Focused on Where We Are in the Story

We live the way we read a book, or watch a movie.

There are times when we go back to check on something we might have missed; a word someone said, some object hiding in the background. There are times when we want to skip forward, either to find out the result or to check on how much more we have left.

The stories that engage us, though, hold our attention. We do not want to go back or forward, we are focused on where we are in the story.

We trust the story to take us where it is going. We go along for the ride.

We recognize that while we may have missed something earlier or may not know the outcome, the most significant part of the story right now is where we are.

We are each the main character in our own story.

At the same time, our own stories fit together to form a larger, overarching story. The larger story puts all of our stories into context.

It can give us new insight to see how stories have come together to shape our own story in the past. It can help inspire us to reflect on where our story might shape others.

Of course, we are not only watching our stories unfold, we are actively creating them. While we trust the story, we want it to turn out well.

It can be easy for us to forget that the most rewarding stories are often about difficult challenges.

We reveal the deepest truths as we focus on where we are in the story right now.

How do you focus on where you are in your story?

Where have other stories shaped your own?

What would you like others to gain from your story?

[Image by umjanedoan]