Day 3 of 40 Days of Story: Who are you in your story?
Today we explore who you are as the protagonist in your story. You’re the hero. And like all compelling heroes you’re flawed. It’s a given in story structure, and in life.
We enter into our own stories with such spectacular beauty, occasional badassness and awkward brokenness.
We are complex creatures. That’s what makes us so fascinating…and our stories so intriguing.
But here’s the deal. It’s easy for us to forget who we really are when we show up to our story—show up to desire.
Today’s exercise is to write out 10 “I Am” statements. When you think about what you want in this season—what you want transformed—you must first consider who you are. How do you show up to that desire?
Courageous…and scared shitless? Analytical…and playful? Full of moxie…and a bundle of nerves? Sarcastic…and extravagantly generous?
Don’t think too hard. But avoid clichés. Let yourself be surprised.
This simple exercise has power, if you let it. One time, it rescued a shoot I was leading in Brazil. I was producing a TV series where I took US rising celebrities to Latin America and connected them with creatives to learn and be inspired. So I took this American model and actress who wanted to become a fashion designer and teamed her with these incredible designers in Sao Paolo. But the model was having a melt down and the shoot was turning into a disaster. It was obvious: she couldn’t create beauty until she understood herself, and saw her own beauty. Ten I Am statements and a vision book later we were back filming again.
Simple. Right? I felt really good about guiding this young woman through this self-discovery process. I could see so clearly what she needed to know about her story. We finished the show and headed to the Amazon where I was to work with a former American Idol star. And then tragedy strikes—in that turn of the tables, poetic irony kind of way. When I get there I’m informed the singer can’t make it and…I’m told I still have to bring back a show.
Suddenly I must to be the talent…my story will be filmed. What??? The model’s melt down looked like child’s play compared to my own. Confronting my own imperfections and wonderings of worthiness while I was being filmed hacking through the Amazon and trying to learn the Samba in a dress with less material than a dinner napkin…well, let’s say it wasn’t always pretty. But I got my show. And I got to learn more of what it’s like to be a flawed hero—beautiful, badass and broken. What enabled me to show up to it was my extraordinary Associate Producer and dear friend who took the lead and reminded me who I was through the process.
And we all need that. We need trusted others who will say I see you–gifts and flaws and all. I see you, and I like you.
So, for today’s exercise: Write out your 10 I Am Statements. And the Bonus—extra points edition–is to then share your statements with a friend. Let yourself be seen and liked, flaws and all.
What a beautiful, self-reflective exercise! I just jotted my I AM statements and am grateful for the gift of your 40 Days of Story, Tamara. Thank you!
Beth, it’s a joy to share this journey with you! Thanks so much for being on it!
I am tenacious many times to my own despair
I am bold but insecure
I am loving but struggle to give all in relationships
I am affirming but sometimes too honest
I am a visionary but lack discipline
I am growing but sometimes I sabotage myself at just the wrong time
I am smart but rarely ever the smartest person in the room
I am a leader but sometimes few or none are following
I am compassionate… most of the time. : )
I am forgiving but it takes me a while to get there
Wow…what a gorgeous and candid sharing of who you are! Thanks so much for sharing, Anita! I see you, and I like you!
thanks… I respect you bunches!
I should have said I am transparent… but private… lol
What a wonderful activity and invitation to consider ourselves. I loved doing this. Thank you!
I am a believer, but sometimes not nearly as bold as I have it in me to be.
I am a wife, twice now, and it’s in this relationship, I’ve been restored and re-storied.
I am a mother, and in mothering, I have been both humbled and fulfilled a thousand times over again.
I am a Mimi, tickled pink over second chances and special privileges.
I am a daughter, who in hindsight, realizes I often short-change my parents’ best efforts. My bad!
I am a granddaughter, utterly blessed by the friendship and comradery of a ninety-five-year-old woman who has unconditionally always loved me back.
I am a writer, I LOVE sharing the epiphany of retrospect. How can I not?
I am a blogger who enjoys the freedom to reflect and respond to life once it’s written its full effect on me.
I am befriended by a few really incredible people.
I am also a chicken-butt, and if it weren’t for the amazingly brave people in my life right now, I might just run and hide after all. Then again, because of them, probably not…
As for the “Extra Credit”- I’m an overachiever, therefore, I shared these things aloud with my dear husband, my grandson and now with you. Thanks for the opportunity to see clearly not only who I am but what I am, truly blessed with beautiful people in my life that came to me from the ashes.
Simply beautiful! Thanks for sharing!