Engaging With Your Story and 3 Reasons Why Most People Don’t.
These days, we’re surrounded by stories, and we consume them almost without thinking. Our search for a good narrative can take us through endless scrolling on TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram, or into the latest Hollywood movie, audiobook, or true-crime series waiting to be binged. There’s something naturally magnetic about stories—they pull us in, make us feel, and help us make sense of the world. Yet when it comes to exploring our own story, many of us feel a surprising resistance. We often overlook the importance of understanding the plot twists, characters, and themes that have shaped our lives. Have you ever thought about your life as a story—one filled with connections, patterns, beginnings, and endings? It’s possible that something that happened on “page 46” that you’d rather not revisit is still quietly influencing the main character—you—on “page 156.” Gaining clarity around your story can be both empowering and life-giving, but it’s also common to feel hesitant. Here are three reasons why people often find it hard to engage in this kind of story work.
1. The story feels too big or too painful to look at closely.
Many people worry that if they start digging into their experiences, old hurts might surface again. It’s normal to feel unsure about revisiting moments that were confusing, overwhelming, or painful. Sometimes the idea of opening up these chapters feels like more than you can handle. This can make you want to keep the story tucked away, even if part of you knows it could be healing. Taking the first step toward exploring your story often requires gentleness, safety, and support.
2. It’s hard to believe your story matters enough to explore.
Some people feel like their experiences “aren’t important enough” or compare themselves to others who “had it worse.” When you’ve spent years minimizing your feelings or pushing through, it can feel strange to slow down and treat your own story with care. You might question whether anything meaningful will come from looking back. This doubt can create hesitation or a sense that story work is unnecessary. But every story has meaning, and yours is worth understanding.
3. Putting your story into words can feel confusing or overwhelming.
For many, memories and emotions don’t show up in a neat, organized timeline. Things might feel jumbled, hard to articulate, or difficult to connect. You may worry that you won’t know what to say or that your story won’t “make sense.” This can create pressure or self-doubt before the process even begins. With support, though, clarity often emerges one piece at a time—and the story becomes easier to explore than you expected.
If the idea of exploring your story resonates with you, please reach out. I would love to join you in this journey of exploration while providing insight, guidance, and safety.
