When we hear the phrase, “The devil is in the details”, we instinctively know that the speaker is indicating that the smallest of details, when overlooked, can lead to total failure of a plan. I’m sure you’ve experienced this more than once in your life. I’d like to offer you a different perspective that can change your life in a very meaningful and positive way. Let’s start by talking about stories.

Stories can be very entertaining; we can learn from them, we can teach others by using the true meaning of stories. They have a theme, interesting characters, a plot, good and evil, a beginning and an end. A well written story has many details, when described articulately one can get caught up very quickly and immerse themselves in the tale, both enjoying the art and perhaps escaping reality. Either way it’s a wonderful and enjoyable way to spend time.

There is another kind of story, one that is not very enjoyable and actually helps us to hold onto the limiting beliefs we have about ourselves, our environment and people around us. These are stories we tell about ourselves, and about others. You will notice them by hearing things like “he said, she said” or “they did/didn’t do”. “I would have expected them to”. When we talk about our experiences using second or third person pronouns, we are no longer reporting OUR experience, it is more likely we are blaming others for our behavior, or being a victim of our circumstances or someone else’s. What we’re not doing is taking full responsibility for our experience, for what we truly value and believe.

This behavior allows us to stay in our warm and comfortable limiting beliefs. There is no growth or learning opportunity, there can’t be unless we are willing to look inside and be totally honest with ourselves, It’s vital to accept full responsibility for all of our words and actions if we want to become a truly authentic individual. Authenticity is what allows us to be clear about what we want and committed enough to achieve it. It is what makes us unique.

If you want to be totally authentic and not a copy of what others want you to be or think you should be, I have a challenge for you. During the next few days, I’d like you to be fully aware of all of your conversations and just notice your language. Notice when you are not speaking from who you are and what you believe to be true, rather you are relaying how other people have influenced your experience, either positively or negatively. When you find yourself doing this, pay attention to how you feel about when you recognize it. The signals we get from our bodies and our emotions lead us to our truth.

I’d love to read about your experience, thoughts and learnings. Stay tuned to future blogs for the answer to “Now that I know what I can do?”

Here is to the best story of all – your own personal truth!