The Stories We Tell Ourselves: A Starting Point for Change

Have you ever stopped to think about the stories you tell yourself? These narratives shape how we see ourselves and interact with the world. In this episode of Coffee and Tea with CarrieVee, guest Madeline Claire Weiss dives into the concept of rewriting your story—starting with her new book, What’s Your Story? Building Your Best Adventures in School and Life. This personal development workbook for kids is designed to teach young minds the power of emotional intelligence and mindfulness through engaging exercises based on brain science.

Madeline explains how our brains are "story-making machines," creating narratives based on our experiences, emotions, and perceptions. While this can be helpful, it often leads us to form limiting beliefs that hold us back. She shared her own experience of carrying a childhood belief that she was responsible for her father’s death. It wasn’t until years later, through personal growth and reflection, that she realized the untrue and unhelpful nature of that story.

This realization forms the foundation of her workbook, which empowers kids to identify and reshape their stories before they become lifelong barriers. Using relatable concepts like "superpower teams" and exercises rooted in the Hero’s Journey framework, Madeline’s approach helps children build emotional resilience and self-awareness.

Mindfulness Made Accessible: Breathing Techniques and Emotional Regulation

One of the key elements of Madeline’s teaching is the introduction of mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques, which are often missing in traditional education. Her "ATM Way"—Acknowledge, Team, and Make—offers a simple, actionable framework for managing emotions and decision-making.

Acknowledge: The first step involves recognizing emotions. For kids, this might mean noticing physical sensations or labeling feelings like anger or sadness.
Team Up: Next, the focus shifts to calming the brain through polyvagal breathing. This 30-second mindset reset helps integrate the emotional and logical parts of the brain, creating a "superpower team" that can work together to tackle challenges.
Make a Plan: With emotions under control, children (and adults!) can take actionable steps toward solving problems or achieving goals.

These techniques aren't just for kids. Adults can benefit too! In fact, Carrie and Madeline discussed how understanding the brain's emotional and logical interplay can improve decision-making and reduce stress. For example, emotional data—often dismissed in favor of logic—plays a crucial role in guiding effective decision-making.

By teaching kids these concepts early, Madeline’s workbook helps them develop emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

The Importance of Good Company: Internal and External Influences

Another major theme in the episode is the concept of "good company." This isn’t limited to the people we surround ourselves with—it extends to the music we listen to, the food we eat, and even the thoughts we entertain.

Madeline emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the quality of your thoughts. Are they uplifting and empowering, or are they limiting and self-critical? By becoming aware of our mental narratives, we can begin to curate a more positive and productive mindset.

Carrie shared a personal story about her father’s influence and how he taught her to focus on the symphony of life rather than the individual "instruments." This metaphor serves as a reminder that what we consume, whether physically or mentally, has a profound impact on how we perceive and navigate the world.

For parents and educators, this concept also highlights the importance of creating environments where kids can thrive emotionally and mentally. Madeline’s workbook, along with its accompanying resources for parents and educators, provides a roadmap for fostering emotional growth in children while ensuring they are equipped to face life’s challenges.

How Rewriting Your Story Can Transform Your Life

The most powerful takeaway from this episode is the idea that everyone has the ability to rewrite their story. Whether it’s a child navigating the complexities of school and friendships or an adult grappling with long-held beliefs, the process of identifying and reshaping narratives can lead to profound personal growth.

Madeline’s workbook, What’s Your Story?, serves as a practical tool for this transformation. Through exercises, journaling prompts, and mindfulness techniques, it teaches kids to approach life’s challenges with curiosity and resilience. Adults, too, can benefit from revisiting their stories and asking, “Is this true? Is this helpful?”

Carrie and Madeline also highlighted the value of combining personal growth tools with professional support. While a workbook or mindfulness practice can offer incredible benefits, pairing these efforts with coaching or counseling creates a holistic approach to emotional well-being.

As Madeline pointed out, achieving clarity and confidence often starts with quieting the noise inside your mind. Once you can hear your inner guidance, you’ll find the strength and wisdom to create a life filled with purpose and joy.

Rewriting your story isn’t just a skill—it’s a gift that empowers you to live your best life. Madeline Claire Weiss’s workbook, What’s Your Story? Building Your Best Adventures in School and Life, is a testament to the transformative power of emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and self-awareness. Whether you’re a parent looking to equip your child with these tools or an adult seeking personal growth, the lessons shared in this episode of Coffee and Tea with CarrieVee are invaluable.

Take a moment today to reflect on the quality of your thoughts. Are they serving you? If not, it’s time to rewrite your story.

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