We are all creating the stories of our lives each day. Sometimes it’s hard to believe in a happy ending when were in the middle of chaos – or to understand the ...
It’s possible that “staying positive” could be keeping you stuck. In today’s episode, I use the analogy of writing a book (first draft first, second draft second) to talk about how we naturally grow and develop as people. A first draft is inevitably messy and chaotic, raw and guttural. The second draft is cleaner and holds more clarity. But there’s no getting to the second draft without the first draft. Oftentimes, in life, we try to get to the “second draft” before we ever write the horrible first draft. We would like to skip to the healing, the moral, the integration, the clarity, the understanding. But there’s no such thing. If you’re in the messy first draft of your story, maybe it’s time to own that fact and tell the raw, harsh, guttural truth. Could telling a more raw and guttural version of the story actually help you access the second draft you’re reaching for? Host: Ally Fallon // @allyfallon // allisonfallon.comFollow Ally on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allyfallon/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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32:01
Why I’m Done with Self-Improvement
This episode idea started as a joke. But the more I talked about it, the more I realized I do actually want to take a break from self-improvement — a journey I’ve been on for nearly 20 years. Before you judge me, or dismiss me, hear me out. In today’s episode I’ll talk about what happens when we stop trying to become “better” than we already are. Host: Ally Fallon // @allyfallon // allisonfallon.comFollow Ally on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allyfallon/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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22:14
The Beauty of Being a Beginner
Have you ever felt like there was something you wanted to do — like write a book or take an improv class or start a yoga practice — but you were avoiding it because you hate the feeling of being a beginner? It can be uncomfortable to not know what’s coming next, to make mistakes, to feel out of place, to wobble or stutter or unknowingly break decorum. And yet reconnecting with the beginner in you is also liberating. There’s a freedom that comes with lowering your expectations, with waiting for cues, with learning as you go and even taking the pressure off for a performance of any kind. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about the importance of being a beginner in all aspects of life and talk about how we can reconnect with the beginner in each of us. Host: Ally Fallon // @allyfallon // allisonfallon.comFollow Ally on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allyfallon/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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34:51
Why “Helping as Many as Possible” Might Not Be a Great Reason for Your Art
When I ask a writer working on a manuscript why they are writing a book, or what they hope happens with their book, one of the most common sentiments I hear is they want to “help as many people as possible.” While this desire makes sense, and I know it comes from a good place, I want to point out one of the major pitfalls of “helping as many people as possible” as motivation for your art. If we aren’t making art to “help people” then why are we making art? I’ll unpack that in today’s episode and the answer is one that even I didn’t see coming when I first sat down to record this one. I’d love to have you come along for the ride. Host: Ally Fallon // @allyfallon // allisonfallon.comFollow Ally on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allyfallon/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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28:49
Are You Solving the Problem Too Soon?
Do you know why writing a manuscript is harder than writing an instagram caption? Because we’re not used to “dragging out” a problem in stories. Yet the books and movies that capture our attention don’t resolve problems quickly. They lean into the tension as a tool for transformation of the hero. And it keeps you engaged. If you’re facing a problem in your life, is it possible you’re jumping too quickly to a solution? Are you simplifying a matter that is not simple because living in the problem feels too painful? Are you “waiting on a miracle” as a way to numb the pain of the present moment? I believe miracles exist and I also believe most of us have no idea what a miracle really looks like. What if the miracle is found deeper inside of the problem you’ve been busy trying to solve? Host: Ally Fallon // @allyfallon // allisonfallon.comFollow Ally on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allyfallon/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are all creating the stories of our lives each day. Sometimes it’s hard to believe in a happy ending when were in the middle of chaos – or to understand the transformation we are undergoing when we're being tested over and over again – but I believe we are all here to learn, grow, and discover more of who we are in this life and I want to help you do exactly that. Let’s uncover the meaning of our stories together. The stories we tell ourselves about our life matter – and only we have the power to edit, upgrade or re-write them altogether. Only we have the power to become the hero we want to be. Only we can change the narrative of the story we’re telling ourselves. If we’re sick of being the “girl who got dumped” or the “guy who lost his job” or the “villlan,” the “helper”, etc — what choice do we have? We get creative and we write a new story. As a bestselling author, I’ve learned the principals that make stories tick and I've taken many of my life stories and put them to paper. What I have learned is that stories have a lot to teach us about what matters in life; and that one of the most powerful things you can do to heal is to face your story head-on. To co-create the ending. To uncover the thread that holds the whole thing together. To become the hero you would want to see on the screen. I’ve taught many others how to do this and I want to share these insights with you, too. Everyone wants to make meaning of their story (me included) and it’s never too late. You can become a completely new person with a whole new story in just a few short years. So let’s go on this journey together. Come with me as we explore how to become our authentic selves and live our true stories. We’ll explore personal growth, self-help, psychology, spirituality, and so much more. It’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Ireland