story (n): an account of past events in someone’s life or in the evolution of something.
What’s your story? What’s the past events in your life that have led you to where you are? How has your life evolved? Where did you come from? What makes your heart happy? What are your struggles?
If these were appropriate questions to ask people when first meeting them I would totally be that girl. Unfortunately people would think I am weird or nosey but truthfully there’s something about hearing a person’s story that makes me come alive.
I just love hearing the past, the present and the future plans of a person. I love to see what makes them smile and what makes them feel important. I love hearing new stories and meeting new people who have a different perspective on life to share with me. Every story I hear is different and it’s so beautiful that we all have a certain aspect of life to share with the world.
Stories inspire me. They make me push on through the tough times. They give me hope when I can’t see a good outcome. They help me overcome obstacles. They allow me to see a different side of life. If I could just sit and talk to people all day about their stories, I would do it. If there was a way that I could meet someone new everyday and just hear their heart, I would do it. Not just people on my side of the world but all over. I want to know what makes you who you are. Not because I want to know your business but simply because I believe your story has power. It has worth.
I think we live in a generation that is ashamed of the things we’ve done or haven’t done. We think our story is too much for someone to bear or we don’t think that it has enough action or drama. I mean we see it in the media all the time. You have to have a good story so that it will sell or so that people will be interested. I don’t think that is true. No matter how uneventful your story is to you, that doesn’t mean that it’s the same way for another.
As I get ready to embark on this adventure around the world I realize that the only thing that I really get to bring is my story. It’s really the only thing that any of us can bring to a new place. You hear a story of someone and it sticks with you. You remember a personal story rather then the advice that they give you. That is why sharing your story is so important.
I want to know the stories of the people that I come in to contact with. I want to learn from them. I want to inspire others through their stories. I want to see the beauty of simplicity and the power of a single mother raising her children alone. I want to hear about the man who has a dream to better his community and is doing it without the help of the outside world. I want to hear how people’s dreams have become reality or how they are on their way there. I am not going to fix anyone. I am not going to change something about them. I am going to tell their story, to share the power in the story of one’s life. To tell them how important their story truly is.
Please, don’t ever be afraid to share your story. Sharing your story can create life change. Don’t ever allow a person to diminish that. It is valid. It is important and it is a part of you. Tell it.
