Your Boring is Someone's Ah-ha

Stories are as old as people.  The classic story The Iliad - yes, the ancient Greek poem - was penned nearly three millennia ago.

That's 3 thousand years for those trying to do the math, but who’s keeping count?

If you recall, the Iliad is a classic love and war story. There is some love and lots of war, but most importantly, it tells of connection, loyalty, and the necessity of others.

To the earliest readers of the Iliad, it seemed like a simple recounting of the daily news—a time when gods and war were part of everyday life.

It might even have been boring at some point, but Homer told the story and made it connect with every reader or, as was often the case in those times, the listener.

To Tell or Not to Tell

I'm in the process of writing a book. It's been on my radar for years. I am writing it to honor the great mentors who have poured into me, to recount my experiences for others, and, lastly, to make an impact.

I don't yearn for recognition, but I want to help my discovery be someone else's launching pad.

One facet of writing is developing and attributing transformation to and through stories.  Some people have a knack for filing away stories and knowing when and how to share them.

Others, like me, are often caught in the “oh it's not that big of a deal” or “no one really cares about that kind of stuff.”

My life working with cows is a classic example.

Feeding, moving fences, cleaning the pen, washing the water trough, scooping manure, loading into and out of the trailer, and scratching them behind the ears are normal, boring things to me.

But, I’ve learned, for people who have never been to a farm or touched a cow, it is as awing as seeing a SpaceX rocket dock itself!

My boring or everyday life is someone else's key to the next accomplishment in life.

So, when I tell stories, I see it in one of two ways: sharing lessons I learned through my experiences or seeking acceptance. While some may have a hard time with the second, seeking approval, it's precisely why people hold back from telling stories.

Acceptance is just finding a connection with others.

Stories drive connection.  Connection is acceptance.  Acceptance is approving of yourself and that you and your story have value.

Don't Let Shame Keep You Silent

My insecurity, of not having value to others, has driven me to act in primarily two ways: silent and observing, or aggressive and proving.

When it's silent and observing, it's a shame, and I don't belong. When it's aggressive and proving, it's because I want so badly to be accepted.

When it comes to stories, when I am silent and observing, those around me don't get the benefit of hearing the stories of what has impacted me.

When aggressive and proving, my stories aren't for the benefit of others; they are currency thrown out to buy approval.

Stories from the heart—to vulnerably share, build connection and acceptance—are not about me but about the person who is listening.

Homer wrote the Iliad not to be discussed in my newsletter some 2800+ years in the future, but to touch the hearts of those who heard its words, to connect deeper to their lives so that they, too, can live and experience the same as the characters in the poem, to build a connection.

Your story might seem boring.  Or others may believe you are trying to prove yourself.  Don't let those sway you.  Your story has the power to help someone.  Tell your story from a place where it will help someone else break through.

Make sure to check out my podcast this week with Morgan Marie. She not only empowers women to tell their impactful stories but also explains how, as a leader, choosing to vulnerably tell your story could be exactly what someone needs to develop the strength to live a new story.

Invite

Summer in North America is all about connection. It's sporting events, barbecues, and weekend getaways.

Time spent with friends and family.  Yet what often gets put to the side is the stuff that makes the time with friends and family worthwhile, a growth plan.

In a couple of weeks, I will start a new Roundtable Cohort. It's a 12-week commitment, but you can try the first week for free. Call it a baker's dozen!

It's a weekly Zoom session where the group shares stories and experiences, personal growth, which will fuel professional growth.

If you want to learn more about the Roundtable, schedule a time with me to discuss the details and make sure it's right for you.

Did you catch this podcast? If not, listen to it here.