So happy I've happened upon your writing, Elena. I'm about to start my final project for my MSc in Systems Thinking. I work in the media so story telling is a big part of what we do. It's really got me thinking about how to approach how I interact with those I'll be working with.
Thank you for your kind words. Rewriting the narratives around single-parenthood and mental health is so important — it opens space for healing and new possibilities.
Really love this and as a Narrative Strategist and also performance storyteller, (former National Storytelling Laureate for the UK) I am heavily involved and supportive of what you have written. I would also offer the importance of emotional authenticity and space for emotions in all that is done. Storytelling only impacts on oxytocin, dopamine, cortisol levels etc, if there is emotional engagement. It is vital.
Thank you for your generous words and for bringing your wealth of experience into this space. I deeply agree: emotional authenticity is the heartbeat of impactful storytelling. Without it, we miss the physiological and relational resonance that creates real transformation. I’d love to hear more about how you’ve worked with this in your practice—there’s so much to learn from your journey.
We don’t merely tell stories - we are told by them.
And unless consciously rewritten, we live inside inherited scripts disguised as choices.
The Clarity System refers to this as “narrative imprinting” - the unconscious absorption of societal templates that become behavioural operating systems. Whether it's the archetype of the self-sacrificing worker, the myth of meritocracy, or the polished illusion of the always-calm leader, these are not stories; they are codes.
And the most dangerous code? The one that feels personal but was never yours.
The work now isn’t to invent something entirely new. It’s to remember what was real before the performance began.
Stories are the scaffolding. Identity is the structure. But clarity is the reclamation.
Let’s build futures where coherence replaces performance.
Wow this is stunning, and so aligned with everything I feel around story, identity, and reclamation. "The most dangerous code is the one that feels personal but was never yours" — that line hits deep. Thank you for naming this with such clarity. I’d love to keep weaving these threads together.
The story I'm living is that I don't earn a living through things that harm the world (on balance, at least) — and that I contribute to others not feeling they have to do so either. I live as if no matter what, joy is preeminent in the values that drive my work, and the work I support others in being able to do, as well.
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt and powerful story. Your commitment to supporting others in this path is truly inspiring. I’d love to hear more as your journey unfolds.
So glad it resonated with you, and yes, the evolving identity of Creatives is such a rich and timely space to explore. I’d love to hear what’s been coming up for you in that reflection if you feel like sharing.
This is a fantastic and inspiring read, thank you! I’d like to rewrite the narrative around the autistic and neurodivergent menopause transition to one of societal support and self-compassion, rather than the personal shame and despair many of us currently face.
Rewriting the narrative around autistic and neurodivergent menopause with compassion and collective support is so urgently needed. Your vision for shifting from shame to self-care speaks deeply to creating more inclusive and humane systems. I’d be honoured to hear more if you feel like sharing your journey here.
Ooh I love this! Super thought-provoking and super actionable, too — I really love journal prompts. Bookmarking them for my morning journaling session tomorrow!
Ah I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately as I reckon with the morality of working in tech product marketing and how it aligns with my own values. You’ve articulated it beautifully. This has helped me clarify the good I can do in my career with the companies who give a shit about positive social change xx
I’m glad this resonated and helped you see the positive impact you can make with the right companies. Wishing you clarity and courage on this journey,keep trusting your compass.
Thank you Elena; here to read what you share in this space and be inspired, and share any in+spiration that comes from my lifetime of marginal living; not marginal because it's been uncomfortable, but marginal in maintaining curiosity in the integrity and reason for the systems we live in. Ready to apply what you share here!
Finally the algorithm got it right! So glad I found this conversation. I’m in!
Welcome in, excited to have you part of this conversation.
We feel the same!
So happy I've happened upon your writing, Elena. I'm about to start my final project for my MSc in Systems Thinking. I work in the media so story telling is a big part of what we do. It's really got me thinking about how to approach how I interact with those I'll be working with.
This was a great read! Thank you Elena. I think that I'd like to rewrite single-parenthood and mental health.
Thank you for your kind words. Rewriting the narratives around single-parenthood and mental health is so important — it opens space for healing and new possibilities.
Hoping to join this boat to change the story of what is valuable work and the importance of inter generational living
I look forward to reading more of your notes to help with doing that. I'm glad to have come across the one I did 😌.
Really love this and as a Narrative Strategist and also performance storyteller, (former National Storytelling Laureate for the UK) I am heavily involved and supportive of what you have written. I would also offer the importance of emotional authenticity and space for emotions in all that is done. Storytelling only impacts on oxytocin, dopamine, cortisol levels etc, if there is emotional engagement. It is vital.
Thank you for your generous words and for bringing your wealth of experience into this space. I deeply agree: emotional authenticity is the heartbeat of impactful storytelling. Without it, we miss the physiological and relational resonance that creates real transformation. I’d love to hear more about how you’ve worked with this in your practice—there’s so much to learn from your journey.
I’m ready to change the approach towards work, entrepeneurship and productivity, and the way we see ourselves.
Redefining how we see ourselves in this process is powerful. I’m excited to hear more about your journey whenever you’re ready to share.
Beautiful words and explanation to storytelling within achieving systemic change. Thank you for sharing this
Thank you so much for reading and receiving it with such openness.
This is what most people miss:
We don’t merely tell stories - we are told by them.
And unless consciously rewritten, we live inside inherited scripts disguised as choices.
The Clarity System refers to this as “narrative imprinting” - the unconscious absorption of societal templates that become behavioural operating systems. Whether it's the archetype of the self-sacrificing worker, the myth of meritocracy, or the polished illusion of the always-calm leader, these are not stories; they are codes.
And the most dangerous code? The one that feels personal but was never yours.
The work now isn’t to invent something entirely new. It’s to remember what was real before the performance began.
Stories are the scaffolding. Identity is the structure. But clarity is the reclamation.
Let’s build futures where coherence replaces performance.
Let’s write stories that return us to ourselves.
Wow this is stunning, and so aligned with everything I feel around story, identity, and reclamation. "The most dangerous code is the one that feels personal but was never yours" — that line hits deep. Thank you for naming this with such clarity. I’d love to keep weaving these threads together.
Beautiful and inspiring!
Perfect timing as have been reflecting on storytelling in alignment with appreciative inquiry - hyper focus mode has been engaged!
The story I'm living is that I don't earn a living through things that harm the world (on balance, at least) — and that I contribute to others not feeling they have to do so either. I live as if no matter what, joy is preeminent in the values that drive my work, and the work I support others in being able to do, as well.
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt and powerful story. Your commitment to supporting others in this path is truly inspiring. I’d love to hear more as your journey unfolds.
This is very timely. Very much ready and looking at storytelling and evolving identity of Creatives.
So glad it resonated with you, and yes, the evolving identity of Creatives is such a rich and timely space to explore. I’d love to hear what’s been coming up for you in that reflection if you feel like sharing.
This is a fantastic and inspiring read, thank you! I’d like to rewrite the narrative around the autistic and neurodivergent menopause transition to one of societal support and self-compassion, rather than the personal shame and despair many of us currently face.
Rewriting the narrative around autistic and neurodivergent menopause with compassion and collective support is so urgently needed. Your vision for shifting from shame to self-care speaks deeply to creating more inclusive and humane systems. I’d be honoured to hear more if you feel like sharing your journey here.
Thanks, Elena! I’m beyond capacity at the moment so am really behind on replying to people, sorry. Thanks for your encouraging words. 😊
Ooh I love this! Super thought-provoking and super actionable, too — I really love journal prompts. Bookmarking them for my morning journaling session tomorrow!
So glad the prompts resonated with you! I’d love to hear how your morning session goes if you feel like sharing.
Beautiful. May we all be like jade beads on the necklace of the goddess of re-membering.
Ah I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately as I reckon with the morality of working in tech product marketing and how it aligns with my own values. You’ve articulated it beautifully. This has helped me clarify the good I can do in my career with the companies who give a shit about positive social change xx
I’m glad this resonated and helped you see the positive impact you can make with the right companies. Wishing you clarity and courage on this journey,keep trusting your compass.
Yes. I'm in.
Thank you Elena; here to read what you share in this space and be inspired, and share any in+spiration that comes from my lifetime of marginal living; not marginal because it's been uncomfortable, but marginal in maintaining curiosity in the integrity and reason for the systems we live in. Ready to apply what you share here!
Thank you for being here and for sharing this powerful reflection. I’d love to hear what arises for you as you engage with these ideas.