What is a Transformational Story?
What do you consider a transformational story?
Does it have to be a dramatic life-changing event? Something earth-shattering? A life-or-death situation?
I know I’ve often described your transformational story as one that changed the trajectory of your life. I hear stories that depict the individual’s perspective of one of the five major stressors we may encounter in our lives: (1) loss of a job, (2) loss of a loved one, (3) major move, (4) catastrophic illness and (5) divorce.
Webster’s Dictionary definition tells us that transformation is a noun: a dramatic change in form or appearance. It goes on to give examples of important events: getting your driver's license, going to college, or getting married.
I’ve had two eye-opening conversations about what constitutes a transformational story recently and I’d like to share some of my insights with you here.
While discussing finding your transformational story on a podcast last week, I shared my opinion that losing your keys could be a transformational story. Making the decision to not do something just because everybody else does it that way could be a transformational story. To wear white after labor day could be a transformational story.
My point being that we make so many decisions that seem to be just about us, and don’t have much significance. And yet, they could be the beginning of something so much bigger. All of the details of our lives are connected. It may take years before we see the extensive interconnection of decisions we make.
Losing your keys may have led you to be late so that you were not on the highway when there was big accident with several deaths and major injuries. (i.e. you lived!). Following your own heart could lead to you creating innovations used around world (i.e. Steve Jobs). Being a rule-breaker in one sense could become a signature statement (i.e. Emily Dickinson).
The second conversation about transformational stories I had was with a funny, sweet, dear friend. She is passionate about helping people and told me how she felt awkward at networking events when the conversation turned to your WHY. She said she understood the importance of knowing your Why, it’s just that she didn’t have anything “big” for her transformational story. She felt so ordinary, and her life events didn’t compare with someone who was homeless or abused as a child.
Here’s the thing; Your Transformational Story is THE TRANSFORMATIONAL STORY that makes a difference! No one else on this earth has lived in your skin and had the experiences you have had. You are the only one who knows that Ah Ha moment when you decided to make a change. And you know the significance of that change. That’s the story that has gotten you to where you are now. That’s the story that has made you who you are at this moment. That is the transformational story that taught you the skills you have today.
I made the decision to find ways to use my writing long before I had a Journalism degree. I wrote for the school newspaper, volunteered with my church and women’s groups to write articles, and edited newsletters. I started taking night classes before I quit my secretarial job to go to school full-time. A decision that had most of my family thinking I was absolutely crazy because “writing wasn’t practical.”
I didn’t do it the way everybody else did. I celebrated my 30th birthday as a college freshman. Today I’m living my dream as The Soul Story Writer and Your Writing Mentor.
The mathematical definition of transformation describes a change of variables that are substituted for the original components. A change of variables that are substituted for original components.
What if we were to approach your transformational story by changing these variables?
Substitute…
insecurity with confidence.
fear with courage.
ordinary with extraordinary.
vulnerable with empowered.
timidity with tenacity.
awkwardness with grace and ease.
heartbreak with break-through.
fragile with compassion.
silence with your soul’s message.
I believe in Divine Timing. I believe we make plans and do our best to see that those plans work out. And we celebrate how clever we are. I believe sometimes something absolutely incredible happens and we shake our heads in disbelief because we never could have predicted that would happen. I believe a power much greater than we mere mortals knows the bigger plan. Whatever you call that power God, Source, Spirit or ___________ (you fill in the blank), it’s my belief that all our transformational stories are contained within that bigger plan.
Remember, Your Story is The Story that Makes a Difference. Please embrace that “ordinary” transformational story. Your transformational story is the spark that lit your superpower, which sets you apart and highlights how “extraordinary” you are!
I'd love to learn all about your transformational story. Grab a spot on my calendar and let's chat
