The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Overcoming Worrying About the Future

Understanding How Our Imagination Shapes Our Reality

From an early age, we're encouraged to use our imagination, be creative, and even embellish a bit. We get good at telling stories! And while storytelling is a wonderful skill (it's one I'm using right now to tell you this!), sometimes it can lead us down paths that don’t serve us - especially when our imagination fuels worries about the future. This habit of creating "what if" scenarios can be a major source of stress.

Are “What Ifs” Just Stories?

When we start sentences with “what if” and begin imagining worst-case scenarios, we’re venturing into a world of illusions - stories we tell ourselves that are completely made up. These thoughts, though they can feel incredibly real, are just possibilities we create in our minds. No matter how much we think we “know” what might happen, the truth is, we don’t.

And here’s the thing: we don’t need to prepare ourselves for every possible outcome. Our wisdom and resilience are there to guide us, moment by moment. Life has a way of working out, no rehearsal necessary. Show up, stay present, and trust that you’ll handle whatever comes your way.

The Power of Awareness in Shaping Our Stories

When we become aware of the stories we tell ourselves, we can start to take a step back and see them for what they are - just stories. Some of these narratives are so ingrained in us that we may not even realise they’re there:

• “This always happens to me.”
• “I’m just that kind of person.”
• “Every year around this time, things get hard.”

These are all examples of stories that we repeat, often without questioning them. But when we bring awareness to these patterns, we gain the freedom to rewrite them.

Changing the Story of Seasonal Stress

This time of year can be especially triggering for many. As the nights grow longer and colder, and talk of “Christmas” starts up, old stories of stress and overwhelm may resurface. For years, I told myself, “I struggle at Christmas,” and from September onward, I would start overthinking, ramping up my stress until I hit burnout by December. This cycle lasted for over 20 years.

But I’m happy to say that I’ve since rewritten that story. Now, I approach the season with ease and even look forward to it. Don’t get me wrong, I still prefer sunshine and long days, but I no longer feel like I have to white-knuckle my way through the winter months. This shift didn’t happen overnight, but through awareness and letting go of that old narrative, it became possible.

Embrace the Present - Leave Predictions to the Experts

One piece of advice: leave the future predictions to Mystic Meg!
(For those unfamiliar, Mystic Meg was known for her crystal ball predictions. While many doubted her abilities, they were still making daily predictions about their own lives!)

Instead of predicting worst-case scenarios, try to approach each day with an open mind. Let your natural resilience and inner wisdom guide you.

Key Takeaways

• Recognise that "what if" thoughts are just stories - unfounded and often unrealistic predictions about the future.
• Awareness of our internal narratives is the first step to change. When we identify the stories, we can step back and question them.
• Stay Present and let your inner resilience guide you through each moment. Practice being here, now, instead of rehearsing for a future that may never come.

Let this season be the start of a new story - one where you worry less about what might happen and embrace what is happening right now.