I recently had a positive experience that reinforced for me the power of story to connect us with others and more deeply with ourselves. The editor of F.I.N.E. Success Magazine emailed me after reading my story on this website. She contacted me about sharing the story with her readers, as she believed it would inspire them. Not long after, one of Vikki’s journalists interviewed me and asked questions about key learnings and achievements in my life. Here’s the link to the article on “Well-Balanced Living”. See pages 32 and 33 and click on a page to increase the font size:
http://issuu.com/finesuccess/docs/fine_success_magazine_-_june_2014/1?e=5615554/8148763
Reflecting on this experience, I realize that when we share our challenges and achievements they inspire others. Reviewing our lives and identifying key learnings and achievements helps us to learn more about who we are and what we are here to do in the world. It also enables us to identify and savour our accomplishments.
So next time your inner critic says “Don’t share that it’s boasting” or “What will people think?” , know that when you share your truths (e.g. challenges, learnings and achievements), people will connect with you and be inspired.
Have you shared your story with others? Do you recall how you felt when you first shared a “secret” aspect of your life and/or an accomplishment you were proud of? Did your inner critic “rear its head”? How did the person or group react when you shared your story?
I invite you to share your comments and insights below.
Pam, great article in F.I.N.E. Thanks for sharing. In regard to sharing our stories I agree that it is in the sharing of our stories thwart we can inspire transformation in others. In fact I just held a telecast today that touched on my publishing company’s ‘authentic storytelling’ model and why I am so passionate about it. So, keep sharing your story!
Hi Linda, Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments on my article in F.I.N.E. You are so right that sharing our stories can inspire transformation in others. I would love to learn more about your ‘authentic storytelling’ model. Appreciate your encouragement and support.
Bravo! Congratulations for putting yourself out there, being rewarded and encouraging others to do the same. Initially, it was difficult for me to share my challenges and messiness because I would looked “flawed” and what would people think? But I realized we’re all messy and dealing with challenges and they happen to be the thread binds us together in the fabric of humanity. There’s a relief that we are not alone, and that we are in good company, when we hear about other people’s stories. I’m working on being more vulnerable and sharing more richly, particularly about my messiness! That’s where the real connections begin. Thanks for the encouragement!
Carpe Diem!
Joan Jakel
http://www.LaVidaTrutina.com
Thanks so much Joan for your positive feedback. Good for you for being more vulnerable and “sharing your messiness”. It is often a challenge for us as high achieving women to share our “messiness” as we feel we need to be a “good” role model for others and it also makes us look imperfect. You are so right that it is a relief to know that we’re not alone and showing our vulnerability does indeed connect people more closely with and to us. Good luck sharing your “messiness” and noticing the positive impact it has.
Happy to hear that you enjoyed the blog and my site. Appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Pam