Personal Narratives

We all have them.  Defined somewhat for us by our birth, genes and early experiences.  They are the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves and often our choices in how we project ourselves to others.  Some are more transparent.  Betsy Clarke is the crusading, sacrificing, sanctimonious martyr.   John Clarke, the smartest one in the room who coldly holds himself aloof, etc.   Some are a lot more nuanced and less obvious.  But they give us our truth and our role to play.  It affects our conversation, our tone, mannerisms, the clothing we choose, even ethical, social and political views.   And gives some of us a framework to make sense of the world and our place in it.  

Deliberately thinking about our personal narratives, forces a personal reflection that requires honesty.   Doing so is liberating.  Because in the final analysis, it’s all completely fabricated.  It’s hard-wired, to be sure.  But we can, with some effort, redefine our stories with some focused, deliberate discipline.