Walking through Market Square the Sunday before Christmas, I happened into an afternoon service for New Frontiers Church, a relatively new spiritual community in my home city of Portsmouth, NH. I was curious because they rent space in my church--North Church--and so I wandered in.
The speaker was telling the Christmas story from Mary’s point of view and asking: "Do you know the story you're in?" Mary understood that she was part of a bigger story, he said, and he asked us if we understood that we are, too.
Do You Know The Story You're In?
This got me thinking, and I began wondering if I knew the "story" I was in--the beliefs that motivate, energize, and predict my daily actions. This proved more difficult than I imagined since our most foundational beliefs are often invisible:
- Life is easy. Universe is working things out in the best possible way.
- Good luck is a product of hard work. Productivity = self-worth.
- I'm unlucky.
- I'm lucky.
- I'm lovable.
- I'm unlovable.
The stories are obvious when we see them in print, but not always so clear when we're acting on them.
New Beginnings
Each of us lives our own story. From moment to moment, we make choices because of that story. What story are you in? What drives you as you wake each morning? What thoughts and beliefs travel with you through the day? What choices do you make when conflict arises? When life presents you with the unexpected? When your dreams come true?
In this month of new beginnings, I tend to ponder such questions:
- What is my work in the world and does it make a difference?
- What conscious and unconscious thoughts create my world?
- What story am I living?
The introspection pays dividends in increased awareness and conscious choice. I have only so much energy to spend each day. And I want to use it purposefully.
Notes from the Universe
I receive daily emails from a service called "Notes from the Universe." Each note always ends with the reminder that, "Thoughts become things… choose the good ones!" I believe this. Our thoughts influence our reality.
Practice
Take a moment at this special time of new beginnings to imagine what your story may be and how it creates your life. Start with some of the questions in this article, and create your own.
What questions help you reflect on who you are and where you're going?
Note: I'm grateful to Judy Warner for this post's lead graphic of her beautiful quilt.
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