Changing The Narrative: This is who you are — now!
By Charlene A. Berry
What lie have you believed longest about yourself? Mine was believing I had to be strong in every situation, being everything to everybody while leaving my own story unwritten. Not anymore.
Here’s the truth: For generations, our culture has depicted how we should show up in life. But know this: If you’re waiting for permission to see yourself differently, the truth is you don’t need anybody’s permission.
You’ve been in control of your own life. In control of your own self. And in control of your now — you have been all along. It was the illusion and others that kept you exactly where you are today. This antiquated way of seeing yourself in life has been clouding the real vision of who you really are.
Dr. Joel Wong, Ph.D., Provost Professor of Counseling Psychology at Indiana University mentions in an article published in the February 11, 2026 issue of Gratefully Psychology Today says, “Your life story is not fixed; if it's not working for you, you can change it (Joel Wong Gratefully Psychology Today).”
Too often we’ve changed other people’s narrative but never our own. Sure, we raise good kids to take on the world. We write words that help others see their worth. We give them tools that set them free, but ironically, we’re the ones who are still stuck. If that is you, get ready. That narrative is about to change.
As women, we sometimes believe that “strong” means “silent.” That “leader” still means “you don’t have needs.” And being a “mom” means “your story is over while theirs are just beginning.” For me, recognition didn’t come until I sat at my daughter’s college graduation watching my offspring achieve another milestone in life; watching her walk into her calling... and whispering to myself, “Now it’s my turn. Change is coming.”
What lie did you believe in and possibly still do?
Was it “I don’t have what it takes”?
Was it “That ship has sailed”?
Was it “I don’t have the energy to start over”?
Was it “I’m too old for that”?
Was it “I’m too much?”
Was it “I’m not enough?
And do you still believe it? Or are you now still telling yourself, “I’m the one who’s holding this together. I’m the one who can’t fall apart because everyone else is leaning on me for support.”
As a prevention specialist, I encourage you to stop believing the lies that have kept you safe but caged, needed but disconnected from your own worth and purpose. The challenge for you is to change the narrative and begin to perceive yourself anew.
You can revive the wellspring of hope within you. You can become stronger for you. You can be more resilient for you. You can feel more alive for you. And you will show up more for you. And you don’t have to wait to see it to believe it. You are it! Permission granted. You are the narrative. And you can change it at will because this is who you are — now!
Charlene A. Berry is a trained prevention specialist. She equips individuals, families, and communities with tools, education, and strategies to reduce risk, build resilience, and prevent crisis — before it happens. She addresses root causes, shifts mindsets, and creates pathways to health, safety, and wholeness. Charlene is also the author of the forthcoming Taming the Big 3: Your Mind, Mouth & Emotions – Applying Biblical Strategies to Keep You in Control When They Are Out of Control. Visit her website at www.youareworthit1.com