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History vs The Story

by Carol A. Lampman







If you want a happy ending, that depends of

course, on where

you stop your story.



~Orson Wells





What is the difference between our story and our history?

Our story is the tale of our life events as perceived through the vision of our accumulated experiences. Charged with emotion, filled with distortion and permeated with misperception, our personalized story is unlikely to be a precise interpretation of actual events. Most of us do not have access to the full and accurate truths of our childhood. The unhealed and impaired version as told by the individual is usually comprised of a mixture of half- truths, misunderstandings and embellished memories. We identify with our drama and believe it to be an exact description of who and what we are in the world. There is not enough clarity, nor the ability to see beyond the wounds, beliefs and defenses to a higher truth.

Our history is an honest and straightforward accounting of the facts of one's personal life. When we have healed our wounds and reclaimed our ability to see with perspective, then we are unlikely to be defined by the original story. It is no longer charged with the energy of resentment, blame and shame. We have reclaimed the truth and are able to see that held within our story are assets that contribute to who we have become. We are able to forgive ourselves and others, putting the past into perspective. Upon close examination, even the most difficult of stories can bring the individual to a position of self-discovery and a state of empowerment.

We all have a story and I am not saying that telling it is not important, it is. There is no hiding from the truth. Consciously or unconsciously, our actions and reactions are an ongoing narrative of the legend we call our lives. Motivated by a need to be right, we are invested in the need to blame our perceived offenders and tied to righteous indignation around our injuries. These attitudes hold us prisoner to the decisions and beliefs taken on during these early developmental stages. This blocks our ability to mature completely and become conscientious adults capable of living with full responsibility. Sharing our story with others in a healthy, supportive environment is necessary and plays an important role in our healing. Then, and only then, does our story become our history.

 I took my first P90X class the other day and my butt and legs are killing me. 

Thinking about trying a yoga class today. 

Who's next?   Come on, don't be shy.........

 Hi Maryellen,

That's great that you have this support group in Nassau.  I was trying to find one, but they were all in hospitals and you needed to have surgery at that hospital.  I had my surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in the city and I go the support meetings as much as I can, but its a trek into the city.  But I am happy that I found this group.

 Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.
~ Bill Bradley