Thought Leadership

What Lies Are You Still Living By? It’s Time to Burn the Old Narrative.

Your truth will set you free, but first it will demand a fire.

Most of us are unknowingly living inside someone else’s story. We wake up every day following rules we never agreed to, shrinking to fit into boxes we were never meant to occupy, and calling it “normal.” But deep down, we know that’s a lie. The truth is, there’s a life that belongs only to you: a life waiting for you to claim it. This article will challenge the false narratives you’ve inherited, show you how to step into unshakable alignment, and remind you that the life you crave has been inside you all along.

The Lies We Inherited.

From the moment we take our first breath, we’re absorbing the rules of the world around us. Family tells us what’s “appropriate.” Culture tells us what’s “normal.” Religion tells us what’s “holy.” Society tells us what’s “successful.” Over time, those voices become internalized, whispering in our heads like truths: Don’t be too loud. Don’t want too much. Don’t stand out. Don’t take up space. But here’s the reality: these are not truths. They are scripts. And the scripts were never written with your soul in mind.

Psychologists call this generational conditioning: beliefs passed down so seamlessly that we often mistake them for reality. For example, maybe your family believed “money doesn’t grow on trees,” and now you find yourself resisting abundance. Or perhaps society taught you that “success” means stability over fulfillment, and you’ve been stuck in a job that slowly eats away at you. These narratives don’t belong to you, but unless you consciously question them, you live as if they do.

The Power Of Truth.

Truth is a disruptive force but it’s also the most liberating one you’ll ever encounter. When you finally confront the lies and peel them back, you make room for your authentic self to breathe. Living in truth isn’t about tearing your life down; it’s about building it on a foundation that’s actually yours.
Think about this: the Universe is governed by principles like alignment, intention, and divine timing. When you’re aligned with truth, you no longer have to hustle, force, or prove. Instead, life begins to move with you. Doors open you didn’t even know existed. Opportunities magnetize to your energy. People feel the difference when you’re showing up in your realness. Research even shows that authenticity increases not just well-being, but also connection and influence because people trust what feels real.
The truth is not always comfortable. In fact, it often asks you to leave the comfort zone entirely. But comfort has never created greatness. Truth expands you beyond fear, beyond limitation, and beyond the small story you’ve been handed. It reminds you: you are not broken, not behind, not “too much,” and never “not enough.” You are—and always have been—exactly who you’re meant to be.
Dana Grant's Book Entitled 'The Truth WithinThe Lie'

What Needs To Burn. 

Reclaiming your life requires fire. You cannot carry the old narratives into your new chapter. Something has to burn.

  • The old narrative that says you’re not enough. This is the root lie, the one that disguises itself in self-doubt, perfectionism, comparison, and fear of rejection. Burn it.
  • The false identities you built just to be accepted. The “good girl,” the “overachiever,” the “people-pleaser,” the “tough one.” These masks kept you safe, but they also kept you hidden. Burn them.
  • The timelines you inherited that never fit you anyway. Marriage by 30. A career by 40. Retirement at 65. Who decided that for you? Burn it.
Yes, the fire is uncomfortable. But fire is also cleansing, transformative, and powerful. On the other side of it is expansion, freedom, and fierce alignment. Imagine living a life that feels like yours in every cell of your body: raw, real, and unapologetically true. That is what waits for you when you step through the flames.

Here’s your challenge: take out a journal and write down three lies you’ve been living by. Then, for each one, write the truth that feels more alive. Notice how your energy shifts when you see your truth written on paper. If you want to go deeper, I invite you to check out my book, The Truth Within The Lie, where I guide you through this transformative process step by step.

You were never created to shrink: you were created to rise. To speak your truth. To burn the narratives that were never yours and step boldly into the life you were meant to live. The only question left is: are you ready to light the match?

About The Author: 
DANA GRANT

Master Certified Life Mentor

Dana Grant is an International Master Life and Business Coach, author, podcast host, and co-founder of Cali’Flour Foods. She leads global retreats and masterclasses, has overcome personal challenges including addiction, and is featured in outlets like Forbes and Microsoft. Her mission is to help people unlock their full potential and ignite their soul’s purpose.

Photo Credit: Amy Termini Photography

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect, whether in whole or in part, the views of The Open Chest Confidence Academy, its owners, directors, management, employees, subcontractors, partners, affiliates, clients, or members.

Coming Soon, Stay Tuned!

BECOME A TOCCA VIP MEMBER


You can unsubscribe with ease at any time!

WHAT YOU GET:

  • First access & member pricing on all services & programs

  • An extensive partners community of preferred pricing

  • Exclusive offers for newsletter members only

  • Pre-public access to our retreats, conferences, and galas

  • Free enrollment into our e-blast community

  • A weekly round-up of our magazine articles & podcast episodes

BECOME A TOCCA
VIP MEMBER


WHAT YOU GET:
  • First access & member pricing on all services & programs

  • An extensive partners community of preferred pricing

  • Exclusive offers for newsletter members only

  • Pre-public access to our retreats, conferences, and galas

  • Free enrollment into our e-blast community

  • A weekly round-up of our magazine articles & podcast episodes

You can unsubscribe with ease at any time!