is an external one.
This idea came to me again recently as I listened to Sonya Renee Taylor’s podcast, Mundane Miracles. In one episode, she reflected on the concept of limiting stories—the narratives we hold onto that keep us tethered to what no longer serves us. Her words stopped me in my tracks and reminded me how important it is to examine the stories we believe about ourselves, others, and the world.
In Rachel Cargle’s book, "A Renaissance of Our Own," she invites readers to identify their highest values. For me, one of my highest values is liberation and freedom. It’s a guiding light in my life, shaping my decisions, goals, and how I show up in the world.
But here’s the thing about freedom: while there are undeniably external forces at play that benefit from our oppression, there are also internal forces—stories and patterns of programming—that bind us just as tightly. Liberation is not only about dismantling systems of oppression in the world around us; it’s also about dismantling the stories within ourselves that keep us from fully living.
Take a moment to reflect: What are the stories you’re telling yourself that may be keeping you from what you truly want?
Maybe you’ve encountered someone who seems stuck in their story—complaining endlessly about their situation but resisting help or solutions. For them, staying stuck in that narrative feels safer or more familiar than taking the steps toward freedom.
It’s worth asking yourself: Are there stories I’m clinging to out of comfort or fear? Am I holding onto beliefs about myself, others, or the world that no longer align with my values or the life I want to live?
Sometimes, the key to unlock the door to what we truly desire is already in our hands—we just have to muster the courage to use it.
A Practice to Begin Rewriting Your Story
Today, take a moment to reflect on a story you’ve been telling yourself. Is it rooted in fear or limitation? What’s one small way you can begin to rewrite it in alignment with your highest values? Liberation begins with these small, intentional steps.
P.S.: If this reflection resonates with you, I invite you to explore The Art of Intentional Mornings Illuminator. It’s a lovingly crafted guide to reclaiming your mornings as acts of self-love and liberation. Through simple yet transformative rituals, it’s a tool to help you step into your day with intention, care, and clarity.
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