Brené Brown once said, “When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write a brave new ending.” These words hold a powerful invitation: to step out of the shadows of shame and into the light of self-compassion and truth.

The stories we tell ourselves about who we are and what we deserve can shape our entire lives. But here’s the catch—many of these stories simply aren’t true. They’re the narratives born from wounds, misunderstandings, or the messages we absorbed from the world around us. And when we cling to these falsehoods, they define us, holding us back from the life we’re meant to live.

To change your story, you must first see the story for what it is—especially the shame-filled parts. Brené calls these the “shame stories,” the ones where we tell ourselves that we’re not enough, that we don’t belong, that we’re unworthy of love. These stories take root, quietly convincing us that their lies are the truth.

But here’s the good news: you can rewrite them.

The process starts with courage—the courage to pause and examine the beliefs you’ve been carrying. Ask yourself, What is the story I’ve been telling myself about this situation? Is it true, or is it just a story I’ve made up? Often, you’ll find that it’s the latter.

Once you identify the limiting beliefs at the heart of these shame stories, you can begin to let them go. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. And as you release those lies, you have the chance to replace them with truths that set you free.

Try this: speak these truths to yourself as if you’re speaking to someone you deeply love. Say, I am worthy of love and belonging. I am enough. I am lovable just as I am.

This isn’t about ignoring your pain or pretending life hasn’t been hard. It’s about reclaiming the pen and writing a story rooted in the truth of who you are. It’s about choosing a brave new ending—one that reflects your strength, resilience, and innate worth.

When you own your story, you step into your power. You don’t have to be defined by your past or the untruths you’ve carried for so long. You have the right to create a life of connection, joy, and authenticity. And it all begins with the decision to stop denying your story and start owning it.

What brave new ending will you write today?