Telling Your Story

3 min read

How can we face ourselves and do it with a compassionate curious inquiry steeped in love?

For me, the answer is storytelling. Storytelling allows us to share ourselves in all our shapes and colors. As I continue to grow this platform through the podcast and newsletter, my understanding of the capacity of stories to open, heal and connect us deepens. Stories are not just for entertainment. Stories are also for sense-making, and when we tell our stories, we practice engaging with the various experiences of life and the multitude of human life. 

I remember when I first started therapy and began to tell my story. In a 300 sq ft office room, settled in a black leather armchair, I faced my past and present with deep inquiry and empathy in a way I never did before. I could not hide my sorrows or deny my grief and longing. Therapy didn't erase my issues. Instead, it provided a space I could just be in all my complexity. With each session, I began to slowly peel away my layers and work through my issues. I cried for my younger self, smiled at my future self, and often walked out of the session and onto the buzzing New York City streets with my chest less heavy and peace in my stride. 

I see a similar kind of exploration and release with guests on the Kume podcast. In our conversations, the truths they had not dared to say aloud, the fears they had buried deep, and the desires they held closest to their chest found their way out when sharing their journeys. As they spoke, they reflected on the times they felt pain, anger, sadness, self-hatred, and doubt. By no longer silencing their emotions and stories s they bequeathed themselves and listeners the healing that can be experienced through storytelling.

The late Buddhist leader, Thich Nhat Hanh, says, "It would be a pity if we were only aware of our suffering." To suffer is not enough; we must also be in touch with the wonders of life. Sometimes, depending on the season of our life, we may be more acutely focused on our pain than any other elements in our life. Our ability to change, evolve, and create the life we want is a wonder in itself, and our storytelling of the wonders of life is a gift we can offer ourselves and those who bear to hear. 

Yes, there's suffering in life, but once we identify and embrace our suffering we can learn how to handle it and ultimately release it. In addition, as we share our suffering, we allow others to connect and acknowledge their own suffering, and hopefully have a similar release. 

Storytelling can serve as a tool for healing. And with healing, comes growth, joy, and peace–aspects essential for our well-being. 

I hope the stories shared on this platform inspire you to find value and meaning in telling your own story, making sense of the various life experiences, and increasing your overall well-being and connection to others. 

If you are ready to be honest and vulnerable about your personal journey and lessons learned along the way, email us a short audio/video of why you want to tell your story, and you could be our next guest. I look forward to being in conversation with you.  

Sign up for our newsletter to receive Kume updates and our curated newsletter of tips on wellbeing, self-knowledge, happiness, and so much more.