GO TO CORE STORY PROMPTERS

NEXT STEP: From Mapping to Momentum

Unlock the treasure in your Core Story and begin transforming it into lasting change. Research on neuroplasticity shows that repeated, emotionally engaging practice for as little as 6-12 weeks can braid new neural pathways that out-compete old ones.¹

This is just the beginning—but it lays the groundwork for lifelong growth. The six milestones below, adapted from Don Crossland and refined for the Core Story Process, offer a clear roadmap forward.

  • WHAT IT MEANS
    Recognize the difference between your true identity and the lies and wounds shaped by early experiences. View yourself with love and compassion through the lens of your newly discovered Core Truth.

    Concrete Actions to Build New Ways of Thinking and Feeling

    • Review your Core Story map, noting the truths and insights that resonate deeply.

    • Share this new information with a trusted person.

    • From your new perspective, write a short description of each significant time period of your life. Use empowering language to highlight strengths or insights discovered.

      Example:
      “Between ages 7–12, I developed my strength of resilience …”

  • WHAT IT MEANS
    Offer yourself the grace you freely extend to others; forgive, release, breathe.

    Concrete Actions to Build New Pathways

    • Practice 5 minutes of intentional breathing, repeating a compassionate affirmation like, “I am worthy of kindness and grace.”

    • Write a forgiveness letter to yourself—keep or ceremonially shred it.

    • End each day naming one way you cared well for yourself.

  • What It Means
    Tie your identity to facts that do not shift with mood or circumstance.

    Concrete Actions to Build New Pathways

    • Choose three “Anchor Statements” (e.g., “I have immeasurable value”).

    • Post them on your mirror, phone lock screen, car dashboard.

    • Recite each anchor slowly, aloud, morning and night for 42 days.²

  • What It Means
    Construct environments and expectations that protect your emerging self.

    Concrete Actions to Build New Pathways

    • Identify one boundary you need with time, tech, or a relationship.

    • Script the boundary in one sentence (“I will…”).

    • Communicate it kindly within 48 hours and track your follow-through weekly.

  • What It Means
    When the old narrative intrudes, pivot to the new and act on it.

    Concrete Actions to Build New Pathways

    • Keep a pocket “Trigger & Truth” card: left column = trigger words; right = replacement truths.

    • Each time an old loop fires, pause-breath-replace within 10 seconds.

    • Celebrate micro-wins with a physical cue (tap wrist, say “new path”).

  • What It Means
    Consistency cements synapses; review recalibrates direction.

    Concrete Actions to Build New Pathways

    • 20-Minute Daily Rhythm:

     – 5 min silence & breath

     – 10 min reading or listening to a Core Truth resource

     – 5 min journaling

    • Weekly 30-min check-in with a peer, coach, or group (templates online).

For use during Core Story Mapping sessions

MAPPING PROMPTERS

    • Humorous

    • Loving

    • Stable

    • Perfectionist

    • Kind

    • Judgmental

    • Dishonest

    • Passive

    • Selfish

    • Smart

    • Spiritual

    • Distant

    • Good Provider

    • Creative

    • Protective

    • Unfaithful

    • Religious

    • Abusive

    • Strong

    • Alcoholic

    • Fun

    • Workaholic

    • Safe

    • Disciplinarian

    • Absent

    • Angry

    • Anxious

Review the words below and select those that describe how you feel. You may also share a word or phrase that reflects a better choice or a deeper truth for you.

    • Be obedient

    • Be perfect

    • Work Hard

    • Be Smart

    • Be Invisible

    • Be Silent

    • Be Strong

    • Perform to please

    • Be Attractive

    • Be Helpful

    • Stay In Control

    • Be Me

    • Be The Best

    • Hide

    • Funny/Humorous 

    • Be cautious

    • Be Compliant

    • Fight Back

    • Argumentative

    • Be private

  • (Wounds that may shape beliefs and behaviors)

    • Abandoned

    • Rejection

    • Failure

    • Abuse

    • Ridicule

    • Humiliation

    • Disability

    • Bullied

    • Illness

    • Poverty

    • Divorce

    • Discrimination

    • Violence

    • Alone

    • Invisible

    • Be Perfect

    • Over Responsible

    • Neglected

    • Not Good Enough

    • Not Protected

  • (False internalized messages rooted in wounds)

    • Worthless

    • Coward

    • Not Good Enough

    • Incapable

    • Discriminated Against

    • A Failure

    • No Room For Failure

    • Less Than

    • Invisible

    • Resented

    • Undesirable

    • To Blame

    • Hated

    • Don’t belong

    • Unlovable

    • Not acceptable

    • A Burden

    • Don’t Matter

    • Too Much

    • Will Always Be Broken

    • Don’t Need Anyone

  • (Healing truths that replace the lies)

    • I am deeply loved.

    • I am forgiven and I can forgive.

    • I have immeasurable value.

    • I am not alone.

    • I am worthy of love and respect.

    • My worth is not based on my merit.

    • I am irreplaceable.

    • I have the power to choose and change.

    • I am stronger than I know.

    • My past does not define my future.

    • I have a purpose that matters. 

    • I am capable of healing and growth.

    • I can begin again.

    • I am enough just as I am.

    • I have deep worth.