How to Narrate Your Life Story

The difference between despair and hope often boils down to different ways of telling stories from the same set of facts. Some of the art of living means learning how to tell the story of our lives back to ourselves.
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FURTHER READING
“At moments of sorrow and exhaustion, it is only too easy to look back over the years and feel that our lives have, in essence, been meaningless. We take stock of just how much has gone wrong: how many errors there have been; how many unfulfilled plans and frustrated dreams we’ve had...”
You can read more on this and other subjects here: goo.gl/Dw7f1t
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CREDITS
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[@readysetgrow511]

"No one ever gets anywhere important in one go. We have to be able to forgive ourselves for our first drafts." Holy cow this quote is relevant to me. My favorite video from you guys in a while. Please keep up the good work!

[@Kruemmel97]

I agree !

[@nishitdua]

when a KZbin channel shapes your thoughts more than your parents

[@gordontang9640]

Nishit Dua whole team of professionals behind the scene. read their bio on their website

[@68wayupintheskyftw61]

Nishit Dua probably not your parents probably influence more than you would first think.

[@nishitdua]

Fairy Khamari true dude True but sad

[@68wayupintheskyftw61]

Semper Reformanda lol

[@kavyarajendran4969]

Nishit Dua Truth😷

[@LilKrill01]

Forget me narrating my life story, I want Morgan Freeman to do it

[@user-hx1nr9ru1p]

Devon Lowe I'd prefer Sir David Attenborough.

[@jayfawn8478]

y'all sucks there's no other best narrator than Alain himself

[@sleep3417]

I'd rather have wayne june narrate it.

[@shiskeyoffles]

or David Attenborough

[@shiskeyoffles]

+Adi ya..

[@AbsurdExistentialist]

This video caught me off guard and has left me speechless. In the good way.

[@mightysalmonstudioslimited]

This video is beautiful. Rejection and failure are hard to accept, but when you do accept it as part of life, you see it as something beautiful. A journey of battles to reach victory, not a journey of despair.

[@femryswatson5105]

The only thing I feel like saying, is that the way you talk to yourself makes all the difference. And I'm usually very hard on myself, so I'm not saying it's easy. But once you start doing it, once you start accepting and loving your story, it will get easier and easier.

[@thegossipswan009]

Femrys Watson we often forget how to be a best friend to our self..

[@femryswatson5105]

Unfortunately, we do. We look for people to make our lives better, but we need to begin with ourselves...

[@thegossipswan009]

No one can make our life better, except ourselves. We always look happiness in others, but the true happiness lays in us.

[@jack_amie]

My life is based on a true story

[@tiagomnlmnl]

jack amiegbe and you're played by Brendan Fraser

[@Xeyph]

Mine too, I just strive not to be played by Nicolas Cage.

[@warrenhall3500]

i strive to be played by Nicolas Cage

[@francissreckofabian01]

I am Nicholas Cage

[@Pfhorrest]

Good. Be honest with yourself, even if it makes you miserable. It's your only hope of avoiding future misery.

[@DestructorEFX]

Every video that you guys make is a confort to me. I love to know that i'm not the only one who thinks and questions the very basic human condition, the little feellings in our daily routine. Thank you guys from Brazil!

[@aishashaikh5699]

Destructor EFX I love this channel too idk why but some people call it a cult lol

[@michaelpesavento8268]

Hi, Thank you! I really needed this today.I'm sick, needing a kidney transplant and on dialysis,I'm living with my sister and her family for the moment but she's decided to kick me out. So I'm having to go to the government welfare office this morning to apply for help. I was our Mother's caregiver for twenty five years after she was hit by a drunk driver and permanently disabled. After she passed I got sick and now when I'm the one that needs help,I'm made to feel like an unwanted burden. People keep telling me it's her problem and not me, but it still hurts to feel so easily discarded. Trying to tell my story to myself in a positive light. Hope it works:/ Thanks.

[@benjaminarya829]

Michael Pesavento I wish you good luck

[@mashudakarbary1470]

Michael Pesavento oh my word :( i will pray for you love from south africa

[@abdulalasmari6372]

Michael Pesavento 😭😭

[@michaelpesavento8268]

Hi Thank you, Do you follow "Steven Jay"? he's from SA and does mostly reaction vid's now. Thanks.

[@michaelpesavento8268]

Hi Benjamin, Thank you and good luck to you too. Did you know your first name means "Child Of Joy"? :) Thanks.

[@thuhuyenta2192]

I spent nearly one and a half hour translating your video into my mother tounge- vietnamese as your video was so inspiring and meaningful. Please approve my translation, I put so much hope in it

[@TheNemest]

Tạ Thu Huyền Thank you for your translation

[@ilovemeevennow9125]

That’s so beautiful 😻 wish I could hear it anyway I don’t speak that language

[@jazziew2148]

I defy anyone to find a more soothing, wise & meaning-packed 5 minutes on KZbin. You have my deep thanks.❤

[@duncanlycan4791]

me narrating my life 21yo: Wow I can't wait to become an adult. 22yo: Whoa. 23yo: Ummm... 24yo: Wait. 25yo: Oh God. 26yo: Please make it stop.

[@jenster29]

Duncan Lycan ha... wait another 10 years. 😅

[@-anaamna5616]

Duncan Lycan you mean 16: ohh I can't wait to become an adult

[@coreycox2345]

30 yo: This is more like it. 40 yo: I will define what I want and get it 50 yo: That's it? Everything I wanted is anticlimactic compared to working for it. What now...stand around with hands in pockets? BORING. 60 yo: See what is precious and value it. Think "How the hell am I 60. I feel pretty much as I did at 21, except I have learned a few things. I worry that mine bones are about to get creaky. If time actually goes this fast, I could be dead in what seems like 10 minutes. Damn." ... ? Damn. ;)

[@jackowners8676]

Duncan Lycan this is so me. So true. Smh

[@NessieAndrew]

Duncan Lycan Well in my country you become an adult at 18.

[@sunnyhazen7832]

His voice makes me sleepy 😌 I listen every night to fall sleep 😴

[@gottaluvselena]

I used hesitate to watch these videos because the truths within them seemed too harsh for me to take anything from. However, I feel finding this channel was one of the best things I discovered on the internet. These videos are so informative and straight forward, but still offers a profound simplicity. Your videos have impacted me just after a couple months of watching these videos! Thank you.

[@honorwayson3930]

I failed medchool in Berlin 2 years ago. My entire life fell apart. I had to move back to the city where my parents stay, because my jobs were bound to the condition of me being a medstudent. I am 28 now, have been struggling against suicidal impulses, lost major parts of my humorous, extroverted personality, have become isolated (I have no friends in this city), alone. I struggle everyday to try to get back into another medical school (outside germany), but there are many barriers that end up preventing it (tuition in UK and US, language barriers in other EU countries etc.). I hate my life and don't know what to do. All my life I was the straight A student. Always did my best. In medschool, while others went partying, relaxing or sleeping, I was working in one of my 3 jobs to get through the month, while trying to pass my exams and have a perfect attendance in university. In the end, a heavy depression and burn-out, ruined an important exam. I failed 2 times in a row (didn't attend the first time and failed the remaining two attempts.. always the same way... months of hard studying, just to sit in front of the exam and suddenly having no knowledge to draw upon.. as if the hours of mental torture and discipline neverhappened..). Now the guys that always copied my answers during exams or whom I explained things, who had money and a life, are wearing white coats, treat patients and tell others how hard they worked, while I went above and beyond my limits and lost everything. I want to be a doctor. There is no other profession I can see myself in. I am lost.

[@TheNemest]

Thank you for sharing your story. I had a similar experience in some ways, dropping out of college after burn out. Have you considered becoming a medic?

[@KeithCanKiss]

Honor Wayson Hey it's just a process . I was a bright kid in Med school too but lost my exams in finals . It took me 3 attempts & endless days of isolation & endless nights of depression to fight back . Just don't give up coz after a few years u will b so proud of urself fr fighting back & treating patients . Never lose hope . Lots of hugs & love ❤️❤️❤️

[@siljemo9069]

I hope you will be ok!! Thank you for sharing this. I hope you find a way to enjoy other things in life than work.

[@ekikobozy2007]

Honor Wayson I’m a young medical doctor... with 1 year of practice, I feel so so empty inside. Keep your head up brother.

[@pohonphee]

Sometimes I think what could get me through those years as med student and my early years of practice, what is important is not being a doctor itself, but what can I do for others or for my self if I become a doctor. Being a doctor is not the end result, it is just a mean to do what I like to do. At the end, if everything seems to fail you or me, it is okay for not being a doctor as long as I can do what I like to do. I can be a nurse, therapist, teacher, psychologist, it doesn't matter. So what you like to do if ever you become a doctor? Never too late to quit, never too late to start again. I hope everything goes well now.

[@alexislapuz687]

Unexpectedly cried watching this. It feels so seen knowing that you have power, you ultimately create meaning in your life. No matter the challenges. Akin to an artist or author that creates a piece of art and shows to the public after many attempts behind the scenes without others knowledge. Whatever reason family, culture, religion, gender, social class, sexual orientation that is independent of your self prescribed identities that make you as an individual you, like your decisions, inner self reflections, etc. As a young person, its so easy to do what is safe, what gains you acceptance from ppl around you. But to be yourself. That honestly takes not just time. It sometimes means messing up. I just turned 27. And something I learned paradoxically is the process and adventure of maturing but most of all unlearning things actually help to be more of who and where you want to be. Some get there quick, others more time. The results of things we did in our lives got us to where we are today. There is no perfect life. Perfect decision. That is not say take life trivially, but the narrative of one's life value is unique. Its not staight forward and its difficult to know whats the proper decision. That is your judgment and honestly thats terrifying but also amazing. Why? Because with more experience and mishaps you become a more effective and decisive and competent you. Not judging your life based off an ideal stranger's life crafted on social, not your parents, peers, or community. Life is a creative endeavor not a scientific measurement not can a robot replace you as a human being as a whole be better at who you are. Being a better you is all you can create to do, hopefully the product is fun, functional, and sharing and collabing w others is mutually inspirational thru lifes that is layered with struggles and emotions but as well as love

[@anabonn3044]

Thank you Alain De Botton. Your voice is so compassionate, and your message so sincere. So happy to live on this time of humanity when we can reach wise people at the other side of the planet by just a simple click. I feel truly lucky

[@en5001]

shine on you crazy diamond!

[@myenekoshearron.m.n.smynew8212]

Smiling Iam, Shining thru to the other side. Trusting myself, Loving myself. Unleashing the BEST VERSION OF ME...

[@KILITZI]

tears rolling..... I felt warmth to read the comments...thank you TSOL... I always smile when I get a notification of a new video.

[@rea8585]

Remember this guys: "No one gets anywhere important in just one go"

[@bldomingo]

You have no idea how much I needed this today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@onlylovecanwin]

I recommend anyone to write their own autobiography, even if you're the only one that reads it. You'll be surprised at the things you remember when you start remembering.

[@hayouram]

I simply cannot get enough of these inspirational videos. After watching a marathon of these videos, I gained much confidence to believe how my suppressed negative thoughts are definitely worth challenging. This is life changing! Thank you!

[@user-onyoutube868]

I am convinced that the producer of these videos has had compassion instilled in their core being to a depth that is quite remarkable. Thank you for sharing your compassion, wisdom, and knowledge.

[@mephistophelesthesilentchi3446]

Life itself is meaningless, but living is not.

[@user-ed5ke8mt7s]

Well said!

[@kiwi.kiwi.]

Life and living have a meaning, kindness.

[@kiwi.kiwi.]

@Cliff Hanley I mean that we have to spread kindness everyday in life so therefor life and livings meanings are kindness for me. Kindness, positivity, helpfulness, belief and faith are all the keys to achieve. (I know this by my own experience.) May not be for you though...depends on your destiny and experience.

[@hagenyna9500]

Well said 🙌

[@tactteam00]

Beautifully written, narrated, and animated videos that are honest, meaningful, compassionate, and always manage to console and calm. Love this channel

[@RKamomil1]

I don't know how you manage to do this at the very exact moment of my life when I need it the most. Thank you school of life you really are an amazing KZbin channel, you deserve everything.

[@mohamedalbreiki6570]

This made me tear up a bit... The feelings couldn't have been more perfectly worded, and the emotions are absolutely real. Thank you so much for making this beautiful video and making me more hopeful about life.

[@raphaellm]

I think this is probably my favorite video from School of Life. And the music helped to make the video better.

[@loulou2302]

Thank you for making this video on the right time for my life, last night I'm contemplating on why I was keep on being rejected on any job interview, my papers where rejected yesterday as well. I'm thinking on giving up again or just push through this. My perseverance is waning, my prayers are now a shout of plea rather than faith, I know deapair won't lead me to anya good, but I just want to have a peaceful and kind work environment but even that is difficult to find. I'm crying.

[@danielbadel]

Your videos couldn't be more fantastic. Thank you for so much wisdom. I'm sure you bring peace to many of us who watch them.

[@donzadonz1]

This was so relatable, it made me take a step back and revaluate my negative outlook towards my life. This video gave me hope, thank you.

[@janai4477]

I discovered this treasure and cannot stop of listening. Thank you, The school of life for existing. I am going through a hard time and your videos are helping me a lot.

[@elbradavid533]

This episode more than any other saved my whole day. No exaggerating. Thank you. Will be playing this every morning til it's memorized.

[@manjotsingh19999]

The School of Life is hands down the best KZbin channel out there. It seems almost tailored to my interests. Keep up the good work guys! Really appreciate the content you're putting out there.

[@Efizhar]

This video made me tear up a little. It's very crucial to remember we are not our own enemy and treat ourselves kindly. This serves as an educational reminder, as well as shedding light on our outlook of life itself. Thank you.

[@emiliaiskra8580]

This is so beautiful, so important, and so relevant. I've never immediately re-watched a video on KZbin before in my life. And I imagine I'll be coming back to this on a regular basis. Thank you for this beautifully made video-packed full of value but also put together in such a way that feels soothing and healing to watch.

[@christophergoodwin4154]

I so glad you guys exist. Don't know where I'd be without you lads

[@MiddleChild84]

You've given me peace I've never been able to find on my own before. Thank you for your work.

[@karaeidsvik7306]

I love the style of this video. It makes me feel like I am being read to. It feels like a bedtime picture book for grown ups, where complicated problems are clearly stated and placed within a safely viewed but whole and honest construct. I appreciate these videos and the time I spend with them daily.

[@jensebermann4735]

So true! Great artwork..

[@Zachopotamus]

I didn't know how much I'd needed to hear these words until now. Thank you so much for what you do, School of Life.

[@JavierCR25]

This is probably the sweetest nicest thing I've seen in a long time. Thank you!

[@robertanimrod1191]

This video made me tear up... I love you, TheSchoolOfLife.

[@d3a1990]

Moving. This channel is of the utmost importance. Thank you, School of Life.

[@nicholasmartins3096]

Thank you so much School of life for always making me feel better in hard times!!

[@DrSeethe]

thank you for this. this video now makes me want to smile when I go through humiliating times and say "its okay, im growing"

[@litjunkie3808]

I gasp in admiration at how true every word is of this...Not a word seems wasted.Such poignancy and truth are rarely to be found....

[@TheArtfulNarrator]

You guys always make such thoughtful and moving videos. I was feeling really depressed and being super hard on myself. Thank you for reminding me of these truths. : ' )

[@dEfLiFtEr1]

thank you for inspiring me to see my life with being able to have a voice of reason commentating about life and sort of a little description of the way to think of positive ways to change it for the better. it made my windows to my soul wet from rain.

[@mitro2828]

This is probably my favourite school of life video, because it is true, our lifes are stories of overcoming difficulties and failures and stories that dont have big obstacles, self-doubt and rising from the ashes are boring.

[@edwardcasas2137]

This is so true, we must learn from our mistakes, some that we control other we can't. We must know that we are all incredible beings. We are masterpieces of the universe.

[@AverageJoeSchmidt]

Thank you so much for this video. There are stories in my family that I want to tell including my own. This video helped me think about the low points of life in redemptive ways that I hadn't considered before. My goal is to not only tell the high points but to give a full picture from a POV that sees the best in people, life and the circumstances we tend to encounter. Thank you again. I'll be watching this video several times as a reminder of the kind of mindset I want to cultivate.

[@briankivuti]

[@leoslounge]

i feel like every time im going through something in my life a new video seems to pop up from the school of life talking to me about my problem as if they know me and what im thinking like these videos were made just for me

[@KodieCollingsGaming]

Excellent video. I personally always focus on the negatives in life and beat myself up for mistakes and missed opportunities. When in fact, mistakes are an essential part of learning and improving. On social media, we tend to only see the good highlights of other peoples lives making us feel less successful and valued. But we all make mistakes. We're only human after all. Have a good day everyone.

[@montserrattorresnadal5087]

KCG - Kodie Collings Gaming so true

[@scrampledegg-nj1bj]

practicing self love is tough, and it's a slow process, but it's worth it. I'm still trying, but it's crazy how far I've come, like I make mistakes now and instead of my brain going directly to self destruct, I'm like it's ok, mistakes happen

[@atvchris1]

You guys have no idea how amazing and helpful you are to so many people

[@paulovela4619]

This gave me so much peace... Thanks School of Life, keep on!

[@gperson1967]

I love knowing I signify nothing. That we all mean nothing. It’s deeply comforting as a thought, because if we don’t matter then neither do our failures. This acceptance and joy at contemplating meaningless fills me with awe at the sheer massive scale of this gorgeous universe. And comfort at the fact that no matter how fucked up we get as a species, we will most likely not fuck up the whole damn universe by ourselves.

[@abcca1482]

this piece is the best one yet. it really warms my heart. thank you so much.

[@conectorciencia9881]

Simple and yet wonderful text, sound track, and illustrations. Changed my day, cleared my mind.

[@SiddharthaGhoshSid]

This is the most uplifting video I have watched in a long time. Thank you 🙏 so much!

[@FantomwithanEff]

I must thank you guys for such amazing videos. I have had so much peace in my life, like I tell you I am thriving..

[@JayZondi-cd8jj]

Thank you. Great stuff to be reminded of on my birthday. Life could've been better, but could've been worse. I think of my past and what could've been worse. I think of my future and what could be better.

[@celticprince637]

Simple, yet powerfully supportive video suggesting that we might consider viewing our lives through 'kinder', less disparaging eyes......

[@robinschmahl1327]

that is so beautiful...after experiencing the end of a lovely relationship that is exactly what I needed...thank you guys!

[@Nachoandsalsa1]

Bit gay

[@Slendermanfreak]

just shut up

[@rra7490]

Wow Rude!

[@wladapoljakova7006]

it's only morning and this already made my day. thank you so much.

[@Swishead]

One of your best videos in a while

[@JsnKrishna]

Joshua Pimm I second your words

[@ilauronen9825]

and I third them!

[@eftihisbotonakis7204]

fourth

[@gisizzlah]

in tears. I needed this. thank you.

[@HollyClothier]

This is so beautiful. Thank you ❤️

[@carbono12videos]

Thank you, Alain. I really needed that.

[@bongo990]

"Horrors of a first draft" how beautifully put! I shall remember this line forever.

[@-anaamna5616]

Ritwik Ghosh yes it resonated with me too ☺️

[@Aquarellina]

probably the most valuable channel on the internet

[@fasver]

Your faith has got to be greater than your fear. Your love must be greater than everything. Stay positive, because whether you are alright or not, if you can or cant, you are correct either way. So don't fill your mind and heart with anxiety based on negative expectations, instead do the contrary believe in the higher version of yourself guided through love and understanding towards your existence and life. Luv 2 all.

[@rickmoro705]

I can't believe this! I was just having a conversation this morning with a young man in his early twenty' s I said to him allway's be aware of your self awareness and of others as well There is a lot of underlying currents in one's life not untill you walk a mile in another person's shoes can you begin to evaluate their path of their life.

[@LynnNeumann]

This lifted me up when I needed it most. Thank you.

[@Xolerys]

Congrats on being on the trending! Great video as always!

[@FutureLaugh]

thank you for these heart felt videos, sharing with friend who need it. Your videos and philosophy are very valuable to me.

[@Yervy]

This was incredibly well done

[@shilpasinha5186]

so meaningful and relatable! my eyes teared up! thank you for the motivation! 😊

[@iman.a.t]

I need this on paper to read when things get out of hand. Love and thank you :)

[@TheeSeniorJr]

This was much needed! :) Thanks for everything School of Life!!

[@giornehim5439]

This is such a great source of inspiration. thank you for your work , it really does help.

[@khouloud755]

Thank you for spreading the light, please continue.

[@planetagonzo]

I,m totally in love with the voice of this narrator. Is a pleasure listen you. Great videos. Love them!!!

[@PaulSutherlandnow]

I really appreciate these videos. Please keep it up you guys are doing an excellent service to the world

[@danielgheorghe2912]

This video is simply amazing. It touched my heart and my soul. Thank you!

[@bluesmooke]

This channel is a beacon of light.

[@thynguyen911]

life can be meaningful even when it involves a lot of failure and humiliation - what a beautiful quote!

[@mrflinstone57]

The music in this one is so beautiful and optimistic!

[@pygmyshooo]

I don't usually comment, but this was wonderful and has really helped me process a difficult period in my life. Thank you :)

[@thomasmisson]

And....yep...I just started crying. I needed this.

[@morpheusspirit6609]

Absolutely brilliant. The best explanation of personal storytelling. Thank you. 👌🏽❤️

[@MalviynMTS]

this channel doesn't have any respect on religion and dreams,but it feels good that someone cares about "us"

[@noqairev]

your "now" at the end has become a lot softer, i like it, and, i know what you are doing :)

[@KM-uk2rt]

Thank you school of life, best videos for when you need a boost in self esteem

[@suriantovar-sheridan4575]

this act of watching this video was just so perfectly timed in my life

[@trinityhindman746]

Beautiful! Thank you for this nugget of truth and wonderful reminder.

[@mizzassassin]

I love The School of Life; they do an amazing job of helping you put things into a perspective you otherwise wouldn't have seen unless pointed out to you. Sometimes you just need to hear someone say out loud the things your subconscious is trying to tell you. I think a lot of people in my generation(Millenials) would benefit from this and other videos on this channel.

[@nadinesimon2771]

This is one of the best videos of School of Life!

[@wafaaharmel4643]

i love you Alain !! Thank you for this channel you beautiful human being !!!