The power of sharing our stories.
Being seen and heard.
In 2021, I embarked on a transformative journey, creating a digital story about my experience parenting my son Isaac through his mental health struggles. The workshop, led by Patient Voices, was an incredible opportunity that resulted in my short film 'How Does a Mum?' I'm genuinely proud of it. This year, I took a leap of faith and submitted it to the first annual digital storytelling festival, and I was thrilled when it was accepted.
September brought an exciting adventure as I joined my friends Joanne and Nicola in Greece for the festival. The three of us met online in the Parenting Mental Health FaceBook community. It was a moment of triumph when each of our stories made it to the final 10 in the health category. Watching our narratives unfold on the big screen and witnessing the audience's reactions was a powerful experience. The entire trip was a wonderful blend of friendship and storytelling.
Reflecting on this experience, I've pondered what makes sharing a story so impactful. I believe it boils down to being heard and seen. We all crave validation and value, and sharing our stories provides just that. As David Ausberger beautifully puts it, 'For the average person, being heard is so close to being loved that they are almost indistinguishable.'
This resonates deeply with our experience at the festival - we were heard, and it felt like love.
You might wonder why we chose to share such harrowing stories. The power lies in the vulnerability. By sharing our challenges, we strip away the effects of shame and embarrassment. Brené Brown's wisdom comes to mind: 'Shame cannot survive being spoken and being met with empathy.' Our willingness to be open about our struggles can be incredibly liberating.
The key takeaway from this experience is clear: sharing your story is powerful. It can make you feel secure and heard and help alleviate the adverse effects of challenging experiences. However, it's crucial to remember that the impact depends on being met with kindness and empathy. We must be selective about who we entrust with our stories.
If you have a personal story - and we all do - I encourage you to find someone trustworthy to share it with. Look for a person who can truly listen and understand. While I hope you have a friend who can fulfil this role, don't hesitate to seek a professional if you're not ready to share with a friend. My therapist’s listening ear has made a significant difference in my life.
Remember, your story matters. Sharing it in a safe and supportive environment opens the door to healing, connection, and personal growth. Take that brave step - you might be surprised by the positive impact it can have on your life and potentially on others who hear your story.