Our world is chaotic mess of sensations, perception, and reactions. The brain creates a model of the individual navigating this world. A model is a helpful frame by which the brain can predict what is likely to happen. This evolving model is based on previous inputs and memories.
Had a terrible food poisoning experience with a smoothie? The model might make you less likely to choose it on your next trip to Whole Foods. A model is a helpful frame. But have an inaccurate model? Well it’s going to follow you through life limiting your options. So what story is your model telling you? Is it a helpful framing of what’s going on?