I was listening to a story on the radio and I had a very emotional reaction. Something in the story and words touched a tender area in my heart and I actually teared up while I was driving. I was mesmerized. Upon arriving at my destination I actually stayed in my car for another fifteen minutes to hear the end of the story. THAT is great writing! I remembered these words from Isabel Allende about writing what should not be forgotten, and I gave thanks for the writer of the radio story as their courage touched my heart when I was not expecting it.
We all have stories and adventures that are incredible. Funny, moving, revelatory, even frightful. These are the stories we tell people that provide insights into our flaws, a glimpse into who we were and how we came to be the person we are today. For it is our experiences and the lessons we have leaned from those experiences that make us who we are. They also have the power to keep teaching us lessons long after the moment is over. There is comfort and wisdom in sharing these stories with people as they help us build a bridge between where we were and where they are now. It is our stories that make us relatable to others.
I recently spent time with a senior in high school. She is applying to colleges and has a goal of getting out of school debt free. As a result, we spoke about her long term goal of being a doctor AND being debt free. She has researched and found scholarships and programs that can help her reach both goals. She asked me about my school background and I was able to share my experiences, how I changed my major my sophomore year and how that lead me to a better path for my own happiness. I talked about debt, school, goals and about how life can change…and change is not bad. I told her my story and she asked really good questions.
In driving home after that conversation I realized that in telling my story I reassured myself that I was on the right path AND she had the opportunity to ask questions of an uninvolved resource. Telling the story gave us both a gift – me a reminder and her a different insight. I do not think either of us will forget that dinner anytime soon.
It is our story that tells people who we are, where we started and how we got to where we are today. Sharing gives us the chance to confirm our own commitments and give others the chance to learn and progress by understanding the wisdom we learned along our choices. If we do not tell our stories, they are forgotten and the opportunity to learn and grow is lost. Take time to write or record your stories so people can learn from your lessons. There is nothing like a good story to help make your day better, especially if it TOTALLY relates to who you want to be when you grow up!
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