Q: Jay, I feel like I’m in a bad chapter of my life. How can I turn the page and finally get out of it?

This is a very interesting question. I love the way it’s framed—like your life is a story.

So, let’s take a moment and think about what makes up a story.

For the most part, there are some pretty common ingredients:

  • A main character, with wants and needs, who the readers grow to love and root for.

  • A series of challenges, many of which push that character beyond limits.

  • Supporting characters, who either help or hurt the storyline. Sometimes, both.

  • Stakes that tend to rise to a climactic moment.

  • And then some kind of resolution.

Sound about right?

Now, think about how that story is organized. Usually it’s split into chapters. Or episodes. Or issues, like this newsletter.

So, what actually defines a “good” chapter… versus a “bad” one?

Well, that’s up to you, because the other thing that’s often true in great stories is that chapters come to a close when a new event is on the horizon, something shifts into action, a conclusion is reached, or a decision is finally made.

In order to get out of a bad chapter, you have to write yourself into a new one.

  1. What new event can you schedule in your future that may open a new door?

  2. What small shift into new action can you make today?

  3. What conclusion (or deep truth) are you finally willing to accept?

  4. What decision are you avoiding that needs to be made?

And if that all feels too much for you today, start small with this journaling prompt:

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If my life were a book, what would this current chapter be titled—and what would the main character need to do to move into the next one?

The key is noticing how much of what we believe about being stuck somewhere is just a story. We can always introduce our own chapter endings, and our own new beginnings. A transition in role or job. The meeting of a new friend or partner. The resolution to a stalled decision.

Celebrate all of it. The end of a chapter. The beginning of another.

And get excited for what’s coming in the next episode. How will your hero advance? What challenges await? And what can they do differently today—right now, in fact—that might help them turn that page?

Today’s Wiser Choice

It may be true that your current chapter is a tough one. I honour that as well. But, let’s take a moment now to think about what lies ahead.

Try This: What would you like the next chapter of your life to be called? Get creative with it. Do you finally find the person of your dreams? Retire happily? Reach out to that old friend you’ve been missing? Call a family meeting and resolve issues together?

Allow yourself to have the chapter you want and deserve. Imagination is a powerful thing.

The content in this newsletter is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as, and must not be taken as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing in this newsletter creates, or is intended to create, a physician–patient or other healthcare professional–patient relationship. You should always consult a qualified physician or other licensed healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition, your health, or any treatment options, and before starting, changing, or stopping any medication, treatment, or wellness program. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this newsletter.
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