For centuries, we have loved stories.

They have transcended through time for as long as we can remember.

When we were little, we read lots of stories.

Do you remember Dick and Jane?

Or maybe where Margaret talked to God?

How about the mysteries Nancy Drew seemed to find?

I have always loved reading.

While in school, I always loved reading a book for class and writing a book report.

Even now, I usually have several books on my nightstand.

Different kinds of books: books that are just fun to read, books that make me think a little differently too.

Needless to say, there is one story we hardly ever share…

The one we write.

No one looks at their life with the viewpoint of “I’m writing my story.”

We tell ourselves, “I am living my life.”

Days come and go.

Some days are more difficult than others.

Others seem to pass without needing much attention.

But every day, we write our story.

Most of us only share the really good chapters.

The ones we believe are of interest to the people in our lives.

At times, we share small moments of  struggles.

Telling the story must include telling more

However true, the telling of the whole story is where people become fascinated and intrigued.

Shrouded by the walls we build to protect ourselves, we cease to forget why the story even matters.

We convince ourselves that our story doesn’t need to be told.

That it wouldn’t matter if others heard it.

So we remain silent.

Hidden.

Forever.

The sharing of intimate details of a life concealed behind the smiles and happy faces.

The story no one knows.

You know which one…

YOURS.

Every life is an amazing story

As I have gotten older, I have become very intrigued by the people who tell their stories.

Chronicles of a life lived revealing secrets no one could ever imagine.

Moments of darkness.

Moments of despair.

Days of wondering and years of solitude.

It’s easy to share the fun and happy stuff.

Yet I find so much admiration in the people who dare to be vulnerable.

The ones who step out of the shadows and set themselves free.

Those are the ones that transform us in ways we never could have imagined.

Tell your story

Some stories are short.

While others are long.

Even others are more flamboyant while others hardly whisper.

Every story matters.

Sharing our moments of sadness along with our pain connect us to one another…

In those moments we become connected.

We are reminded of what it means to be “human.”

No one can tell your story better than you can.

It’s time to share yours. Honestly.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Maya Angelou

Michelle A. Homme 2017 ©