“You define your own life. Don’t let other people write your script.” ~ Oprah Winfrey
Years ago I read a book written by Don Miguel Ruiz and his son Don Jose, entitled The 5th Agreement. For some reason this image they wrote abut has stuck in my head for years and I think it is so poignant that it is worth reviewing.
The authors presented the idea that you are writing the script for the movie you are living out in your life every single day. They go on to say that you are the star, the primary character of your movie and that your movie is just that…your movie!
Someone Else’s Film
They shared a scenario where you could sneak into another person’s theater, for example your spouse, parents, children’s etc. and sit behind them as their film unrolled on the big screen in front of you. You might see the same characters in their film, you just wouldn’t see them the same way they show up in your film.
Why? Because you would see that their story-line is much different than yours. And even though many of the same actors may appear on screen, they are cast in very different roles because you are viewing everything through their eyes and not yours..
For example, the star portrayed as the primary character in your movie (you) is always seen as a secondary character in someone else’s film. We always see the world through a different set of lenses than they do.
How Does This Apply To You?
You may believe that you understand another person’s perspective or how they are feeling. The reality is that we can never truly experience or comprehend the movie that someone else is acting out in their head. It is impossible. So matter how much you believe you know someone and what they are experiencing, you can only and ever see it though your eyes.
Which means that one of the challenges we face in life are the result of us trying to write or rewrite someone else’s screenplay. instead of tending to the only script we truly have control over…our own! If you step back and look at the majority of angst in your life, it is because you are focusing on someone else’s story instead of focusing on you and what you think and do!
Which leads me to what I believe are 3 Truth about our lives.
3 Truth About Your Life (Movie)
- Truth #1 – We cannot write, direct, or produce, anyone else’s script! Stick to the only script you have any control over … YOUR OWN! Everyone chooses the movie on their screen. Some of us choose to live out a drama, others a tragedy, and some of us spend our entire lives attempting to win an academy award for our performance or being controlled by our critics. And yet, there are those of us that choose to live out an action packed adventure or a feel good romantic comedy.
- Truth #2 – Our screenplays is typically based on the beliefs we were imprinted with, what we were taught, and the culmination of our life experiences. So what is the genre for the screenplay you’re writing? Is it a Drama, Tragedy, Romantic Comedy, Adventure, or a Documentary? Maybe a better question might be, What is the screenplay you would like to write?
- Truth #3 – The screenplay you live out in your life is completely up to you! You don’t have to play the role you were given! If you don’t like the movie you’re in … REWRITE YOUR SCRIPT!
So there you have it…your movie, your life, your choice…it is completely and solely up to you!
Now where were we?
Oh yes…Lights… Camera…annnndddddd Action!!!
