Three reasons why sharing your story is crucial

I receive a twit this morning that prompted me to write this. Let me paraphrase the twitter feed. It said something in the line of 80% of the people you meet do not share their stories, because they are afraid other people will not understand. In other words, people will misunderstand, ridicule, shame and condemn them. These are legitimate fears that have to be taken into consideration. That said, fear is usually a symptom of something deeper. You should not let fear rob you of the benefits of sharing your stories with others that you met. The assumption here is that the timing is appropriate and the right approach is used to tell your stories to others. Consider that the benefits of telling your stories far outweigh the perceived disadvantages mentioned above. The following three reasons should spur you to share your story, or stories more often 1) No two stories are the same. We may all go through the same situation, but our uniqueness will come through when we tell our story. You are the only person best suited to tell your own story. Therefore find your voice and let your story be heard. You are part of the human family and will be amazed by how much we all share in common. 2) Everybody that you meet is going through something. There is nobody without an issue they are dealing with. Your story is a powerful reminder of the fact that life is difficult and involves ups and downs. Our stories are not limited to success alone; they should be an embodiment of all what we have been through. Somebody will be encouraged, inspired and motivated to hang in there when they hear your story, so tell it! In the picture below I am standing in front of my sixth grade classroom. The story here is that we made the most with what we had to study and today we are having this conversation. This speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and how focusing on what you have and not on what you do have will keep you going.

3) Telling your story will make you stronger and more appreciative. When you tell your stories, you will realize that other people are a part of them. The idea of a self-made individual is a myth. Even entrepreneurs needed people to work for them to make their ideas see the light of day. Paying people to work for you, or render a service to you does not mean you have paid them out of your story. These people are part of your story and will forever be. When you tell your stories to others, you are remaindered that, you had victory in the past and will be victorious in the future. Above you begin to listen to the stories of others and learn from them. This is because when you tell your story it will eventually make others to start telling their own stories. As King Solomon said, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”. Share those stories and let them encourage, inspire and motivate others and you too will be inspired and motivated as well.