"اگر داستان کسی را دوست ندارید، داستان خودتان را بنویسید"

Sometimes, life hands us narratives we don't agree with. Whether it's a story society tells us about who we should be or a personal tale someone spins about our past, it's not always easy to accept someone else's version. The core idea here is about taking control of your narrative. If the story someone else is telling about you or your life doesn't sit right, you have the power to change it. This is all about reclaiming agency and not letting others dictate your identity or path.

This idea isn't new. It's been around for a long time, as a way for people to take control of their destinies. Think about the civil rights movements or any social justice movements throughout history. They all stem from groups of people who were dissatisfied with the stories being told about them—stories of inferiority, of not belonging, of being less than. They decided to write their own stories, ones of equality, empowerment, and dignity.

To make this a bit more tangible, let's consider Malala Yousafzai. She grew up in a place where girls' education was not valued, and the story being told was that girls don't need to go to school. But Malala didn't like that story. So, she decided to write her own. Despite the danger and the opposition, she spoke out, she blogged, she went to school. Even after being attacked for it, she continued her advocacy and eventually became a global symbol for education and women's rights. Malala rewrote not just her story, but the story for many girls around the world.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? It starts with recognizing the stories that don't resonate with you—those narratives that feel imposed or limiting. Once you identify them, think about what your story would look like instead. What values would it reflect? What goals would it set? Then, start taking steps, however small, towards that new narrative. It might be tough, and it might take time, but it's your story to write.

Imagine you're at a family gathering, and that one relative starts telling that same old embarrassing story about you. You know the one—the one where you messed up big time, and everyone laughs. Instead of just sitting there and taking it, you could share another story. Talk about something remarkable you've accomplished, a challenge you've overcome, or a dream you're working towards. Flip the script. Sure, it might feel awkward at first. But over time, those new stories will start to stick.

Consider Lana, a middle-aged woman who'd always been seen as 'the shy one' in her family. At every reunion, the same labels got thrown around, and she felt trapped by them. But one day, she decided to change things. She took a public speaking course—terrifying at first, but she stuck with it. Soon enough, she was volunteering to speak at community events. At the next family gathering, instead of being the shy one in the corner, she shared stories about her new adventures. People were stunned. And gradually, the old narrative was replaced with a new one. Lana wasn't the shy one anymore; she was the fearless one who took on new challenges.

So, if you ever find yourself cringing at the way someone else is telling your story, remember—you've got the pen. Write your own. Rewrite it as many times as it takes until it feels right. After all, it's your life, your narrative, and you deserve to be the author of your own tale.