Last time, we explored the idea that holding onto a fixed story about your health can keep you stuck. Mind-body connection healing goes both ways. And here’s the thing—your story isn’t always the enemy. In fact, it probably got you through some very hard times.
Sometimes a story is like a walking stick when you’re climbing a steep trail: it supports you, keeps you balanced, and gives you the strength to keep going.
Maybe you’ve said things like:
“I’m a fighter. I don’t give up.”
“I’ve always been sensitive to my environment.”
“I just have to push through.”
Each of these could be part of a story that once helped you survive a health crisis, manage a chronic condition, or even protect your identity when you didn’t have answers. For a while, that story may have been a lifesaver.
A story sometimes gives us coherence and awareness. For example:
“Oh, I act that way in relationships because of how my parents treated me.”
“I reacted strongly to this situation because it reminded me of my ex.”
Here, the story gives context. We gain insight into our behavior or situation. This is powerful for many people.
Stories as Protection
When you first experience health challenges, the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. Your mind naturally reaches for meaning—something that explains what’s happening and gives you a sense of control.
In some sense, a diagnosis is a story. It paints a picture of what is happening in the body. For many, the diagnosis is a relief. Countless times, I have sat in front of patients who cry either knowing or not knowing what their diagnosis may be. And it can give you a roadmap of expectations.
A helpful story can:
Give you a framework for deciding.
Help you explain your situation to others.
Remind you that you can get through hard moments.
Offer comfort during times of fear or doubt.
When the Story Still Serves You
Is the mind-body connection healing or harming you? The test is simple: does your story expand your possibilities, or does it limit them?
If you’re finding new options for care, feeling more confident, and noticing progress—your story is probably still working for you.
For example:
“I can always improve my health.”
“My body responds well when I give it the right support.”
“I am learning what works best for me.”
These are empowering stories. They allow for growth, change, and new opportunities.
When the Story Holds You Back
But over time, even the most supportive story can become too small. Like a cast that once protected a broken bone, it can feel restrictive once healing begins.
If your story now keeps you from trying something new, exploring different approaches, or believing improvement is possible, it may be time to revise it.
That’s when the process I’ll explain in later posts will become important—learning how to recognize, question, and update your story so it works for your next chapter of healing.
Why We Start Here
Before we move into identifying and letting go of limiting stories, I want you to remember this: Your story likely helped you survive. It may have even saved you. That deserves acknowledgment—not shame or blame.
We’re not erasing your past. We’re making room for a future that’s even bigger than your current narrative.
Next time, we’ll talk about how to spot the moments when a once-helpful story has outlived its usefulness—and how to shift toward one that opens doors instead of closing them.
P.S. The Letting Go of the Story workshop will help you safely explore these questions—through guided journaling, somatic work, and small group healing. Join the interest list here
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