I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently. Whether it’s overhearing conversations, reading about people’s lives on Facebook, working with clients and also at times in my own life…..there’s an awful lot of drama out there.
I got so fed up and bored of my own voice, the retelling of the same old poor me story to different friends (frankly anyone who’d listen) in order to get sympathy/approval/hugs/acknowledgement whatever.
All drama. All made up. All thought.
Getting a different perspective on life is always a good thing when we’re stuck in the same old Ground Hog Day. These are some questions I asked myself and although uncomfortable to answer, if I’m honest, the impact in inspiring me to make some changes was nothing short of startling! It’s an exercise I often use during the workshops I run. We usually end up having a good laugh.
What film is running your life? Is it a soap opera? A BBC drama? An action movie? Big brother?! Comedy? X-factor? Horror? Love story? Tragedy? or as one client remarked that hers was a ‘worthy documentary’!
Is this a film that would captivate you or one you’d be dozing off to? Would you find it so boring you’d be channel surfing?
Importantly are you the star or an extra?
What’s the main message in this film? Is there even a plot?
Do you identify with the heroine? Or do you want to grab her by the shoulders and shake her and give her a piece of your mind? (As I answered that one (about 10 years ago) what came to me was a deep realisation that I was being a passive bystander in my life — that HAD to change.)
What orders would the film director be barking at you right now? What are the benefits of continuing to play this particular character? What do you get to avoid by playing your current tole right now? Is it even appropriate?
So what next? If you change nothing how does this chapter in your life end?
I want to write the script not read off some lines written by someone else.
How would you like to rewrite your story? How will you develop it from now on? What do you need to do first in order to be comfortable with making these changes? How will these changes affect those around you?
Now, it’s time to get out your notebook or your laptop and write out this new film script STARRING YOU.
Sign up for my 7 Top Tips for Midlife: Inspiring The Second Half of Your Life
You will also receive my popular Monday Morning Food for Thought emails and be the first to know of workshops and online programmes I’m creating.
