Stories connect us...

The more I share my story, The more stories I hear from other people. Because everyone has a story to tell…it’s all part of their life’s journey. When you think certain people don’t have a story and have only had a great wonderful life, I’m telling you, you would be surprised. Stories of losing loved ones, parents, partners, children,Illnesses, Accidents, Marriage challenges, Abuse, Having to give up a baby, And many other stories have been shared. Sharing stories connect us, And shows just how human we are. Your story is nothing to be ashamed of at all. You don’t need to spread it to the world if you don’t want to, However for me, I choose to share things for a number of reasons, A: To speak to those who may be going through something similar and to know they’re not alone, B: It’s been part of my own healing process C: Because I’ve learnt that sharing, being vulnerable & honest is one of the most rewarding, real and genuine ways to connects us to other human beings. For me, sharing stories isn’t just about all the challenges, the pain, the rock bottoms, But more about what you decide to do with it. What have or can you learn from it…because there are always lessons to be learnt in everything. It could be learning how to forgive, To make the most of every day, To love wholeheartedly, To speak your truth no matter what, To tell those close to you just how much they mean to you, To not take people for granted, To learn to love and appreciate yourself, To accept others for who they are, To show you just how much strength and courage you have within you, To learn what it is you actually want and don’t want in your life. And for many, those lessons are very hard to find depending on their experiences. One thing that I’ve learnt…and continue to practice (ya know, learning to undo old habits) is, When someone is going through something of their own…just listen. Don’t try to fix it, Make them feel better by saying things like time will heal, Try and top their story by sharing yours, Just listen and give advice only if they ask for it. This is the best thing you can do for them. Allow them to open up and be heard, so they can start to heal themselves. Just recently I shared a part of my story with a long time friend, and while I was telling it, something came up for me that I hadn’t taken notice of before, It gave me an opportunity to acknowledge myself of what is possible to do again for myself, And so…now it’s time to take action on a certain area of my life again…I’ve done it before and I can do it again…this is where more healing begins. So share your story with those who you trust and allow others to share their stories too. And together everyone can begin to heal themselves simply by hearing their own words echoing back to them. Photo: A little throwback to when I was 21 with my gorgeous daughter Summa. One of my all time favourite portraits of us together which still gives me all the feels when I see it.