This was exactly what I needed as I continue my own work as a Cause-Focused Storyteller seeking always to serve: to create safe spaces for stories to be shared, to coach others to be able to tell their stories that need to be heard. For example, this week I am working with a man from Iran who, at age 6, watched as his mother was taken away by soldiers to be a political prisoner. Today, Hamed is creating a program for children of incarcerated parents. He is taking his pain and turning it into healing. I am helping him shape his story so it is as impactful as possible to his listeners. In my own journey, I've taken the pain of my challenging childhood which included: sexual molestation age 4, a Vietnam Vet father with multiple suicide attempts, parenting my mom since age 12 due to her severe anxiety and slight brain damage from her birth and a brother caught up in so much anger he was alcoholic by age 15,. I shared this not for any pity, but so that others may see light in their own darkness. In this journey, I may not have spoken to audiences of millions, but one person at a time, opened a door to being able to share their own stories and maybe some healing. Thank you so much for reminding me this is enough. <3
ORIGINAL COMMENT
This was exactly what I needed as I continue my own work as a Cause-Focused Storyteller seeking always to serve: to create safe spaces for stories to be shared, to coach others to be able to tell their stories that need to be heard. For example, this week I am working with a man from Iran who, at age 6, watched as his mother was taken away by soldiers to be a political prisoner. Today, Hamed is creating a program for children of incarcerated parents. He is taking his pain and turning it into healing. I am helping him shape his story so it is as impactful as possible to his listeners.
In my own journey, I've taken the pain of my challenging childhood which included: sexual molestation age 4, a Vietnam Vet father with multiple suicide attempts, parenting my mom since age 12 due to her severe anxiety and slight brain damage from her birth and a brother caught up in so much anger he was alcoholic by age 15,. I shared this not for any pity, but so that others may see light in their own darkness. In this journey, I may not have spoken to audiences of millions, but one person at a time, opened a door to being able to share their own stories and maybe some healing. Thank you so much for reminding me this is enough. <3