“Sharing Stories is Odd…”

 Shared by Kristina Smedley

“Sharing stories is odd…”

I couldn’t fall asleep last night.
Tossing and turning.
My mind running in circles.

Wondering if my story yesterday was an overshare.
Thinking about all the different ways that someone could interpret it.

Not wanting to paint my classmate in too bad of a light.

Again, my inner critic at work.
At least now I see it. I’m aware. And can actively disengage.

Honestly, some people may not like reading my stories.
They may think that I’m sharing too much or that it’s pointless and odd.

Just filling up their newsfeed.

And that’s fine.
The solution is easy… just unfollow me.

I’m not writing stories for them.
I’m primarily writing for myself.

Writing my personal stories has been a tremendous practice for disengaging my inner critic, healing, and building connections.

It allows me to reflect on my feelings, my thoughts, my experiences, and my expectations.

I almost always find a different way things could have been perceived, where I could have taken more responsibility, where I thought it was obvious to all what was going on but it clearly wasn’t.

My perspective is always broadened.

At the same time, I become more clear on my values and my priorities.

I have the opportunity to write my own script.

I could just write all these stories in a journal, safely tucked inside my nightstand. Instead, I choose to post them publicly.

I never could have imagined the response to openly sharing my experiences!

Often, others resonate with what I share, and many chats with me regarding their perspectives. Again, further broadening my awareness.

And I hope that it allows them to consider a different perspective as well.

Also, rather than just talking about being vulnerable, the positive effects of vulnerability in leadership, blah blah blah. I am actually practicing vulnerability every day.

Some days it’s scary.
Some days I don’t feel like writing and sharing.
And some days I don’t.
Every response to this practice is something to learn from.

Maybe most importantly, my family and friends are learning more about who I am rather than just how I present myself. This has prompted some great conversations.

Our connections are strengthened.
And our relationships grow.

So yeah, some people might think that writing and sharing all these stories is an odd practice. I’m OK with that.

The benefits and growth are worth way more than a few people’s opinions.

 

#DaringlyResilient

#IntegrallyRelational

#MindfullyEvolving

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