As humans, we connect on many different levels, and I believe the one that resonates with us the most is our story.
When I have an experience, thoughts collect and emotions build. It soon becomes a memory in which I have feelings that can vacillate between feeling awesome to possibly anger and teeter among resentments and what if’s; joy and happiness.
Life lessons are learned and mistakes are understood. From this place of continuous push – pull for growth, transformation, and increased knowledge, my story evolves. Sometimes one chapter at a time, while other times it diverges into new stories.
Each one builds on the other; in hindsight, recognizing the paths I have walked and the directions they have led. As I share my stories with others, they can be a light post upon which the path can lead them to new discoveries, new awareness, or new perceptions.
I prefer to tell stories as an example of triumph, success, and hope. No matter the trials and tribulations, the curve balls thrown at us or the obstacles we face; the opportunity for success is in the next word, sentence or chapter.
My story today begins from birth, as I was born with a 60% hearing loss in both ears. My parents never thought I would be able to have a “normal” life, hear music, or communicate effectively. However, as my story evolved over my lifetime, what they feared the most has become my life purpose and passion.
Because of my hearing loss, other senses became stronger enabling my intuitive skills to be exceptionally keen, my observation of surroundings to be acute, my hearing what is not spoken to be extremely strong, and my seeing what is not shown to be highly evident.
These became my strengths, upon which today they are used in my life coaching practice, my videography work with live productions for bands and musicians, and the written word through my writing to express what I feel on the deeper levels that have become a part of who I am.
All my experiences are nuggets showing me a better way, perhaps an easier way to be in the world but not of it. By honoring the handicap I was given at birth, I am honoring the gift I have as a result. Although there have been many people along the way who have not understood who I am, what this means to me and how my story applies to the bigger picture – of how my uniqueness is empowering for me and others – I continue to strive to be better today than yesterday.
I have learned to be authentic and not hide from who I am, which has been my greatest achievement. It has given me the courage to step fully into fulfilling what I know is my life’s purpose. Since my hearing is impaired, my mind and intuition have had to step in and make up for what is missed.
This has been my life’s work and what has led me to Core Thinking for High Achievers. I pass along my knowledge gained, what I learn daily and what I pick up from other’s stories. We are all in this life journey together and I would hope that any or all my stories can be a spark for you to have a voice for your own stories.
John Peterson is a clinical psychologist that is doing some interesting presentations on how the stories in the bible aren’t to be take literally, but figuratively. But he goes one step further by explaining how we should be taking them figuratively.
In never realized how much the bible explored the strengths and limits of the human condition through storytelling.
https://www.youtube.com/user/JordanPetersonVideos
Chris, it does seem the bible is a good resource for analogy to life. Sometimes gaining a new perspective can bring a higher awareness of who we are and our relation to the greater world. Thank you for sharing the link, his information is good food for thought!
I love this. I grew up on front porch storytelling. I so enjoyed those old stories.
Thank you Larry! Stories to me are so powerful and can be more meaningful than any book, class or other form of learning. I believe everyone has an inspiring story to tell…..