The Story I’ve Been Telling Myself
The Story I’ve Been Telling Myself
and how to find yours
Every letter I share a story about my life in a way that you can hopefully relate to. I believe we are all here to share our journey, both the highs and the lows, as this is how we collectively raise the consciousness of the planet. If anything resonates with you, please share! 🙏
With less than 2 months to go until my 54th birthday 🤯, I find myself making more connections between my stories and the life I’ve lived.
Joining The Dharma Collective has been a stabilizing force for me. There’s a magic that happens when you show up every day at 7am, whether you feel like it or not.
Did I mention we now have 5 chickens? So part of my morning routine is ‘letting the girls out’, as well as putting the bird feeder out and providing a sprinkling of nuts and seeds for our daily visitors. Long time readers and friends are surely chuckling as they read this.
Why Stories Are Important
Ever since discovering Joseph Campbell’s work, I’ve been intrigued by how the Hero’s Journey has played out in my own life. If you’re not familiar with it, it is the basis for many of the movies you loved as a child, such as Star Wars. George Lucas has openly credited Campbell as the inspiration for the script
As I make my way through the course material I’m learning just how much of psychology and philosophy boils down to the stories we tell ourselves about the world and our place in it.
As I read about how stories shape our world view, I start to compare them to the narratives I've constructed throughout my life. These are narratives I've clung to which have shaped my reality, often limiting me in ways I didn't even realize.
For example, in my work with clients, I often encounter podcasters who are stuck because they’ve internalized a story of not being "good enough" or "expert enough" to share their voice.
I’ve come to understand that this narrative is a form of self-sabotage, a story they've told themselves that prevents them from stepping into their full potential.
It's the same kind of limiting belief Erick Godsey described when he talked about how stories can help us regulate our emotional systems and give us hope and meaning amidst life’s inherent suffering.
Rewriting My Own Stories
During a recent journal entry, I was reflecting on the sense of overwhelm I used to feel when it it come to handling all the responsibilities of running a business, coupled with the desire to be more present for my partner and in my friendships in the day-to-day.
I kept telling myself I couldn’t juggle all these roles without dropping the ball. This narrative led to sleepless nights and constant anxiety.
Over the years, and with a LOT of help via therapy, coaching and books, I began to see this story for what it was–a construct, a narrative I had the power to rewrite.
Our stories can either empower or imprison us, and this realization has motivated me to change the narrative. I’ve started to view challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than insurmountable obstacles.
This shift in perspective didn’t happen overnight, but over time, it is transforming how I approach both my personal and professional life.
The Matrix of My Life
This idea that the stories we create in childhood—often in response to unmet needs—can dictate our adult lives is both sobering and liberating. It reminds me of how I used to view success strictly in terms of external achievements—wealth, recognition, and status. This story was deeply rooted in my upbringing, where success was defined by those around me.
But as I’ve grown and reflected, I’ve begun to dismantle that matrix, replacing it with a story that values inner fulfillment, creativity, and connection. This transformation didn’t happen in a vacuum; it was influenced by the people I’ve met, books I’ve read, and experiences I’ve had, much like the mentors and guides Erick mentions in his writings.
Destroying the Acorn
In one of Erick’s posts he uses the analogy of the acorn—a seed that must destroy itself to become the mighty oak. It’s a powerful reminder that growth often requires us to shed old identities and stories that no longer serve us.
In my own life, this has meant letting go of the need for constant validation and learning to trust my inner voice or "Daimon”.
In reading through past journal entries, there’s a recurring theme of breaking free from old patterns, much like the acorn bursting through its shell. It’s a painful process at times, trust me, but one that’s necessary for true growth.
This metaphor is especially relevant as I consider the direction of my work with my podcast clients and students, as well as my personal life. By embracing the unknown and trusting the process, I’ve found that I’m more aligned with my true purpose, and the stories I tell myself are now ones of possibility and potential.
Conclusion: Embracing Our Hero’s Journey
As I continue to explore the narratives that have shaped my life, I’m reminded that we are all on our own Hero’s Journey. There’s a reason Star Wars resonated with me so strongly when I first saw it in a movie theater (yes, I’m that old). In ways I didn’t understand in the moment, I was Luke.
Little did I know the journey I was about to embark upon…
The stories we tell ourselves are the maps that guide us, but it’s up to us to decide which stories to follow and which to rewrite.
By surrounding myself with like-minded souls, I find it easier to take a more active role in crafting these narratives, both for myself and for the people with whom I come into contact.
In the end, the most profound contribution I can make is to help others see the power in their own voices and stories—to guide them in breaking free from limiting beliefs and to support them in writing new chapters filled with hope, meaning, and purpose.
This is the essence of what I try to convey in my writing here, and it’s the journey I’m committed to sharing with all of you.
with gratitude,
🙏 Harry
👋 what i’ve published recently…
/// podcast junkies
Jeremy Slate's Podcast Journey, Growth, & the Roman Empire
Last week I spoke with Jeremy Slate, the host of the Jeremy Ryan Slate Show. We start with his early days working on a farm with “Bikini Joe” to his unexpected stint as a high school teacher, These experiences shaped his work ethic and resilience and led him to his true calling. We also explore Jeremy's deep interest in the Roman Empire and how it has influenced his current work and worldview. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about how to build (then re-build) an engaging and popular show, this episode offers valuable insights and plenty of laughs.
/// vertical farming podcast
Ep. 138 - Kendra Armstrong/Crop Convergence - How Crop Convergence is Transforming Farming Efficiency
Ep. 139 - Stefan Hey/vGreens - Why Strawberries? vGreens and Stefan Hey’s Astonishing Insights
🎤 when you’re ready, a few ways i can help…
Done-For-You - Are you a business owner that’s clear on your messaging and ready to launch your own authority-building podcast with the full launch, production and marketing support of our team? Watch This Video
Done-With-You - Do you have a podcast idea in mind and looking for the support of a community and a little hand-holding from me to keep you accountable? Join The Stage
Do-It-Yourself - Are you more of a self-starter and want some help understanding the basics to get started launching your own show? Enroll in Podcast Blueprint 101