In order to know my story I have to listen to my life. Just thinking about that seems scary. Why? Because listening to my life means slowing down and pausing and paying attention. It means not filling up quiet moments with music or television or podcasts. It means sitting and being still and acknowledging the thoughts that pop into my brain. Odds are, some of those thoughts are going to be uncomfortable. Odds are, some of those thoughts are going to make me mad or sad. Odds are, some of those thoughts are going to be about things I’m avoiding.
But it’s all okay because it’s all part of my story. And if I want to understand my story, if I want to claim my story and shape how it develops, then I have to pay attention to my life.
Here are some thoughts on the story of my life right now:
I am an imperfect person but I’m exactly who I am meant to be.
I have made huge strides in understanding how the things that happened to me as a child have impacted my life as a grown up. I recognize that those experiences have shaped me into the person I am and that sharing those stories with others is powerful because my story has the potential to change someone else’s story.
I want to find a way to help women understand their stories and then tell those stories to make their lives better. I’m working on what I think this looks like and how I can implement it and it’s at the top of my list for 2020.
I have the support of a loving husband in everything I do. I have caring friends who want to spend time with me. I have children and grandchildren who bring joy to my story every day.
I will keep working and growing and evolving because my story is not finished.
P.S. Kym is wrapping up our discussion of Just Mercy today and we’ve got a survey we’d love for you to take to help us plan the future of Read With Us.
So true, all of this! I think realizing that you’re still writing your story is very important. It’s not done. The past may have shaped you, and it’s good to know what and how, but the present will make new changes, as will the future.
I struggled to accept that, I always thought that one day I’d be “perfect” (or as close to perfect as I could be) and that would be my happy ending. But no, life doesn’t work that way. And that’s great because it would be rather boring to stop changing and learning…
Another powerful post, Carole! XO Understanding your story’s “beginnings” is vital . . . so you can figure out where you want your story to go next. The hard, hard work you’ve done this year will help you set the direction for your story-yet-to-come. I can’t wait to see where all this leads you, my friend.
Story has been a life-changing word for you this year, and I also can’t wait to see where you go from here!
Beautifully said Carole! I did not think about having to understand ones beginning, which can be an almost impossible task. You pose the question in a way that makes me stop and think.
Thank you so much for sharing! XO
I am inspired by your word and the way you have paid attention to it this year.
That quote is spot on Carole! And you are rocking your word in the best way possible. xo
This word and this year have been so good for you Carole! I’m looking forward to more of your story.
I am (virtually) applauding you. You have come to some very wise realizations about yourself and your life and your story, and I can tell from how you write about them that they have made a difference to you. I hope your journey continues to be powerful and meaningful, and I look forward to hearing what comes next in your story.
You are perfectly imperfect and even though you have lived through some rough times you have become a beautiful person. You have so much to share and are a positive force for a good life. You still have more amazing times to add to your story.
Carole, this is a stunning post. I will have to think about it and see what speaks most to me. I have never framed my life in this way, so it is a new way of thinking for me. Self-acceptance is key to contentment and the ability to feel joy, so I am very interested in where this takes you. I know that through helping others find their own stories, yours will be significantly enhanced. Everyone you touch with this will soon be a part of your story!
I love the part about paying attention … sometimes it’s so much easier to avoid what’s happening with all the distractions. but that doesn’t really get us anywhere. I must say, I’m going to miss these updates next year – I’ve learned SO much!
I love that you are working so hard on facing your demons and finding positive ways to work through them. We should all be doing this. <3
I so get you on this-I am just now really understanding the full impact of childhood experiences on who I am now. I look back now and thing how far I’ve come, and it’s all because of the love and support of the right people in my life. The willingness to learn and grow I think are key as well.
Love that quote and can’t wait to see how your story unfolds in 2020.