{Telling}

So about this idea of story. It's an ongoing thing.

Don Miller writes about it, has even started a movement behind sharing. Seth Godin and other marketers argue that this is what sells. Open up the website of Brene Brown, researcher and storyteller and read the bold words: "Maybe stories are just data with a soul." Read any one of Shauna Niequist's books, the ones that seem to be stacked on the bedside tables of my floor mates, and it's one story after another sharing beautiful bits of life that crackle and pop.

The beautiful thing about story is, in my mind, is not only the intricacies in which we find ourselves able to relate with one another - but also the uniqueness - those parts we find ourselves shaking our heads to in wonder and awe. No two snowflakes, no two fingerprints, no two stories or souls are the same and within telling your story, within the vulnerability that requires, there is a resolve that speaks so incredibly clearly to the individual, yet corporate, human spirit.

How do we tell our story with this in mind? What even makes a good story? Many may answer, well, just forget about trying to live a good story or with sharing it...put down the journal, the recorder, the camera...instead focus on the living part. 

Except, at this point, I think I would reply that it takes discipline and intentionality to live a good story. And a good story doesn't depend on others' definition of "good". As far as sharing - what's the point if we cannot capture, reflect, learn and share our lives? What's the point of the pain and suffering, joy and good if we cannot pass the lessons forward to another?

I don't know. Just some thoughts.

{On the Edge}

There is this feeling of being on the edge of something great that keeps hovering around, yet can never be caught. Professors allude, TED ignites, friends talk, and my mind wanters to the potential we are all standing upon. 

The kicker? Everything I know of has been done before.

It's the unknown, the gift that our story brings to the table which holds the potential of greatness. And it takes a lot of guts to share that gift, because it is so unlike anyone else's. Craving familiarity and comfort and stability I cling to what has always been instead of reaching out to what could be.

In the thick of the pursuit, I am trying to pin down exactly what my story is and how it's going to play out. What is my gift going to be and how can I harness it for the greatest good?

Ultimately, will I be satisfied with the story my life has told?

The answer at this point is no. What needs to be for this answer to be yes each and every day? For me to wake up in the morning, and even before anything is checked off the checklist for me to say, yes - I am satisfied with the story with my life has told.

{To Be}

what are you to be today and how can you make it true

so the sun shines through your freckled face and

brings out all that good

how are you living in the world

making your place, finding your space

and what does it mean to you

look back look back and see

everything was and is and is to be

but what of this world will last past the setting sun

why does the time go as it does

marching on and on and on

yet never going quick enough until the day is done

anonymous