Lessons, Lies, and Life: The Power of Stories

Three siblings grow up in the same household. Same rules, same lessons, same experiences—or so it seemed.

One afternoon, when they were kids, their father sat them down for a talk. He told them:

"Life is about knowing when to hold on and when to let go. If you grip something too tightly, you might crush it. If you let go too soon, you might lose something valuable. Learn the difference."

It was a simple statement. Just a moment in time. But years later, each sibling carried a completely different interpretation of that conversation.

• The eldest took it as a lesson in control. If you want something to last, you must hold on and fight for it—whether it’s a job, a relationship, or a dream. In his mind, letting go meant failure.

• The middle child heard a message about balance—a reminder that life is a dance between effort and surrender. Push too hard, you break it. Hold too loosely, it slips away.

• The youngest? He took it as permission to never hold on to anything too tightly. If something wasn’t working, just walk away. Don’t fight for things. Don’t struggle. Let everything unfold as it’s meant to.

They had the same father, the same moment, the same words. But they carried three completely different stories about what it meant.

That’s how all stories work. The same words land differently depending on the listener.

This is why spiritual teachers, self-help gurus, and motivational speakers can sound contradictory—because the stories they tell aren’t universal truths. They’re reflections of their own journey.

Why Gurus Tell the Stories They Tell

• Gurus tell stories based on what worked for them.

• Their stories are shaped by their personal experiences.

• And their stories aren’t meant for everyone.

What resonates with one person might completely miss the mark for another.

That’s why it’s your job to decide:

• Is this message meant for me?

• Does this story serve me, or am I forcing myself to believe it?

Because stories influence belief—and when you control the story, you control the audience.

The Guru Conundrum: Are They All Just Liars?

People love to expose "frauds."

• One guru claims to have been homeless and is now a multimillionaire.

• One says they were a self-harming ‘cutter,’ yet flaunts flawless skin with no scars.

• One claims to be channeling a ‘group consciousness’ from the non-physical realm to help you manifest anything you want.

So, are they all lying? Maybe. Maybe not. But does it matter?

A story doesn’t have to be real to be powerful.

Don’t Get Hung Up on Semantics

Let’s go back to Jesus for a second.

As far as we know, he wasn’t a businessman, yet he told the story of the ten talents (a lesson on investment and risk-taking). Does that mean he was a fraud? No. He was using a parable (storytelling) to teach a principle that transcended circumstances.

The same thing happens with self-help gurus, spiritual teachers, and even your favorite motivational speakers. They tell stories. They use metaphors. They give you something to grasp onto in a world that often feels impossible to navigate.

And sometimes, we need those stories to survive.

The Lens of the Messenger

Every teacher, guru, or expert shares wisdom through the filter of their own experience. For example:

• A surgeon sees surgery as the solution.

• A nutritionist focuses on diet.

• A therapist emphasizes mental healing.

Likewise, gurus craft their messages based on the experiences that worked for them. Their advice isn't universal—it's a reflection of their journey, their struggles, and their perspective.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean their message might not be meant for you.

So before blindly following any guru’s wisdom, ask yourself:

• Is this message relevant to my life right now?

• Does this advice align with my reality, or am I forcing myself to believe it?

• Am I taking what I need, or am I trying to fit into their story?

Because in the end, the most powerful belief system is the one you build for yourself.

Fear Is Often Shaped By the Story We Tell Ourselves

Here’s the real kicker:

Even when it’s proven that someone is a fraud, people still believe.

Why? Because sometimes, the story is the only thing holding us together. We create narratives—about our limitations, our future, our past—to make sense of the chaos. But just like the siblings in our opening story, the story you choose to believe will determine where you end up.

So, what’s your story?

We all build our lives around the stories we choose to believe. Some empower us. Others hold us back. The question is: What’s the story you’re telling yourself?

Until Next Time…

If this resonated, hit reply and tell me—what’s one story you’ve believed that shaped your life?

If you know someone who needs to hear this, share it with them. Because at the end of the day, the most powerful thing we carry is the story we tell ourselves.

What Did You Think of This Week's Newsletter?

🔥 "Mind blown! I’m questioning everything I know."
🤔 "Meh. I’ve heard better bedtime stories."
😴 "Well, it definitely put me to sleep."

Hit reply and let us know what you think.