I first became fascinated by stories when I was a young girl. I vividly remember spending hours
reading my children’s Bible and losing myself in the stories. While I admit that it didn’t leave me
with a particular religious zeal, it certainly did have a significant impact on my life.
I recently found myself reflecting on how much of my life is dominated by the art of storytelling.
As an author, speaker, songwriter, and poet I am constantly sharing stories of different types
with my audiences. I use them to illustrate points and add dimensions to my messages. As a
podcaster I am privileged to offer my guests a space to share their lives and experiences or, in
other words, their stories. Finally, as a reader and content consumer I can frequently be found
listening to the stories that others choose to put out into the world, through books, podcasts, and
songs.
What is it that I find so fascinating about stories?
I think it has something to do with being able to see a connection with others, a form of shared
humanity that is expressed through the tales we tell. It helps me know that my lived experience
is not unique. that I am not alone in the world. That other people have experienced something
similar in their lives, whatever that is.
I am mindful of how few blind characters there are in the stories I consume. And how seldom I
connect with the portrayals of those that I do find, since I see my life neither as a tragedy nor a
triumph. Yet, I am so much more than just my blindness, and often it is other parts of my life that
resonate for me in stories. Because they talk of a common reality, a shared way of being.
I also find stories a way to understand the diversity of our world, learning to broaden my own
perspectives of the realities of others. It’s one of the things I love most about talking to guests
on my podcast. It gives me an entry point to experiences that are different from those I have
had. Each guest I chat with expands my knowledge. I read as diversely as I can for the same
reason, to learn about cultures, experiences, and perspectives that are different from my own,
and that I might not otherwise be able to access. It gives me a greater understanding of people
with whom I come into contact, insights into the forces that shaped them and, hopefully, a bridge
from which to connect and build.
Finally, stories are an escape. Because they can be a way to transport me to a different world, a
different place, a different time. I get to leave my own life behind for a little while and revel in the
sheer abundance of human imagination and creativity. Is it any wonder that fantasy is one of my
favourite genres when I read?
Every now and then I wonder if I spend too much time living amongst stories, be they fiction or
non-fiction. I find myself asking whether stories take over too much of my time, whether I should
rather be focusing on building my business, bringing in income… You know, living in the real
world.
But then I think about the value I gain from stories and all they have taught me: increased
empathy, an appreciation for diversity and social justice, insights into our shared humanity, and
a means to connect with others. Not to mention the rest and relaxation I gain from losing myself
in a story.
And I begin to see how my love of story plays a pivotal role in my business and my life in
general. And I no longer feel conflicted about the degree to which stories take over.
I’d love to hear what stories mean to you. Why not drop me a comment wherever you find this
blog post and let’s celebrate the power of story…
