What Stories Are You Carrying?

I was reading a Facebook post about David Gulpilil, an Indigenous Australian who transformed the representation of indigenous people in the movie industry.  He carried the stories of his people into the cinema so their voices could be heard.  Then the post went on to make it personal and inspirational for each reader: 

What stories are you carrying that only you can tell? What truths are you holding because the world hasn't made room for them yet? David Gulpilil didn't wait for permission. He didn't wait for the industry to be ready. He stepped forward, brought his whole self, and changed everything."

I paused as I thought on this.  When I first began to write it was motivated by the desire to interview. I discovered I was intrigued by hearing people share their stories, the further from my own the better.  How did they break out of the box their community expected them to fit into?  And how did they do it without apology. I was fascinated. 

Over time, though, I began to look at my writing in a different way.  I felt like I was a conduit giving a platform to the stories of others and the wisdom they had to share.  I was changed by all I heard, and began to share the wisdom that landed in my lap through my journey as well. The end result for me was a celebration of diversity. We are all different, yet alike. Instead of fearing the unknown, we can embrace it and enjoy the ride.  For me, diversity has become the special sauce that makes life interesting. 

The quote above also brought a new angle to the importance of sharing stories. When people courageously step onto the public stage to share their stories truthfully and without apology the effect can be transformative - to another person, to their community and to industries offering limited views.  Representation matters in all areas of our life. With it comes the knowledge we are not alone.  No matter the challenges we face, there are others in the world with the same desires and struggles. 

We are writing our own story each and ever day. Every choice we make, every action we take adds to our life's script.  I embrace the idea I read that our life journey is to return to the person we were born to be, to shed the chains and limitations put on us by the outside world.  Sharing our stories is how we give back, whether offering wisdom to someone struggling, or the knowledge they belong at the table.  I also believe when we do embrace the person we were meant to be, we find out passion waiting for us.  Okay, maybe it can come in the reverse order, too. It certainly did for me. I found my passion and then came to self acceptance. 

When a door opened for me to interview and write articles for magazines, shocking as I had no credentials, my first purpose was simply sharing the stories of others, and the wisdom they had gained.  Then came the push to share my story and the lessons I had learned along the way.  From there I began to hear the universe whispering and offering guidance in small moments each and every day. Ideas could land while I was reading, talking with a friend, walking in nature and even watching TV.  My writing expanded as my awareness did. 

In one interview an artist shared an idea that hit home for me. She saw her artwork as pieces of gold she had her pocket that she could offer to others to help them heal.  WOW.  It changed my perspective at events. When I walk into a room full of people I now view it as an opportunity to go mining for gold. We all have pieces of gold (wisdom) to share in our pockets. Would I be the one to offer another the gold they needed in that moment, or would I be on the receiving end as someone else offered me the one I needed. Exciting. How do I know who to talk to? I pause each time I enter a room and let my gaze wander until I feel an pull towards someone. That inner instinct is rarely wrong. 

So I ask you today, "What stories are you carrying?"  You don't need to feel shy, and you definitely don't think your story isn't worthy. I felt that way myself and it wasn't true. And I have interviewed over 100 people, many who felt that way, but there was always a great story that emerged as we spoke.  You don't have to write a book or speak on stage. You can share your story wherever you feel comfortable - in a private conversation, in a social media post or a small group. It's up to you where your share. Just know every story matters and that includes yours.