Stories help us navigate, explain, and understand life. They allow us to interpret events and experiences, position ourselves relative to one another, and find meaning and hope in difficult circumstances.

But stories also create and feed less helpful beliefs we might come to hold about ourselves, others, and the world around us. As a result, they might leave us disconnected and alone.

What story did you believe about yourself growing up?

Many introverts and highly sensitive people talk about experiences of being misunderstood as children. For example, maybe you were labelled "shy", "quiet", or "too sensitive". Perhaps you were seen as rude, standoffish, or judgemental.

These stories can leave us feeling out of place, wrong, and like we don't fit the expected mould. Disconnected from ourselves, and afraid of (or unable to) express our authentic feelings, needs, and desires. It might develop into perfectionism, impostor feelings, or a sense of inferiority to others.

We can lose parts of ourselves in how we show up for others. People pleasing, taking responsibility for the feelings of those around us, and playing the role of helper/rescuer, can leave us unable to make requests, admit need, or accept help.

This is not the end of your story.

Maybe you have experienced a significant change, like a shift in your season of life or an unexpected crisis. Or perhaps it's been slower than that. Like a hunch that something isn't right and you want to do, be, and create more in life.

Maybe you've been learning what it means for you to be an introvert, a highly sensitive person, or another resonant trait that beautifully reflects how you experience the world.

Whatever the case may be, this is an invitation to re-frame and release.