When it comes to writing our stories, so often we stop before we ever begin. We shut down that inner urge to share our stories. We convince ourselves that we are not important or worthy to share them. Yet, for those of us being called to write, the beckoning doesn’t necessarily stop.
That subtle whisper we hear in the privacy of our inner world is a message from our deepest knowing that we have a story to tell and it’s important for us to share it.
The inner calling
That inner calling can be patient and willing to wait in the background, even going silent for a time—especially if we are really good at drowning it out with our self-doubt or self-denigration, along with our many reasons for not getting started. However, when an opportunity arises to be heard, it will seek to get our attention once more. As much as we may try to shut out the voice that calls to us, it won’t go away.
Why is it that the call to write our stories doesn’t go away?
I believe there are at least a few reasons, and they are all connected to the sacredness of storytelling.
Stories are the best way to share our experiences. They allow us to share wisdom without preaching, to heal more deeply within ourselves, and to gain deeper self-awareness. In turn, our stories can offer healing and self-awareness to our readership.
Our stories also help us see our connection to the rest of humanity and to the ALL of life—to what is seen and unseen. They help us see ourselves more clearly and they allow our readership to see themselves. Authentically told stories are relatable.
Stories help us connect with universal truths. Those truths provide the bridge from our unique life experiences and our perceived differences to the revelations of common ground and our shared human experience.
Every sentient being is sacred, and every one of us has something to offer the world.
Our stories matter
We all have stories to tell, and some of us are called to tell them through writing. When we share our stories from our hearts, we inspire others and offer hope and healing in our world. When we tell our stories with authenticity and vulnerability, they bring us together and connect us with our communities and to the world at large.
So why do we avoid allowing our voices to be heard?
The reasons can be many, but at the core is the internal belief that we are not worthy or valuable and that we and our stories do not matter. Yet, when we consider what indigenous peoples have done throughout history, at the heart of their communities is the circle they sit in to tell stories—to share about past generations along with current life. They demonstrate to their people that being seen and heard is essential to not only the survival of their people, but to their ability to thrive. Even my European roots point to the kitchen table as central for my ancestors and my immediate family to sit around to share food and stories.
Every person is significant. And every story is sacred.
When we shut down that internal whisper or that louder beckoning, we deprive ourselves and others of the sacred gifts our stories are meant to offer the world. We forego our sacred responsibility.
What we experience in our lives provides the opportunities for us to grow and evolve, and for most of us, those experiences and what we come to understand along the way are gifts to others as well. We are not meant to keep our experiences and our learning to ourselves—we are meant to share our journeys with others, even if it’s only with those closest to us. That is our sacred responsibility.
In our world today, we have so many ways to share our stories—whether through podcasting, blogging, writing articles, speaking to groups, or sitting in a circle with others. I’m sure there are even more ways than what I’ve listed. So, if something from deep within is calling to you to share your experiences in some way, consider how you might share it. Listen within for your way to let your voice and your story be heard. Know that you are being called, and that calling is sacred—just as you and your story are sacred.
And, as someone who is partial to books, if you hear a message to write your story, whether that message comes as a gentle breeze or a raging wind, listen. You and your story do matter. And it is your sacred responsibility to share yourself with the world. I urge you to consider these words and allow yourself to be written. We need you!
