Embracing Your Narrative: The Journey to Belonging
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Chapter 1: The Morning Walk
This morning, my friend Amy visited, and we decided to take our usual morning stroll. During our walk, she posed a profound question: “What’s your story?”
“What do you mean by that?” I asked, a bit puzzled.
“I mean, what’s your life story? What have you chosen for yourself since birth? What struggles have shaped you?”
I took a moment to reflect, and without hesitation, I responded, “To belong.”
“So, the narrative you’ve crafted revolves around the feeling of not belonging,” she observed.
Her words struck a chord, and I found myself getting emotional, which in turn affected her too (isn't it interesting how that happens?).
My life has unfolded like a theatrical performance, filled with surprises and lessons, and I’ll share how my friendship with Amy began.
Soul Connections
Two months after moving to my new home, I had a waxing appointment that would change my life. Trusting the universe to guide me, I arrived at the appointment, where I usually share too much about myself with a stranger. The waxing specialist proved to be quite intuitive, suggesting I reach out to her friend, Amy.
She was a natural connector.
A week later, feeling an uncomfortable void, I texted Amy. To my surprise, she replied that she had a dream or vision about me. We made tentative plans to meet, but the timing wasn't right, and we didn’t reconnect for a couple of weeks.
The First Conversation
When I finally spoke with Amy, I was deep in a state of kundalini awakening, feeling overwhelmed by thoughts of time travel. As we talked, I realized I could repeat her words simultaneously, which only intensified my anxiety.
She laughed, and in that moment, I knew we were destined to be friends. Amy became a grounding presence in my life, someone who truly understands my thoughts and feelings, despite the high-level discussions we engage in.
After spending time with her, I’ve had to pause my driving just to connect with nature, sensing a shift in my energy.
Chapter 2: My Story
Shortly after moving in, I found walking my two dogs together to be overwhelming. Initially, my intuition advised against it, especially when one of my dogs, Ozzy, showed signs of distress. Ignoring my instincts led to a chaotic encounter with a neighbor's dog, which left me fearful of walking them together for some time and triggered my kundalini awakening.
I shared this incident with Amy, explaining my fear of walking both dogs at once and how my mind spiraled into thoughts that everyone in the neighborhood was out to get me.
“It’s your narrative. It’s a message showing you that you don’t belong here. The story repeats itself until you choose to change it,” she said. “You’re new here; it’s about feeling you don't belong, even with Source/God.”
Updating My Narrative
As I delved deeper into my experiences, clarity emerged. I learned that my birth mother passed away when I was just two weeks old, and my birth father gave me up for adoption. Growing up as an Asian child in Iowa, I often felt different.
When I was about five, I discovered an old cassette recording of my sister discussing my adoption. She expressed feelings of inadequacy, feeling overshadowed by the attention I received.
Despite the laughter it brought me then, as I grew older, societal conditioning led me to forget the joy in my story. Now, my narrative is one of belonging. I belong wherever I go, regardless of how I may feel in a crowd or the memories of high school cliques.
As I sit in a coffee shop, I witness a young boy assert his worth to a girl, reminding us all that we belong.
Mom, if you’re reading this, don’t worry about the recording. I’m okay; everyone plays a role in shaping our stories.
Everyone Plays a Role
“It may be that our role on this planet is not to worship God—but to create him.” —Arthur C. Clarke
Dear friends, I see you. I hear you. I feel you.
-Mandy
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In the first video, "What's Your Story," we explore the importance of sharing our personal narratives and how they shape our identity.
The second video, "What's Your Story | How to Answer this Question on the Spot," provides practical tips on articulating your story in various situations.