What’s your story?
After attending an event today with Marco Robinson, behind the movement and books Start over, I saw once again how much storytelling means to all of us. I’ve also attended an international MeetUp group for storytelling during this past spring, to practice my own oral skills. Storytelling, when done from an authentic place and for a respectful and curious audience, is what enables compassion to grow, when we can relate.
I’ve used writing for many years to process my experiences and to reframe some of them into what became lessons and of benefit to me; hence my books. Some stories are both easier to share in writing and deserve a larger audience to enable others examples they can use and apply on similar issues or situations. But there is something very special to say it out loud to others and realise the resemblances of what many of us have gone through, to learn how we’ve coped and been able to grow from our experiences. When many share similar stories, it also forms a stronger community and eventually society.
Sitting in circle, is my preferred way, so that we all get to talk equally much, we all can see each other, and we all can listen more intently. Through this way, we can create a stronger sense of group intimacy and confidentiality. A good way to get to know both ourselves, others and the way of the group.
Which are the stories that you tell yourself about your own accomplishments and inadequacies, and what do you tell others? Are you talking from a sense of ownership and empowerment, or from a sense of victimhood? We may not win all battles, but we can be the winners of our own lives. What we’ve overcome and improved, especially in service to others, is what really matters, not what the story is about.
To begin writing your story, you can start by journaling. To reframe an event or relationship, see the pattern with more examples, and dare to change perspective. Then share!
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