VARIETY OF STORIES

Historically the telling of stories ensured the survival of the history of a community, protecting their legacy. However, storytelling is so much part of our lives and is applied in many different spheres of life. In fact, it is found in the most unusual places that we would not associate with storytelling. We are all authors and storytellers in our own way.

I spent the last couple of weeks preparing a workshop for a group of part time master students on a leadership programme, identifying the power of stories and storytelling in organizations. It struck me how relevant the topic was to the stories we tell ourselves in creating our personal identities.

It is through stories that we come to understand, learn and know. Stories are powerful means through which we develop a sense of self. The telling of stories helps us as individuals or groups to make sense of our world and experiences. It protects the past, makes sense of the present and powerfully contributes to how we will create the future.

It is worth remembering that stories may also contain truth as well as lies and deception. For example, the lies we tell ourselves about how we should feel, behave and be when we get older. If we tell ourselves a story often enough, we will begin to believe it. Together the storyteller as well as the audience create a collective truth that influences values and behaviours accordingly.

The concept of interpretation is therefore central to storytelling. It suggests that meaning is fluid and contextual and not fixed and universal. Stories whether positive or negative stories infiltrate our subconscious minds that will shape our expectations and experiences.

Emotions are also a powerful and significant part of storytelling. Stories also mobilise emotions which are crucial in creating shared values and powerfully influences our lived experiences. The Story of ageing is one such example.

Contrary to the traditional story of aging creating an image of inevitability of decline, a bold alternative story of aging suggests that if we free ourselves of the self-limiting beliefs, we may stretch our genes to healthier and new frontiers.

It is central to our wellbeing that we understand that we have the power to create our own self-fulfilling prophecies. Through our lifestyles we significantly influence the quality of our later years. We are the author of our own stories and can therefore choose to change the plot and characters.

I invite you to reflect on the stories you tell yourself. Are they negative and inaccurate or uplifting and life enhancing? You are in charge of the stories you tell about your life. Choose wisely.

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