I love visiting different places around the world. I especially enjoy staying in a different city and picking up the nuances of different cultures. Even in the US, an experience in one city can be completely different from an experience in another city.
I find it amazing that within the fifty states, we have so much variety. Think about the differences between those living in Manhattan and those in Hawaii. How about the experience in the Rockies vs. those who live in the deep south? And that doesn\’t even begin to consider the differences between those in other countries. Yes, we are a varied people.
Yet, we share some things in common. Sure, we are all part of the human species. But at the core of who we are, we all have a story.
Whether I am in a different city or just walking past people at the local mall, I often find myself thinking \”what\’s your story?\”
We all have a story to tell. Many stories, actually.
We each have hopes and dreams; likes and dislikes; and joys and pain. Who we are today is an accumulation of what we experienced and walked through yesterday and all our previous yesterdays.
I recently wrote on the topic of blogging. As I looked back at this piece, #2 on my list stood out. Be Real.
I\’m convinced that everyone has something to say. You may not think your life is interesting. You may think that your stories aren\’t engaging. You may believe that no one will connect with your experience.
I tend to disagree. I believe the most engaging posts are those that tell a real story which is authentic and heartfelt.
Why do we go to the movies? Why do we watch television shows? Why do we read books?
You may say \”for entertainment.\” That\’s true. But why do we choose to be entertained by these mediums? Because they are telling stories. Stories which we hope will connect with us in some way.
It\’s all about the story. You\’ve had life experiences. You\’ve responded or reacted to those experiences based on your own thoughts and feelings. And now you\’ve got something to say.
Your story might not be earth-shattering. It might make someone laugh with you (hopefully not AT you!). It might introduce a solution to a technical problem which has nothing to do with any emotion, but still be important to the person receiving the information. It might be subtle and have a minor impact.
But what if your story contains more power than that?
Could it be that your story would provide hope to someone struggling with someone in a similar situation? Is it possible that your story could give valuable information to someone who is seeking an answer to a problem? Might it be that your story would have the power to change someone\’s life for the better?
Yes, I believe it could.
What\’s your story? Consider how your life experiences might be used to make a positive impact on the world around you. Because in the end, that\’s what it is really all about.
Do something that no one else can do (unless they write a book about you. And even that is not going to be completely accurate.) Tell your story.
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