5 Steps to Release and Let Go of the Stories You Keep Telling Yourself

 / 

Release and Let Go of the Stories You Keep Telling Yourself

How to let go of the stories you keep telling yourself?

I am an avid journaller. I love to write and reflect on my thoughts and feelings and have kept a journal since I was 11 years old.

At times I like to read back and reflect on what I write to see how I have grown or changed. Earlier this year, however, I started noticing a pattern in what I was writing.

In fact, it seemed that I had been writing and reflecting on the same event in the same way for over a year. It didnโ€™t matter that the entry was 10 months old, it was like I had written it today.

Upon realizing this, alarm bells started going off. I had been stuck in the same pattern and thoughts for over a year! This was enough for me to realize that I needed to make some changes.

I am sure I am not the only one that this has happened to. Even if you are not an avid journal writer, there are probably thoughts that swim around your mind for years without being assessed or reviewed.

It happens.

We hold on to certain thoughts and feelings and play them over and over again in our mind. 

We become so stuck on this one particular story and all the same thoughts and feelings that go along with it, that we get stuck in a repetitive cycle.

Related: 10 Things That Happen When You Finally Pull Yourself Together

This repetitive cycle becomes so ingrained in our psyche that it can become very hard to shake. It really seems that until we get so sick of ourselves repeating the same story and complaining about the same thing, that we stop to consider that change is in order.

Perhaps take a moment to identify a repetitive story that you keep telling yourself.

How often has this story changed, or has it just remained stuck with the same ideas, thoughts, and feelings.  

When a story or event in your life becomes stuck, it can be very difficult to clear it. This is because the event most likely is stuck due to the thoughts and feelings around it. 

Related: 5 Steps To Disarm A Narcissist and Protect Yourself From Their Wrath

In order to release and let go of a repetitive cycle or story, in order to truly clear out stuck stories that we keep telling ourselves, we have to approach them differently. We have to identify repetitive thoughts and then change them.

Letโ€™s be honest, it is a process but here is how to start letting go of the stories you keep telling Yourself:

Step #1:

Write or repeat your story out loud. You know it well enough by now so get clear with it, state it and affirm it. Speak your story or write your story so it is all out on paper.

Step #2:

Take a moment to honor and respect your story. If there is any pain, feel it. If there is hurt, allow yourself to wallow in it for a minute. Give yourself just 1-2 minutes to say goodbye because you are about to get rid of attachment to this story for good- hooray!

Related: The 3 Best Places To Finally Find Yourself (No Suitcases, No Travel)

Step #3:

Take 3-5 deep, long, and calming breaths. Still, your mind and then place your hand over your heart. Feel your body for a moment, feel your heart, and tune in within.

Watch out this video to move on and let go of the past in the past:

Step #4:

Once you feel centered, tell yourself gently โ€“

โ€œI no longer need this story. It is time to write a new one. It is time to release any attachments to this story for I no longer need it to define me and my journey. Whenever I feel this story come up, whenever I feel the old thoughts bubbling to the surface, I am going to gently remind myself, โ€œnoโ€ and then shift my attention onto something else. I will not ignore any thoughts that need to be released, but I will not allow myself to continue falling into the same trap again and again. I will write a new story, a better story.โ€

Related: 11 Promises You Should Make to Yourself and Keep

Step #5:

Once you have stated your affirmation and truly felt it, consider writing a new story. This new story should be set in the present and you should be the star of the story. Keep the story focused on you.

This 5-step process is just a guide, but in order to release you need to first accept, be open to change and then redirect your energy elsewhere. 

It takes time to work, but after following this exercise, you should notice profound changes in just a few weeks. You will no longer be the teller of your same story and you will be free from the grips of your past.  

Are you ready to let go of the stories you keep telling yourself?


Originally appeared on Forever Conscious

Stories You Keep Telling Yourself
Release and Let Go of the Stories You Keep Telling Yourself pin

— Share —

— About the Author —

Responses

Leave a Reply



Up Next

Toxic Thinking: How They Drain Your Energy and 10 Ways to Reclaim Your Power

Tips to Overcome Toxic Thinking and Be More Positive

Do you ever find yourself caught in a web of negative thoughts, feeling overwhelmed and drained? Perhaps you constantly replay past mistakes, worry about the future, or excessively criticize yourself. Toxic thinking patterns can be like a thick fog that clouds our minds, preventing us from experiencing joy and sabotaging our overall well-being. 

If you are tired of recurring toxic thoughts, we are here to help. Letโ€™s explore what toxic thinking is, why we often fall into the trap of thinking about negative thoughts, and most importantly, discover practical tips on overcoming toxic thoughts. The journey of self-discovery and liberation from the burden of toxic thoughts begins now.

What is Toxic Thinking?

Toxic think



Up Next

What Is Metta Meditation And How It Transforms Your Relationship With Yourself And Others

What is Metta Meditation and How Can It Transform Your Life?

Ever felt overwhelmed by negativity? Then allow love and kindness to bring light to the darkness. Letโ€™s take a look at what is metta meditation and the numerous benefits it offers. 

Most of us often feel overwhelmed by stress, negativity, or a sense of disconnection in our daily lives. In the midst of life’s challenges, it’s easy to lose sight of our innate capacity for compassion and love. But what if there was a way to tap into a boundless wellspring of kindness and cultivate it within ourselves? 

Enter metta meditation, a transformative practice that has been used for centuries to nurture love, empathy, and goodwill. So get ready to bring about positive change in your life and the world around you.



Up Next

10 Sources Of A Courageous Mindset

Sources Of A Courageous Mindset

Having a courageous mindset is an underrated superpower. Courage and bravery can take us a long way in life. But what are the factors that play an important role in having courage? Let’s find that out, shall we?

KEY POINTS

Courage is not about being fearless.

Courage is the capacity to exercise control over oneโ€™s life.

Courage allows one to overcome personal limitations (like fear and anxiety) and pursue a full life.

Courage is something that we want for ourselves and admire in others. One of the worst criticisms in the world is to be called a coward (Kateb, 2004). C



Up Next

How Can You Respect Yourself? 8 Ways To Cultivate Self-Respect and Dignity

How Can You Respect Yourself? Steps to Value Yourself

Have you ever wondered how to give yourself the love and appreciation you truly deserve? You show respect to everyone around you, but what about you? Do you extend the same courtesy to yourself? And if you feel like you don’t, then how can you respect yourself?

It’s time to dive into the world of self-respect and what does it mean to respect yourself. The kindness and admiration you show others, you deserve the same too. In a world that often emphasizes the importance of validation from others, it’s easy to overlook the fact that real confidence and true self-worth comes from within.

So, are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-care, and become your biggest cheerleader? Let’s find out how can you respect yourself, and give yourself the importance you deserve.



Up Next

5 Unexpected Benefits of Talking to Strangers: Why It’s Worth Overcoming Your Fear!

Unexpected Benefits of Talking to Strangers

Do you sometimes feel anxious at the idea of talking to strangers? Youโ€™re not alone. Most people hesitate to interact with someone they’ve never met due to a fear of awkwardness or rejection.

In a world that can be overwhelmingly social, thereโ€™s one kind of communication that seems to stand out above all others, in terms of how scary it can be: Talking to strangers.

Whether itโ€™s saying hello to the person sitting next to you on the bus or mustering up the courage to ask someone new at a party what they do for a living, many individuals fear these moments.

But what if I told you that those uncomfortable exchanges contain within them some tremendous benefits of talking to strangers?

Consider your relationships as a web. The



Up Next

How To Emotionally Detach From Someone? 9 Things You Can Do To Move On

How To Emotionally Detach From Someone? Strategies

If you are struggling with the heartache of a broken bond, then you have come to the right place. Are you constantly wondering how to emotionally detach from someone? Are you struggling to break free from the grip of emotions that tie you to someone?

Today, in this article, we are going to talk about what does emotional detachment mean, and provide you some effective tips that can help you in detaching from a relationship. It’s time you break free from the chains that bind you and set yourself free.

Come on, first let’s understand what does emotional detachment mean.

Related: What



Up Next

JOMO Vs FOMO: How to Stop Worrying About Missing Out And Start Enjoying the Present

JOMO Vs FOMO: Benefits And Disadvantages To Know

Are you ready to explore the psychological battle of JOMO VS FOMO? Weโ€™ll be diving into the two sides of social connectivity and the importance of solitude.

Ever hopped on your phone and instantly felt envy? You scroll through your social media feeds and see friends having the time of their lives, while you sit at home doing nothing.

Itโ€™s what psychologists call FOMO (the Fear of Missing Out), a condition many people are familiar with in our age of smartphones. But could there be a healthier alternative? Say hello to JOMO (the Joy Of Missing Out).

What Is JOMO vs FOMO