Stop Being the "Leftover" in Your Own Life: Time to Shift Your Story!

In the Season 2 kickoff of Pass the Mic, guest host Mandy Schulis—a transformational Narrative Coach, trauma-informed Licensed Massage Therapist, and creator of The Story Shift—explores how the stories we tell ourselves shape our lives, businesses, and sense of self. Drawing from two decades of entrepreneurial experience and her personal triumph over domestic violence, Mandy introduces "story shifting," the process of recognizing and rewriting limiting personal narratives.

As the author of 48 Hours to Change Your Life, Mandy weaves together coaching methodologies, nervous system awareness, and holistic healing practices to show how intentional language and embodied leadership can create lasting change. Through personal reflection and practical tools, she guides listeners in identifying unhelpful patterns, practicing self-compassion, and reclaiming their stories as powerful assets for growth and transformation. This episode invites listeners to take ownership of their narratives and step boldly into more empowered, intentional chapters of their lives.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Challenging Stagnation and Inviting Growth (00:02:20) The importance of choosing yourself, embracing discomfort, and recalibrating for growth in the new year.

Mandy's Approach to Story Shifting (00:02:55) Mandy explains the concept of story shifting and its role in her coaching practice.

Meeting People Where They Are (00:03:29) Using her massage therapy background, Mandy illustrates the importance of meeting clients where they are in their stories.

Personal Story: Accepting Leftovers (00:04:31) Mandy shares her realization about accepting less in relationships and how that shaped her self-worth.

High School & Relationship Patterns (00:05:29) A personal anecdote about dating, self-worth, and repeating unhealthy relationship patterns.

The Power of Story Shifting (00:07:28) How acknowledging and shifting personal narratives can change self-perception and life outcomes.

Manifestation and Creating Reality (00:08:29) Discussion on how beliefs and words shape reality, with examples from Mandy's life and her daughter's experiences.

Words Matter & Nervous System Awareness (00:09:29) Exploring how self-talk affects the nervous system and the importance of positive internal dialogue.

Belief and Embodiment (00:10:32) The necessity of believing in your own worth and embodying new stories for transformation.

Relationship Evolution and Self-Reflection (00:11:39) Mandy reflects on her marriage, past relationships, and how changing her story led to deeper connections.

The Brain's Focus and Self-Talk (00:12:30) How the brain fixates on repeated negative statements, reinforcing unwanted outcomes.

Changing Physical and Emotional Stories (00:13:24) Mandy shares her journey with weight gain, health challenges, and the process of shifting her physical and emotional stories.

Seeking Help and Healing (00:15:21) The importance of seeking support and the parallels between physical healing and story shifting.

Belief Becomes Reality (00:16:12) How repeated stories, even if untrue, become internalized and shape identity.

Breaking Generational Patterns (00:20:56) Mandy discusses breaking cycles of addiction and domestic violence, and setting new standards for herself and her daughter.

Deciding What You Want (00:22:05) The power of clarity and decisiveness in manifesting what you truly desire.

Pitfalls and Timeline Collapsing (00:30:24) Common mistakes in story shifting, the concept of "timeline collapsing," and when rapid change is possible.

Small Changes and Evidence Gathering (00:31:21) The importance of noticing small shifts and gathering evidence to support your new story.

Nonlinear Progress and Toxic Positivity (00:33:23) Acknowledging that growth isn't linear, avoiding toxic positivity, and finding meaning in difficult experiences.

Taking Control and Sharing Your Story (00:35:18) Empowering listeners to take control of their stories and encouraging them to share their journeys.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

"I was trying to prove I was worthy of love every time I was dating someone."

"I never saw myself as a prize; I never saw myself as someone who brought things to the table or was a good wife or mother."

"My husband looked at me and said, 'You teach people how to story shift—why don't you help yourself if you're so busy helping everyone else?'"

"It was the first time in my life I decided I really deserved the absolute best—not only for myself, but for my daughter."

"When you're so sick of your own bullshit, you say, 'I've had enough, we're not doing this anymore.'"

Resources CONNECT with Mandy Schulis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.schulis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandyschulisofficial?igsh=MTI3Z2Mwa29xaHA5Nw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyschulis/ Book: 48 Hours to Change Your Life: https://amzn.to/49gBXFS

Connect with the Show

Pass the Mic Podcast: A unique monthly format featuring different experts in their zones of genius
Resilient Voice Media: A global podcast network and production company amplifying great people who do great work
Host: Gabi Garland, founder of Resilient Voice Media
January Guest Host: Mandy Schulis, Transformational Narrative Coach & Creator of The Story Shift

A Resilient Voice Media Production

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