Writing Your Story: 5 Ways to Discover Your World

By Cat Li Stevenson

"The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment." ~Pema Chodron


This past year has been one of tremendous self-discovery. One day, I suddenly realized after 9 years of a very straight finance paved path, I no longer wanted to be a Corporate Banker. Instead, I longed for waking up each morning with a bigger purpose, a brand of who I was, and what I stood for outside of this corporate lifestyle. Since that day, I seemed to be on a tiresome pursuit in finding my story. I even seriously debated moving out of the country to build character and expand my journey.


While my own story is still one that remains on the preface page, I have realized in several months of contemplation that discovering our personal novel is not formed by rushing the process or constant over analyzing. It is, instead, a compilation of daily experiences, perspective, and the wisdom we receive from these that shapes our meaning.


We all have a truly unique story, but we do not have to be in a hurry to write it or create it. When we start living life, instead of always trying to figure it out, our story, meaning, purpose will present itself in amazing ways.


Here are 5 activities I have found helpful in discovering my world that you can also try:

1. Share 3 "Grateful Statements" a Day

It's remarkable how your day and life can become instantly transformed by realizing the gifts and abundance that exist all around you right here, right now. Drop a line through BBM, text, email or the good old-fashioned phone call with a sister, bff, boyfriend, or anyone else close to you about something you're grateful for. It can be a simple grateful: about how you have AC in your car, while someone next to you on the freeway does not. While this may be an exercise in the beginning, this gratitude approach to each day will awaken you to see the world that exists in front of you today; leading to happier, brighter, more meaningful days.


2. Explore Contrast Exercises

If you are an evening person like I am, you get a surge of energy at 11PM and manage to find something, anything to keep you occupied way past your bedtime. I recently (and not easily) began going to bed by 10PM in an effort to get up in the morning for a run or a spin class, followed by a morning meditation before I started on my commute. I am in awe at how the day looks and feels different by waking up at a new hour: from the sunrise to the increased productivity level I have by mid-morning. Or, if you are a morning person, try staying up until the midnight hour and notice the difference around you. Or perhaps you enjoy taking walks at night as part of your workout regiment, what happens if you try out a new, hip-hop class at your gym instead? When exploring other parts of your day that you're not aware of by making small adjustments, a whole new discovery and perspective may surface.

3. Commit to 30 Days of Excellence

This year my husband and I have made a fun activity of practicing 30 days of excellence. We've done everything from “30 days of going to bed on time” to “30 days of 5 minute, daily meditation” to “30 days of being mindful about our attitude and what we share.” Committing to 30 days of excellence to form a habit can transcend and improve your world to give you the energy, inspiration, and character building to take on the next step needed to move forward in your discovery.

4. Write an "I want..." List

There are more articles and books out there about affirmations and knowing what it is you want. I am here to repeat this important exercise: Write “I want…” at the top of a piece of paper or your journal and start writing without pausing to think. Keep this list at your bedside and revisit it daily. By tuning into knowing exactly what it is you want, you will be able to identify it when you see it, without it passing by without notice.


5. Create a Board of Inspiration

I have a fascination with cards. Ever since I was a little girl, I would make cards from scratch for everyone around me and every occasion. We constantly had visitors and family members visit from Taiwan when I was younger. I'd always show up at the airport with a personalized card welcoming the guest to town. Now, 20 plus years later, I still love cards. Instead of creating them, I collect them. I enjoy finding meaningful messages and quotes in card shops. Recently, I purchased a blank canvas where I've pasted each of those cards in a square, hung it up in a place in my home office, and I revisit them everyday to stay inspired.

What inspires you? Is it a photo of a place you once visited? A picture from a travel magazine you want to vacation to? Or perhaps a CD cover of your favorite artist? Create a board of inspiration, visit it daily, let it speak to you, and be inspired to discover your world.