Co-authors

What is your story?

How do you describe yourself to yourself?

How do you describe yourself to others?

We are what we tell ourselves we are.

So, what do you say when you say?

• I grew up…

• I came from…

• I believe in…

• I want…

• I can…

• I cannot…

• I will…

• I will not…

• I do…

• I do not do…

• I am…

• I am not…

We are our stories.

What is the title of your story?

Who are the main characters? Are there any villains? Who are the heroes? What is the theme? Which parts of your story have you dog-eared? Which parts of your story have you chosen to redact?

Have you ever questioned your story?

You should.

What if parts of your story are wrong?

It’s possible.

You are not the only author.

Indeed, you have many co-authors.

Your parents, grandparents, siblings, extended family, neighbors, friends, teachers, coaches, co-workers, bosses, and religious and political leaders have all had a hand in writing your story.

But, what are the interests of your co-authors? Are their interests aligned with your interests?

What stories do they want you to remember? What stories do they want you to forget?

What stories did and do they tell you about you?

When they say “You are just like______” who do they mention?

Have they foisted a role upon you?

What role do they want you to play in their story?

How do their desires for these things influence the role you play in your own story?

Is your story getting you where you want to be? Where you need to be?

If not, ever think that maybe you have too many co-authors?

How many do you have right now at this very moment?

Do you ever want to be the only one?

You can.

Have you tried?

You are allowed.

You do not need anyone’s permission. This is your life. This is your story.

You are the author. You are the illustrator. You are the editor. And, you are the publisher.

So, go on and reassess your story.

Reevaluate your past.

Reinterpret your role.

Rewrite your history.

Some may say “You cannot rewrite history!”

But, you can.

So go revise and reinvent yourself.

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If you enjoyed this blog, you may enjoy my Halftime Speeches monthly email.

Thanks. – shawn

Postscript: That is an ASIA album cover!