You are not a spectator of your own life; you are an essential part of it. Tell your story!
We had been friends for over one decade, yet there was so much I didn’t know about her. For the past 13 years, we have lived in the same city, gone to so many places with each other, watched our children grow up together, and shared the same photography profession — sometimes working together on a photoshoot and referring clients to each other. And then, she moved to another state last year.
I knew I would miss her, but I didn’t know how much I didn’t know (and still don’t) about her life. So when she came to spend Christmas and New Year with me, I was surprised to hear stories I didn’t know she had — the experiences we all have that shape us into the way we are. Stories that could even turn into a fascinating and inspiring book.
Of course, I also have my own untold stories. From time to time, my parents will be surprised by some revelation that they had no idea I lived through, thought, or felt in the past. There are the funny ones that are fun to tell. There are the ones that I carry deeply buried somewhere. And there are others still waiting to be lived.
This made me wonder: how many untold stories are there? How brave do we need to be to share them? And most importantly, what stories are we writing right now?
The beginning of a new year is always a great opportunity. Although it’s just another day, and nothing changes when the clock strikes midnight, our minds are fresh and open for new goals, experiences, and resolutions. If you got a new calendar or journal, it’s still blank. A new year is a chance to write a new chapter in the book of life.
What kind of story will we write this year?
Your story matters
You know what you have been through more than anybody else — the good and the bad. Your childhood memories. Your proudest accomplishments. The lessons you have learned. The people that had a significant influence on you. Your dreams, your sacrifices. And all these experiences are essential. More than playing a big part in where you are in life right now, these stories are influential in making you, you. Our stories are what make us humans. So they matter.
Find your voice
The other day, a relative was surprised at me as I expressed my feelings and opinions out loud.
“You were not like that! You didn’t speak!”
That’s true. Finding your voice is challenging for many people, and it’s a process that we need to go through. But it’s crucial, not just to express ourselves, but to succeed in all aspects of our life. At first, you may not like what you’ll hear, but that’s how it works. That’s how you find it.
It starts with believing in yourself. You don’t need to be 100% confident and have all the faith in yourself just yet. A little, enough to get started, is all that is required. And then, with practice and persistence, you’ll find your voice.
It will not happen overnight, but if you’re patient and don’t give up, the results will follow. It’s important to be yourself and find what works for you. Find what helps you to express yourself better and invest your time and effort in that. In time, your voice will become more apparent to you.
Tell your story
Everyone has a story to tell. Don’t be afraid to do it. Don’t think your story is too dull or uneventful or that maybe there are too many dark chapters. The biggest inspiring stories come from situations where disappointments, bad decisions, and struggles were the catalysts for significant life changes. Your darkest chapters can become your biggest victories, leading to success.
Each day you have a chance to write a new chapter of your story. Don’t be afraid to tell the past and to write new chapters. You are not a spectator of your own life; you’re an essential part of it. And by finding your voice and sharing your story, you will become the hero of your own life.
