The Stories We Share

Taken from: Heritage Makers Stories & More Newsletter ~ 25 June 2009 ISSUE 22

Stories are a major part of our lives. We live stories, we see stories, we hear stories, and we tell stories. Stories are a part of conversation. They help us tell others who we are. They help us define and understand our world. They help us relate and sympathize with others. They give us new perceptions and knowledge. They give us confidence and humility.

We don't always realize the impact our stories have on ourselves or others. Relating our stories can have healing effects on us emotionally and psychologically. Putting our experiences in words helps us gain perspective on issues and circumstances. Writing helps us better understand our personal world. And when we share those stories with others, they may seem almost trivial and insignificant, but to the listener, the story is something to take from. It helps them gain new insights and speaks to their hearts.

Stories are a part of who we are. They are the gateway we use to connect with others. They don't only mean so much to us, the tellers, but they mean so much to the listeners. And with every story, a new story begins... The story behind the story.