There were moments in my life when I felt stuck, overwhelmed, and even lost. I clung to beliefs that had shaped me—some helpful, but many limiting. But in a special moment, I learned how I could rewrite my own story. The narratives we tell ourselves can be shifted, reshaped, and turned from something debilitating into something empowering.
As a best-selling author, speaker, and storytelling mentor, I know firsthand the power of rewriting one’s inner narrative. In a recent episode of Let’s Talk Legacy, I shared my personal journey—one that took me from a near-death experience to a life dedicated to helping others find meaning in their own, often sacred stories.
A Second Chance at Life
My story, like yours, is nothing short of extraordinary. As a young woman juggling multiple jobs and school, I found myself hospitalized and overheard nurses outside my room saying I wouldn’t make it until morning. It was in the devastating sadness of that moment that I realized I had not yet fulfilled my purpose in life. What followed was a profound experience—one where I felt an overwhelming presence of Unconditional Love, and I was told I was being given a second chance at life.
This moment changed me. It truly did give me a second chance–not just at life, but at redefining the way I saw myself and the world around me.
I woke up with clarity, recognizing that something as simple as an IV medication was killing my body rather than healing it. I was allergic and never even knew it.
The very skilled hospital staff didn’t know it either. Against all odds, I advocated for myself, and within 24 hours, I walked out of the hospital on my own power.
For me, that moment was more than just a miraculous recovery—it was a turning point. I realized I had been telling myself stories of unworthiness and detachment due to my early childhood experiences, including adoption. But after that moment, I had the opportunity to rewrite those beliefs inside of me.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
The stories that we tell ourselves are the most important stories on the planet. How many of us are walking through life holding onto stories that no longer serve us?
Maybe we believe we’re not good enough, or that we’re destined to struggle, or that success is somehow not out of reach for others but is definitely out of reach for us. Part of my work now is to remind myself and others that the narratives we repeat in our minds – consciously or unconsciously – shape our reality. When I finally began to see myself through the eyes of love and looking at others with new eyes, I realized that people, at their core, were more than their past mistakes and struggles.
This new and empowering belief led me to work with individuals who have faced some of the darkest experiences of humanity—former gang members, survivors of abuse, and even the daughter of a notorious serial killer.
Through storytelling, I helped them reclaim their identities, find healing, and step into leadership roles within their communities.
The Ripple Effect of Sharing Your Story
My work is a testament to the idea that when we embrace our own stories—no matter how painful—they become powerful tools for connection and healing. One of my most notable experiences was writing a book with the daughter of the “Happy Face” serial killer.
At first, I’ll be honest, I was unsure how such a story could ever be framed in a way that inspired hope. But through deep exploration and courage, we found the light in an otherwise dark past. The book ultimately provided healing not just for Melissa but for tens of thousands of others who had been impacted by crime and trauma and who wanted to be empowered by transformation.
The act of sharing our stories brings clarity, empowerment, and even inspires others to break free from their own limiting beliefs. Whether it’s in a personal journal, a blog post, or a book, telling our stories is a way of saying, “This is who I am. This is what I’ve overcome. And this is how I choose to move forward.”
My Story is My Legacy
My publishing company, Inspired Legacy Publishing, is built on the idea that our stories are our most enduring legacy. It’s not about awards, money, or material success—it’s about the impact we leave in this life when it’s time to go to the life hereafter (that I now know is real). Our words and experiences shape not only our own lives, but also those of future generations.
I challenge you to think beyond just financial wealth or achievements when considering legacy. What are the stories you want your children, friends, and community to remember about you? Are you living a story of resilience, love, and growth? Or are you still holding onto past wounds that need healing?
Finding and Owning Your “Why”
One of the most important steps in rewriting your story is understanding your why. In Japanese culture, the concept of ikigai represents “your reason for breathing”, meaning for being—the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for. When we align with our ikigai, life takes on a new level of fulfillment.
I once worked with a woman who struggled in her business until she connected her work to her personal story. Instead of simply selling services, she began sharing her journey and why she was passionate about helping others. The result? A complete transformation in her business and her ability to connect with clients on a deeper level. It was beautiful to witness and to celebrate.
Steve Jobs said, "The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller. The storyteller sets the vision, values, and agenda of an entire generation that is to come." Over and over, I have seen this to be true.
How to Start Rewriting Your Story
If you’re ready to change your narrative, here are a few steps to get started:
Identify the stories you’ve been telling yourself. Are they serving you or holding you back?
Challenge limiting beliefs. What if the opposite of your fear was true?
Be curious and seek meaning in your experiences. How have your struggles shaped your strengths?
Find your why. What fuels your passion and purpose?
Finally, share your story. Whether in a journal, a conversation, or a larger platform, let your voice be heard. No one can be inspired or transformed by a story that sits in a closet or a heart, unheard and unsung. It must be shared to continue to empower you and others.
Your Story Has Power
My journey reminds me that our stories are not just moments in time—they are the blueprint of our lives. They hold the power to inspire, to heal, and to leave an impact that stretches far beyond our own experiences.
So, what story are you telling yourself today? And more importantly, is it the story you truly want to live?
If you’re ready to step into the power of your own story, you can connect with me at Your Inspired Story or explore my work with the Statue of Responsibility – not only a cause and story you can get behind but also make a part of your legacy.
Remember, your story matters. And the way you choose to tell it can change everything.
Comments