As the nights grow longer and shadows creep, our minds conjure stories—some more sinister than others. In this Midday Mindset session, Dr. Heath unearthed how self-narratives, much like ghost stories, haunt our minds. But are these inner tales just figments of our imagination, or do they control our lives? Let’s explore how the spooky stories we tell ourselves can imprison us in fear or free us to thrive. Spine-Chilling Self-Narratives: Our self-narratives are like ghost stories whispered in the dark—formed early, they linger in our brains, shaping how we see ourselves. Dr. Heath compares these cognitive ghosts to the monsters under our beds—figments of our past that feel all too real. The brain, much like a haunted house, often convinces us these stories are true, but they might be nothing more than tricks of the mind. Example: Ever feel that creepy voice saying, “I’m destined to fail”? That’s just your brain playing tricks—don’t let the ghost in the mirror tell you who you are. Rewiring the Haunted House (Your Brain): Just as ghost hunters cleanse haunted spaces, neuroplasticity allows us to rewire our minds, sweeping away the cobwebs of negative self-narratives. By reframing our stories, Dr. Heath explains, we banish these inner phantoms. A simple shift from “I’m cursed” to “I’m learning” can transform a fearful existence into a more empowered one. Research shows that slaying the demons of negative thinking through reframing boosts mental resilience and flexibility. Facing Your Inner Goblins with Self-Awareness: Every eerie tale begins with a moment of realization—the characters realize they are haunted. Similarly, self-awareness is the first step in recognizing when your brain is crafting a frightening fable. “Your brain’s first trick is to scare you into staying in your comfort zone,” says Dr. Heath. Awareness allows you to fight back and rewrite the script. Tips for Slaying Your Inner Demons: • Incantations (Positive Affirmations): Repeating empowering self-talk is like chanting a protective spell, warding off the darkness of negative stories.