The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Exploring Procrastination, Fear, and Inner Truth

Procrastination is a frequent visitor for me.

Even as I sat down to write this blog post, my mind began offering up a checklist of “urgent” things I just had to do first. And yes — I listened. Off I went to the grocery store.

But somewhere between the parking lot and the checkout line, a quiet truth settled in:
This wasn’t about groceries. It was avoidance.

Maybe for you, procrastination shows up differently. Perhaps it looks like scrolling endlessly on your phone. Or getting pulled into an episode of your favorite show.

Procrastination wears many masks. But underneath them all, there’s often a shared root:

Fear.

Sometimes we begin something — even something meaningful to us — and then lose momentum, shift focus, or make excuses. And no matter how much we try to push ourselves forward, the resistance is there.

So what’s really happening in those moments?

What are we protecting ourselves from?

And how can we begin to meet that discomfort with honesty and compassion?

What Are These Inner Stories?

On the surface, these moments might look like busyness, overthinking, or irritability. But often, they’re fueled by the narratives running quietly in the background of our minds:

“I have too much to do.”
“Why does everyone keep interrupting me?”
“If I don’t do it, no one else will.”
“I’m just going to get this done first, and then I’ll start.”

These are more than passing thoughts. They’re stories — well-rehearsed ones — shaped by our past experiences and beliefs. And more often than not, they’re rooted in fear and self-protection.

Procrastination, in this light, isn’t laziness.
It’s fear wrapped in disguise.

Why We Create These Stories

These unconscious responses were created to protect us. At some point in our lives, we learned that it wasn’t safe to feel certain emotions.  Maybe we were taught to hide our feelings, or punished for expressing vulnerability.

So instead of moving through uncomfortable emotions, we learned to avoid them. We create these stories to help ourselves feel safe.

And while those stories may have served a purpose in the past, they can now hold us back in the present moment and prevent us from fully engaging with life.

An Invitation to Honest Awareness

Is it easier to see through muddy water or clear water?

Our inner world works in much the same way. When emotions are left unprocessed or avoided, they stir up the “sediment,” making it hard to see what’s true for us.

When we don’t pause to explore what’s really going on beneath the surface, it’s like navigating through muddy water. Our thoughts are cloudy, our decisions unclear, our path foggy.

To move forward with clarity, we must begin to settle the sediment — to clear the internal waters so that the truth can gently rise to the surface.

Some of us have no problem getting started — we even build good momentum — but then something shifts. We stop. We retreat. We avoid.

The first step in shifting this pattern is being radically honest with ourselves.

I could have continued to tell myself I needed those groceries. That the trip to the store was justified. But the truth? My kitchen had more than enough to get us through the week. That errand was a comfortable distraction.

When I admitted that, I opened a doorway back to myself — and my truth.

How We Can Begin To Work Through This

Healing begins with awareness.

When you notice yourself procrastinating, take a moment to pause. Bring your attention inward. Ask yourself gently:

• What am I feeling?

• Where is it in my body?

• What does it feel like?

For me, procrastination often shows up as a heaviness in my shoulders — like I’m wearing invisible lead shoulder pads. I also feel a tug in my chest, like a string is pulling me toward the distraction, away from the discomfort.

By tuning into these subtle cues, we soften the edges of whatever pain is hiding underneath. We begin to create space — not to force ourselves into action, but to meet ourselves with presence and compassion.

That’s where healing begins, not through force, but through gentleness.

If you find yourself stuck in old patterns, unsure why you can’t move forward, know this:

You’re not broken. You’re human. And healing is possible.

When we learn to listen — truly listen — to the stories we tell ourselves, we begin to write new ones.

Stories rooted in honesty and self-compassion.

Ready to explore your inner stories?

If these words are landing with you — if you feel that quiet call beneath the surface — know you’re not alone.

Healing is a journey we don’t have to walk in isolation. Sometimes, the bravest step is simply saying, I’m ready to see what’s beneath this fear and resistance.

If you’re struggling with blind spots in your life, a one-to-one healing session can be a helpful guide — like a signpost on your healing journey. I invite you to explore my website and  services, and if it feels right, reach out when you’re ready.

For more insights and inspiration, feel free to connect with me on YouTube and TikTok—where I share healing tips, shamanic wisdom, and stories to support your journey.

I would be honored to walk beside you as you transform fear and old wounds into wholeness, self-love, and a deeper connection with your Spirit Within.