How do we live our lives meaningfully?

According to Emily Esfahani Smith, there are 4 pillars of a meaningful life.

1. Belonging
2. Purpose
3. Transcendence
4. Storytelling

The first 3 pillars have been written. This post covers the last pillar, Storytelling

What is Storytelling?

Storytelling is to make a narrative out of our lives. In simpler terms, you make stories out of a series of events in your life. Those stories give clarity of your lives, how you became the you today and create your beliefs. It basically helps you make sense of your experiences.

We hold the power to create, edit and transform the story of our lives.
By Emily Esfahani Smith

I, myself practices Storytelling Made Positive. I reflect thoughtfully on each of my life stages, my journey in every stage and every important events that occured. From primary school to present stage.

I ask myself questions during the reflection:

1. How do I feel when this event happened?
2. What did I learn from this event?
3. What am I grateful for through this event?
4. How have I changed due to this event?
5. Did I became a better person after this event?
6. How my belief has changed due to this event?

These questions are vital in gaining clarity in all events happened to you, good or bad, and turn all events into positive stories. Because I believe all experiences happened for a reason, and that reason is to grow myself better and better.

One very distinct experience is my university internship. I had the worst internship ever in my entire life! My boss is the worst person in the world. He is a slave-driver, heartless and threatens me. He assigned a 5-person project to me alone, and expected a student to complete the project in 5 months. He sets unrealistic deadlines and threatens to fail my internship if I didn't complete the project. I was extremely stressed out and cried everyday after work. I hated him so much.

Several months forward, I reflected on this experience.

1. How do I feel when this event happened?
   I waas extremely stressed out, hates my boss and regretted choosing this company. But I feel grateful to have my supervisor who appreciates my work and dedication.
2. What did I learn from this event?
   A LOT! I've learned the ins and outs of Unity Game Engine.
3. What am I grateful for through this event?
   I manage to complete my final year project within 2 weeks thanks to the things I've learned. I have a lot more time for volunteering.
4. How have I changed due to this event?
   I became a lot more stronger mentally and physically, resilient, accepts criticism as feedback to grow and withstand threats.
5. Did I became a better person after this event?
   Definitely! I became stronger!
6. How my belief has changed due to this event?
   This is the start of my belief "Everything happens for me, for me to grow"

The change of mindset is tremendous! From pitch black to rays of light, I viewed my internship experience as a positive story who has helped me grow, shaping who I am today.

This is a very powerful method to create positive stories of your life. I've edited my point of view in my experiences and causes my transformation as a person. And this has became one of my life stories that could be beneficial to you!

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Some people has 1 or more pillars of meaning in life. What is your pillar? Take this simple quiz by Emily to find out your pillar.

My result is Purpose!

What is your result? Feel free to share in the comments below :)

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