The Power of a Story
“Every person’s story has power, and when you learn to be okay with your story, and accept your story, it can help other people.”
- Sandra V. (a friend, former co-worker, and one of my first clients)
When I heard Sandra say this in the telling of her story, it stopped me in my tracks, because it resonated with me on such a deep and profound level. My motto (which you can see prominently displayed on the Home page of my website) has always been that everyone deserves the chance to tell their story, and every story deserves to be told. I think we often fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to other people, which can lead to feelings of inferiority and unworthiness. “Who would want to hear my story?” “I don’t have any stories worth telling.” “Nobody understands my experience anyway.” But as Sandra’s statement so eloquently reminded me, it is so important for us to push past these self-doubts and share our stories anyway, because our stories do hold incredible power, whether we realize it or not.
How many times have you heard or read someone’s story and felt the impact of that story for days, weeks, months, even years to come? Do you think the person who shared that story knew that their story would have that effect on anyone? We tend to consider other people’s stories as sources of wisdom, hope, and inspiration. Whether a story comes from a famous figure in society, from a respected elder of your family, or from your friend, neighbor, classmate, co-worker, or random acquaintance, every story you hear has the potential to completely change your life. We’ve all had experiences in our lives that we feel alone in navigating, and stories have the power to instantly change that. When you hear someone tell their story of going through the exact same thing you’re going through, you instantly feel connected to that person. Their story can make you feel validated and less alone in your experience, and give you the reassurance that at least one other person out there has been through it and understands. We seek out these stories, whether we realize it or not. When we’re struggling, we look for support from communities of people who have experienced similar struggles. Support groups, friends, family members, online villages: all of these are sources we turn to for the comfort and support of people’s stories.
We can only receive these stories if people are willing to share them. You may feel completely alone in your experience, until you hear someone else’s story of having the exact same experience. But you only find that connection if that person shares their story. So it stands to reason that the same is true of you, as well. If you choose to share your story, you never know who it might reach, who might desperately need to hear it, who might be out there searching for that connection, that validation, that comfort. You could literally save someone’s life without even knowing it. This is the power that our stories carry - the power of connection and shared humanity. Your story is worthy. YOU are worthy. You deserve the chance to tell your story, to forge that connection, to have your voice heard. And your story deserves to be told, to have its power shared, to take its rightful place in the common story of humanity. So share your stories, with anyone willing to receive them. You never know what good you might be doing!
