As adults, quite frequently we are asked to tell our stories. What brought us here? How did we get started? Where did we come from? What is our background? What's the story, morning glory?
For some of us, our story is one of complete success, applause, sunshine, rainbows and Unicorn glitter-poop. For others it's just the poop. So what are we to do about this? It is extremely important to figure this out because eventually, you ARE going to have to tell your story.
I remember this one time, I was very young and on a date with the man-I-thought-was-of-my-dreams. Let me tell you how wrong I was about that! He invited me to a fancy dinner and I never felt more worthless in my life.
OR... One time I was invited to the amazing, fancy dinner in Allegheny, PA in the Fall. The trees in Pennsylvania are stunning in the Fall. I met some wonderful ladies who were thrilled to hear about my work! The food was to die for! If love to go back there - with a different date!
Do you see the difference in my stories?
Here's another one:
I was an Assistant Department Manager in a big store. My Manager quit unexpectedly and I really wanted her job! I spoke with the General Manager and let him know I was interested. He said ok, and can you believe he let me manage that entire department for about just about a year without any increase in pay. For the entire year, he dangled that position in front of me to keep me doing the job. He even had me speak with HIS bosses about the position. Then one day, out of the blue, told me he hired someone for the position. I was just devastated.
OR... I managed an $11M Cosmetics Department for an entire year when my boss left unexpectedly. I really wanted to job, but ended up not getting it. I did, however, get to learn all about running a large department. I had great talks with people several levels above me who gave me some really good input and training. I don't know when I learned more in my career than I did in that job. I had outstanding relationships with my entire staff of 65 people as well as good relationships with all of my superiors. It was this position that gave me the confidence to go for the position I have right now, as a Market Selling Specialist for a very high-end cosmetics company that is exclusive to Neiman Marcus.
Are you getting my point?
What stories do you tell about your life and your experiences? Are you taking the time to hunt for the goodness? Are you digging out the diamonds? What picture are you painting of yourself and your life?
Keep in mind that people want to be around successful, happy people! You can paint a picture of the happy, successful you regardless of what you have experienced. And you'll feel great about your accomplishments as well!
Let's examine a few possibilities.
You didn't go to college.
OR... When you were younger, you chose a path that consisted of hard work. You jumped right into your field and you're doing great! You can always go back to school. You know you'll do it at some point when the time is right for you.
You got divorced.
OR... You had a great marriage for ___ years. You learned so much about yourself! In the end it wasn't a good fit. But you're both good people and you will move on into a different direction for a while. Besides, it's never a bad thing to take time to work on yourself!
You got fired.
OR... You got downsized! Deep down, you felt that it was time for a change anyway, so this ended up being the blessing that is pushing you towards what you really want! It's actually a pretty exciting time!
You are having a hard time making ends meet.
OR... You just put a new savings strategy together. You're trying to live more simply and you think this will really help you get to where you want to be. You want to do more "nesting" and nurturing yourself at home. You're looking forward to being low maintenance for a change!
You see, the stories we tell others are also the stories we tell ourselves. You have the right and the opportunity to paint your picture any way you choose! Are you choosing an empowering life? Or a life as a victim? That choice is 100% yours.
Take a little time to think about the areas of your life where you may struggle, and look at how you are telling your story.
If you're brave, leave me a comment and let me know how you tell your story! And if you have a situation that you just can't seem to dig the positive out of, get in touch with me and let me know!
Visit www.brilliancefactor.com to get inspired and to learn how you can work with me!
Love & Nuggets of Gold,
Donna
