In this honest and thought-provoking episode of The Photographer’s Couch, Megan unpacks a simple but powerful question that stopped her in her tracks:

“Are the stories you’re making up completely true?”

After hearing this phrase on another podcast, it hit differently — because it’s something we all do. Whether it’s in relationships, business, or everyday life, we tend to fill in the blanks when we don’t have all the facts. But those made-up stories can cause unnecessary hurt, distance, or frustration — even when our intentions aren’t bad.

Megan shares real reflections and examples — from tiny moments like choosing lunch to deeper relationship dynamics — and how learning to question her own stories has helped her feel lighter, more grounded, and more connected to truth instead of assumption.

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Your brain fills in the blanks — often negatively. When you don’t have all the facts, your mind tries to complete the story, and it’s rarely accurate.
• Small stories matter. Even minor assumptions (“They’re ignoring me,” “I don’t care about lunch”) shape your feelings and reactions.
• Check your facts. Pause before reacting and ask: What do I know for sure? What am I assuming?
• Communicate instead of assuming. Try saying, “Hey, I’m making up this story in my head that…” — it opens the door for honesty and understanding.
• Change your story, change your outcome. Replacing assumptions with truth-based thinking can completely shift how your day — and relationships — feel.

💬 Real-Life Moments

The Lunch Story: Megan catches herself making up the story that she “doesn’t care” about eating well — then realizes it’s not true. Pausing to rewrite that story helped her make a better choice and feel proud instead of regretful.

The Relationship Story: She reflects on moments she’s been hurt by others’ assumptions and times she’s made her own — realizing that awareness is the first step to healing.

The House Example: When your partner leaves clothes on the floor, it’s easy to think, “They don’t care about me.” But what if it’s just… clothes on the floor? The meaning we assign creates unnecessary emotional weight.

💡 A Mindset Shift

“When I stopped reacting to the stories in my head and started asking what was actually true, I found more peace, more compassion, and better communication — with others and with myself.”

🧠 Challenge for the Week

Next time you feel frustrated or hurt, pause and ask:

• What are the facts?
• What story am I telling myself?
• Is it 100% true?

You might find that simply naming the story helps it lose its power.

🗣️ Connect with Megan

If this episode resonated with you, Megan would love to hear your thoughts or your own “story-check” moments.

📩 Share on Instagram @mgioeliphotography 🌐 Or visit mgioeliphotography.com