'What is your story' has been trending for a while now.
Everyone seemed to be asking at one point: counselors, coaches (Tony Robbins), employers, dates. There were even sermons about it! Honestly, it seemed like too big a question to answer for someone who was trying to actually live their story, me included. At the same time it seemed a little contrived, like a way for someone to sell something. Not to imply that I personally am not a buyer of many things, because I am, (shopping therapy can be useful within reason). But, I mean I've lived one heck of a story! And I'm just not comfortable regurgitating all of my memories, are you?
So what about 'what is your story'? Why will it just not go away?
There's a saying: life is long and life is short. Too true. We all live a life, and it is our story; and that in and of itself, is priceless. All stories are priceless. The older I get and the more I've dealt with tragedy and death, the more poignant and clear this has become to me. Stories lost, never told, cut short, swept like water under the bridge of everyday life. Back in the old days some sent and received letters. These stories from the past have helped genealogists put together the puzzles of family histories. Do you write letters? I don't. Nor does anyone I know.
So what to do?
Well, step 1 seems easy, write your own story. Go ahead. Ok, for me it was NOT easy. Hopefully it will be for you. I did find some resources. There are books to help, such as Encyclopedia of Me: My life From A to Z, by Amy Rosenthal. This is a book of prompts that you write your answers in. There are countless guided journaling books and sites. There's a service called Storyworth.com that prints a book created from the guided responses sent over a year.
Truly, the most important part of this whole 'tell your story' thing, is the space you make to sit with yourself and simply tell your story. Allow yourself to hear it. Start chronologically and write or record the things you remember. If that leads to side stories, great! Then return to your timeline and carry on. The cathartic power of putting our memories on paper is startling. Heck maybe you'll even discover an untapped author in you. Or maybe you'll find a piece of yourself you've missed all these years. I have uncovered a lot of true grit and blessings that I didn't take notice of before I started this quest.
Get started and don't stop. Let me know how it goes and I'll keep you in the loop too.