Many of these stories begin early in life. Through our experiences, relationships, and challenges, we often develop beliefs like:

"I'm not enough."

A story often born from early criticism or unmet needs

"I have to be perfect."

A story that protected us from judgment or rejection

"I'm too much."

A story that came from being told to shrink ourselves

"I have to handle everything alone."

A story built when depending on others felt unsafe

These narratives once helped us make sense of difficult experiences or protect ourselves. But over time, they can begin to keep us feeling stuck — showing up as overthinking, people-pleasing, self-doubt, or shutting down.

"The story isn't who you are. It's what you learned to believe — and what you learned, you can also unlearn."

Narrative work helps us gently explore these stories — not to erase them, but to understand where they came from, how they've shaped us, and whether they still serve who we're becoming.

When we name a story, we create space between ourselves and that story. And in that space, something new becomes possible.