Step Aside Ordinary: Self-Help has a New Story in Town

Are stories more digestible than steps and lists?

Step Aside Ordinary: Self-Help has a New Story in Town—because let’s face it, we’re all drowning in the same old self-help clichés. Here’s a few examples:

• We are tired of Generic Advice: “10 steps to happiness” and “5 ways to feel better” are as overused as they are uninspiring.

• I’m Guilty of Creating Lists: I’ve been there. Dishing out the usual “listen,” “validate,” and “don’t dismiss feelings”.

• Time for a Shake-Up: Let’s swap out those boring self-help lists for an engaging story or at least include a story with them.

I’m taking my own advice from my previous post: Step Away from the Self-Help Steps for Better SEO.

Today’s Challenge:

I’ll be swapping out the lists and steps for something a bit more engaging: a story. Because really, who wouldn’t prefer a good laugh and a few tears over more steps? Let’s see if I can deliver a story with the same points, but with more punch and less preaching.

The following story is inspired by my previous post: Toxic Positivity: Keep Your Emoji-Speaking Mantras to Yourself.

Photo by K8 on Unsplash

Self-Help has a New Story in Town:

In the heart of Uptown, bustling shopfronts lined the streets while the aroma of coffee mingled with the city’s relentless hum. Sandy worked as a server at a lively brunch spot, where she added her own rhythm to the urban soundtrack. Each day, the restaurant buzzed with energy, reflecting the vibrant pulse of the neighborhood.

With a permanent smile plastered on her face, she navigated the restaurant’s chaos with practiced ease. But behind that bright façade, Sandy was emotionally and physically exhausted. The constant stream of customer orders and the weight of her own unspoken troubles made her feel like she was running on empty.

Her friends, had taken a well-intentioned approach to her exhaustion. “Just think positive!” they chirped with all the enthusiasm of a broken record stuck on repeat. The advice was as empty as the last cup of coffee served on a busy Sunday.

One particularly gray afternoon, with rain rippling down the restaurant’s windows, Sandy’s patience wore as thin as the edges of a worn-out menu. After finishing her shift, she walked home on autopilot, veering into a small, unassuming café down the street. The Cozy Nook was always quiet and offered a welcome escape from the relentless grind of the outside world.

Inside, was a haven of soft lighting and the gentle hum of a vinyl record playing in the background. The smell of freshly brewed herbal tea was a welcomed replacement for the harsh scent of espresso.

Sandy slid into a comfy oversized chair, feeling the plush cushion welcome her like a long-lost friend. Behind the counter, Greg, the café’s resident listener and a familiar face, greeted her with a nod and a warm, knowing smile.

Photo by Photography Life on Unsplash

Greg’s eyes twinkled with genuine curiosity as he placed a steaming cup of chamomile tea in front of Sandy. “No coffee for you today,” he said, half-jokingly. “I hear it’s a little too strong for stress.”

Sandy chuckled weakly, grateful for his awareness. The tea was soothing, a stark contrast to the anxiety that had become her constant companion. She began to share her frustrations—the endless shifts, the well-meaning but hollow cheerfulness of her friends, and the growing sense of isolation. Greg listened with undivided attention, his eyes never leaving hers.

Instead of interrupting with advice or clichés, Greg simply absorbed her words, nodding along as if each sigh and complaint were a note in a complex symphony. The silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable; it was a space filled with understanding.

When Sandy paused, Greg leaned in slightly. “I hear you,” he said softly. “Sometimes, all we need is someone to listen, not fix. And it sounds like you’ve been carrying a lot on your own.”

Sandy felt a lump in her throat, but it wasn’t from the weight of her worries. It was from the unexpected relief of being genuinely heard. There were no rushed pep talks or insistent reminders to “stay positive.” Instead, Greg offered a quiet validation of her feelings, which allowed her to come to the realization that her struggles were not trivial nor should they be easily dismissed.

Step Aside, Ordinary. Sandy has a New Story

As the rain continued to sprinkle down outside, Sandy found solace in the gentle company of Greg. By the time she left The Cozy Nook, her steps felt lighter, as if the rain had washed away more than just the grime from the city streets. She understood that true empathy wasn’t about dispensing quick fixes but about creating a space where someone could truly be themselves.

Returning to the Brunch Bistro for her shift the next morning, Sandy carried with her a renewed sense of clarity. She knew now that the best support wasn’t in recycling tired advice but in offering a heartfelt connection. In a world flooded with shallow reassurances, she was ready to be the friend who listened—really listened. Just as Greg offered her the life-changing gift of being heard. Her new self-affirming mantra is, “Step aside, ordinary. I have a new story.”

Are stories more digestible than steps and lists?

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Lori K Today is a lifestyle publication. Reflecting on life w/ GenX humor. Sharing relatable mostly short stories, recipes, reviews, and Human Design.