This week has seen a subtle shift in the stories we tell ourselves. At least for some of us.
From what I am against to what am I for.
Focusing on building something that is bigger than ourselves, individually, that will last.
Celebrating that it doesn’t just rely on us. And our individual effort or willpower.
At least not if we look outward and see that we are part of a bigger story.
Valuing connection
This morning Brigid Russell – an amazing lass from Scotland whom I have never met, but who inspires me with her generous listening, her beautiful insights and her openness of spirit – posted a snippet of wisdom in a Twitter post:
…Life moves toward life. We seek for connection and restore the world to wholeness. Our seemingly separate lives become meaningful as we discover how necessary we are to each other. Meaning expands as we join life’s cohering motions. Meaning deepens as we move into the dance…
– Margaret J Wheatley and Myron Kellner-Rogers, A Simpler Way
Our story is a dance. Not just my individual steps.
What matters to you?
And then there is Charlie Jones, a clinical psychologist from Bristol, who again I’ve never met in person. His courage in speaking out the vulnerabilities that we know are oh-so-real, is life-giving.
In his clinical practice and his team, he has been celebrating the very simple question:
What matters to you? #WMTY
Listening well and taking the answer seriously. Whether with his colleagues or his patients.
Our story requires listening. Not just words.
Uncovering our story
This also reminds me of the endurance of our story.
You’ll be aware that I’ve been particularly enjoying the core ideas of Simon Sinek’s new book The Infinite Game, and also dipping into his short illustrated storybook Together is Better.
In his commentary in Together is Better, Simon draws a distinction between the narrative to ‘have a vision’ and ‘find a vision’. This too is a shift from individualism to collective change-making.
Finding a story that resonates with who we are and enables us to play our role in the ongoing creation of the world. And we don’t have to be the ones who originated it…
As Simon says:
“And here is the best part – it’s the followers, not the visionary, who bring the vision to life. Visionaries need followers as much as followers need a vision.
So… Who inspires you?”
Our story. Not just my vision…
Isn’t it amazing that we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves? That we have the opportunity to build something that will last and not just make a noise that will fade?
Tell one story and tell it well.
Where does this take you? And what choices do you have before you just now?
Thanks for reading
Sue
This week
… has all been about shifting perspective and what we are giving attention to:
- Monday: It’s easy to criticise
- Tuesday: So what are we for?
- Wednesday: Handful of seeds
- Thursday: What am I building
- Friday: A new day