What Will be the Story You Tell?

“One year from now, what will be the story you tell …?”   Bumper Sticker

 When I first saw that bumper sticker many years ago, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.   For some reason, the idea that the decisions I was making now were going to become the stories I told tomorrow about my past and that I could therefore influence that story seemed quite profound.   Now, it seems rather obvious … or is it? 

In recent conversations with colleagues, I’ve noted that while most are understandably struggling emotionally with the many changes and challenges that continue to come in rapid fashion, some have also shared about of some “gifts” that have come about from this life disruption called COVID-19.   They told of gifts such as having important conversations with loved ones, teaching children new skills (or school), “dusting off” or taking up a hobby, appreciating time outdoors, and reflecting on life values and priorities. 

They all agreed that they’ve had to make significant adjustments to psychologically adapt to these new circumstances and have had to re-frame what they “thought” was going to be their story of 2020.   What some have decided is that they had fallen into a story called “just make it go away” or “this really sucks” and realized that story was not going to get them where they wanted to go and that it was time for a story re-vision.    

This week, you have a chance to “get it right” the first time.  As you look back on this upcoming week one week from now, what’s the story you would like to tell?  How will you have shown up at work, for your loved ones, for yourself?  What would you like to have accomplished?  What conversations would you like to have had?  Who will have felt important because of the time/attention you gave them?  In other words, what will define this upcoming week for you?   Your thoughts and decisions right now will have a substantial influence on the outcome of that story. 

This week, with every decision you make, you have the opportunity to help write the story of your future.  Make it one you look forward to living … and to telling.