Why ‘Master stories’ is now ‘Meta stories’
A small change with a big reason.
I LOVE it when I get encouragement from somebody about my book. But when someone points out a flaw AND suggests a solid way forward, I appreciate it just as much.
And so it happened.
A brave and trusted friend of mine had been chewing through a recent substack about Three Stories and felt that something wasn’t quite right.
When I first came up with the idea for the Three Stories framework, the term ‘Master Stories’ felt right. I’d been back and forth a bit, trying to find the right word, and I thought this was it.
It evoked a sense of overarching influence, a foundational narrative dictating significant parts of our lives. These are the ‘givens’ – the circumstances, events, and inherent traits we don't choose but shape us. From things like the circumstances of our birth and our family dynamics to life mistakes we’ve made or major health challenges, these elements are undeniable forces.
I’ve always had in mind from the very beginning of writing this book that accessibility and inclusivity are crucial. And now I think ‘Master stories’ feels off. It’s not within the compassionate and empowering tone I want to convey.
The concern
The word ‘master’ carries a complex history, and in certain contexts, it can be associated with hierarchical power structures, control, and even historical injustices like slavery.
While my initial reasoning was related to mastery in the sense of an overarching narrative, the potential for unintended connotations is now clear. Thank you, brave friend!
Language is powerful, and it's crucial that the words we choose genuinely serve to clarify and empower, rather than create barriers or evoke discomfort for readers.
Hello ‘Meta stories’
It was suggested to me that I should replace ‘Master’ with ‘Meta’. And on reflection, this feels right, really right. Initially I was cautious of the associations with a certain Facebook and Instagram parent company, but I don’t think this will be a blocker.
Why ‘Meta’?
"Meta" literally means ‘beyond’ or ‘about.’ This perfectly captures the essence of these types of stories: they are the overarching narratives beyond our direct control, the foundational elements about which our lives are built.
It suggests a higher-level perspective, a comprehensive view that encompasses these unchangeable aspects of our existence.
It is to be noted that the shift to ‘Meta stories’ doesn’t change the core meaning – that these are the parts of our lives we must learn to acknowledge and accept to find peace and clarity.
It still represents those aspects that define us without our input, but does so with language that is more universally welcoming and less open to misinterpretation.
Not reinventing the wheel
This change is a refinement, not a reinvention. Three Stories is still progressing as a book and a way of reframing life’s challenges. And I’m listening to feedback, which I think is a good thing.
So here we go, the three stories:
Micro stories: The immediate actions you can control to build momentum.
Macro stories: The complex, ongoing projects requiring time and collaboration.
Meta stories: The ‘givens’ you learn to accept for inner peace.
I hope that all makes sense!
Love
Andrew