Embracing Your Inner Journey: How Our Stories Shape Us

In the latest episode of Travel Time Stories, hosts Shannon and Ann delve deep into the transformative power of the stories we tell ourselves. Joined by life and spiritual guide Kristen Swan, they explore how understanding our narratives can lead to profound personal growth and healing. 

1. The Power of Self-Storytelling
In this episode, Kristan Swan, a former business coach turned life coach, shares her journey from helping businesses to guiding individuals in discovering their truths. She emphasizes that it's not just about setting goals; it's about understanding the stories that shape our choices. For instance, many individuals find themselves stuck in patterns that do not align with their true selves, prompting the question: what story are you living? 

2. The Disconnect Between Goals and Actions
Kristan discusses the common disconnect between stated ambitions and the choices people make. Drawing from her experiences with clients at pivotal moments in their careers, she highlights the importance of introspection. "Every moment presents us with choices," she says, encouraging listeners to get curious about their true selves. She believes that by understanding what truly matters to us, we can make decisions aligned with our authentic selves. 

3. Overcoming Shame and Guilt
The conversation naturally transitions to the impact of shame on our lives. Kristan shares a personal experience of navigating the shame associated with her past divorces. She reflects on how societal expectations can lead us to suppress our feelings, making it challenging to grieve and move forward. Shannon echoes these sentiments, emphasizing that the stigma surrounding divorce can prevent individuals from processing their experiences fully. 

4. Writing a New Chapter
Kristan inspires listeners by reminding them that every moment offers an opportunity to write a new page in their story. "You have an opportunity to write a new page of your story in each moment," she states, encouraging listeners to integrate past experiences into their present wisdom. Shannon reinforces this idea, noting that life is filled with chapters, each contributing to who we are becoming. 

Conclusion: The exploration of our inner journeys is vital for personal growth and healing. As Kristan and the hosts emphasize, understanding and rewriting our stories can lead to more authentic lives. Whether it's overcoming shame or making choices that align with our true selves, each of us has the power to shape our narratives. Remember, it’s never too late to turn the page and start a new chapter in your life. 

Key Takeaways:
- Our inner journeys are shaped by the stories we tell ourselves.
- Understanding our narratives can help us make choices aligned with our true selves.
- Overcoming shame and guilt is essential for healing.
- Each moment is an opportunity to write a new page in our story.