Have you ever found yourself repeating the same old lines about who you are or what you can (and can’t) do? Our personal narratives—those stories we carry in our heads—can shape our thoughts, feelings, and even our future.

Whether you’re in your sixties or simply looking for a fresh start, understanding and rewriting these stories can open up new possibilities at any stage.

Why Our Internal Stories Matter

We all have stories we tell ourselves. And sometimes, these inner narratives can work against us. Leading experts—positive psychologists, cognitive behavioral therapists, sociologists, Buddhists, and life coaches—often talk about these personal “storylines.”

A “storyline” is the internal narrative we create about who we are, what has happened to us, and how we interpret those experiences. These stories significantly impact our emotions, behaviors, and sense of identity. And sometimes, they’re not so helpful.

Spotting Negative Narratives

Have you ever found yourself saying, “I’m not good at crafts,” “I’m not athletic,” or “I always end up with the wrong person”? These statements often stem from repeated thoughts that morph into beliefs. Sure, some might be rooted in past experiences—like that time you couldn’t cut a straight line with scissors. But when we repeatedly repeat these stories to ourselves, they become our unchallenged truth.

Reframing with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Reframing is a core CBT strategy that helps you shift your perspective on a situation to see it more constructively. That doesn’t mean ignoring reality—it’s about focusing on insights, solutions, and growth instead of dwelling on old limiting beliefs.

Identify your negative story (“I’m not creative”).
Question the evidence behind it (When I was young, I couldn’t cut straight with scissors).
Replace it with a more accurate, hopeful narrative (“I’m an inexperienced crafter” or “I haven’t found the crafting I like yet”).

Real-Life Example: My Storyline About Crafts

Enjoying life in our sixties and beyond often calls for reexamining storylines we’ve carried since childhood. Here’s one of mine: “I’m not good at crafts.”

As a young girl, my grandmother tried to teach my sister and me to sew. My sister excelled—she went on to create beautiful, artistic textiles. Me? I heard, “You can’t even cut a straight line.” Soon, it became “Laura’s not very good at sewing,” and from there, the story only grew.

Naturally, I avoided crafting opportunities—from Girl Scouts to summer camps and school projects. Avoiding practice means never developing the skill, so “I’m not good at crafts” became a self-fulfilling prophecy.

How to Rewrite Your Personal Narrative

Changing your storyline is one of the simplest (not necessarily easiest) ways to discover new joys in your life. After 60 years of avoiding crafting, indeed, I’m not good at crafting. But I can reframe my story to say, “I’m inexperienced” or “I haven’t found the right craft yet.”

Give Yourself Permission: Exploring activities you’ve dismissed is never too late.
Practice Self-Compassion: Recognize it’s okay to be new at something—especially later in life.
Stay Open: Maybe I’ll discover I genuinely don’t enjoy crafting. Or maybe scissors aren’t my thing, but I could be a whiz at mosaics.

Embracing New Possibilities After 60

I can change my personal narrative whenever I’m willing to let go of old stories. Even when, down the road, I find myself at a senior center craft room, I might just be the first in line to make a mosaic mirror. It’s about allowing myself to discover what I enjoy rather than letting an old, limiting storyline define me.

Final Thoughts

Reflect on the negative scripts you’ve been repeating for years.
Reframe them into more neutral or positive narratives.
Rediscover passions or interests you may have pushed aside.

Remember: You’re the author of your story. By rewriting these storylines—especially in our sixties and beyond—you can open yourself to fresh experiences, surprising joys, and a more fulfilling chapter of life.

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The Power of Personal Narrative: Rewriting Your Story After 60