Thanks for your comments John. Very thought provoking.

Thanks for your comments Patricia. When I think of the conductor in front of the orchestra – it all makes sense. Without the conductor – it can go sideways very quickly.

1) I believe that animals DO create stories to make sense out of what happens. My dog Kelsey POUTs when she feels emotionally hurt. By pout, I mean she lowers her head and retreats to a safe corner like a boxer after a foul. A little petting helps her forget about her “story” for a while. I’ve seen so many instances of this pouting as well as other behaviours like her excited reaction to my suggestion that we go for a walk in the park, that I believe she creates stories that result in her behaviour changes all the time!

2) FRAMING is a powerful tool for changing our stories. What we focus on determines how we feel.

3) Framing, perceptions, mantras, and ‘paying attention to what you want more of’ are key secrets to success revealed in my own Kindle book on Amazon, Workplace Champion By Example, A Step-by-Step Training Guide.

I support most of what you have written above and welcome an opportunity to join the discussion.

Glad it spoke to you. I agree – becoming self-aware is often the most challenging step. I don’t know about you but asking for feedback has not always been at the top of my list of things to do and yet, it is how we shrink our blind spots.

You are so right Leah. We often use these stories to define who we are. They can really limit us. They can also escalate a conflict pretty quickly!! Thanks for your comment.

What a great reminder of how our stories are often what we “use” to define ourselves! Leah