Have you ever gone to a conference and people were allowed to come to a microphone and share about their life experiences? Did you ever sit there and think oh my gosh so traumatic, I don’t have anything like that to share?
That was me and the way I thought when I would go to conferences like that and would hear people tell portions of their story. I always felt like my story would be less impactful or less meaningful because it wasn’t a tale of a personal physical or mental trauma.
Yes just like everyone else I have had things that occur in my life that probably seem like the worst possible thing ever but when I compare it to someone else’s story I think of how blessed I was at the time.
We all have stories. And our stories serve a purpose. So I believe, we have life experiences and tests of faith so that we can share them, when the time comes, with the right people so that it provides an impact or a change in their lives. It serves as encouragement, motivation and relief so others will know they are not going it alone.
But most of the time we are afraid or embarrassed to share our stories with others. Because we are so focused on ourselves and how that will make us look. We are afraid of being judged. But.....we should want to share. Here’s why.
You can continue reading or simply watch the video below for blog content.
Why We Should Share Our Stories
When we decide to share our stories with each other it creates a two-way benefit. It benefits the other person by being able to know that they are not the only person that has been through that experience and that they can overcome it. It gives that person hope and strength to be able to see past the issue to the joy on the other side of that experience.
It benefits me because keeping my story inside only serves to increase the heaviness of that situation for me. It is always freeing to let go and open up because in that you also find encouragement and motivation to continue moving forward. It’s like being able to get something off of your chest and feeling that relief. It will begin to help you get past feelings of fear, embarrassment or shame and start to heal.
For me anyway, I begin to embrace it in a new light and see how there are seeds of goodness that came out of that situation when it impacts the life of someone else by hearing my story.
Also for those of you who owned a business as well, being able to have a book that tells your story is a way of building connection with your audience so that they can see how your gifts are being used. We talked about this on my podcast this week and how a book can add credibility to your business and build relationships.
The other thing we seem to always forget is that we are on a heavily populated planet of people and it is that way for a reason. We are not meant to be alone or siloed from others. We are meant to communicate, build relationships, and collaborate with people around us that we know and don’t know. That is how new relationships are made and new friendships are born. That is the way it was meant to be.
So when you start telling yourself this story about you’re being an introvert and you just like being by yourself…… think again. That may just be a story that you choose to tell yourself to stay hidden in the shadows and not put yourself out there and step outside of your comfort zone. It may be a story that does not serve you well. It was for me.
Share Your Gifts
We all have gifts and abilities that other people do not have. My son’s friend, who I’ve known since he was about 15 and he is now 30, makes a mean red velvet cake. It is moist and with just the right hint of chocolate and it is delicious. That is a gift for him and I know this because I have tried making red velvet cakes before and failed miserably. The taste was awful. And I know others who swear by their red velvet cake and they are master bakers but it still doesn’t taste as good as his that he does in my kitchen for me every now and then.
So I keep encouraging him to use that gift. It’s a small thing but it could bring a lot of joy to a lot of people. I think he has a hidden passion that he won’t openly explore because he really likes to bake. I will keep working on him.
Open up and share your stories so that you can share your gifts. Your stories are tied to your gifts and your passions and are meant to be given away.
Have you ever thought about writing a book about a part of your story that’s been weighing on your mind? Well don’t think about it, just do it! It’s as simple as picking up a pen and paper and starting. I know I have several stories inside of me whether traumatic or not that can impact the lives of others and it’s taking me a while to put it on paper but I’m doing it slowly but surely.
As a matter of fact, I have a devotional book that should be out in early 2020. It is a devotional meant women dealing with life and business. Don’t worry let you know when it’s available.
Candice Davis, my podcast guest this week, gave good tips on how to do just that. Check out this week’s podcast episode to hear some of my struggles and some of the advice she so expertly gave to overcome those challenges.
Writing a book is a chance for you to learn how to put your story to use to help others and not just keep it inside and let it weigh on you. Sharing that could very well change your life as well.
Are you looking for ways to stretch yourself and share your story with other like-minded individuals so that you can start to impact the lives of others?
I have got two fun ways for you to do that.
First check out my free gift to you to help you in creating a new and fun opt in for your website that will help serve to share your gifts with the world and give you an opportunity to share your story.
Then check out my friend Kellie McCausey’s Stretch Yourself Challenge. We have already started but you can get all the details here and do the self study follow along. You can join the Facebook community and start to build relationships with other women to share your story.
So what kind of impact can your story make? Share a bit of your story in the commments.
Leave a Reply