The Power of Creativity to Tell Your Story
“What’s your story, boy?”
“I haven’t got a story.”
“Everyone’s got a story.”
The Saint of Fort Washington
I believe everyone has a story.
I believe everyone needs to tell their story.
Why tell stories?
Stories help you make sense of the world.
Stories help you imagine the possibilities.
Stories help you map the path you’ve forged or taken or destroyed.
Stories help you understand and question your own humanity.
Stories help you celebrate the good events of life.
Stories help you learn from the dumb mistakes you’ve made.
Stories help you question humanity when they do dumb things.
Stories help you to have courage, overcome fear and pursue goals.
Your story gives someone the knowledge that they are not alone in their experience.
What is your story?
When I meet you for the first time, I ask for your name.
I am asking for more than nomenclature. I am asking for the identity and meaning of who you are.
I am asking, “What is your story?”
Everyone’s story is valuable and interesting.
The collected snapshots on your phone are specific, potted memories that make for an opening conversation about who you are.
The chain around your neck is symbolic of your story.
The tattoo on your shoulder has a story behind it too.
Tell me who you are.
Tell me how you see the world.
You do not have to tell me the minute details of your life; I want to understand how you see and perceive the world.
How do you tell your story?
I choose to use words. But I will not be writing a memoir or autobiography.
I will write stories because they tell you how I see and perceive the world.
You may choose some other symbolic visual representation.
Your story can be represented:
- linguistically (story, memoir, diary, poetry)
- visually (photographs, film and video, painting, sculpture, art and craft)
- verbally (song, performance poetry, recorded oral history, speeches)
- physically (dance, theatre)
But it is your story. You choose the message. You choose the medium.
Your story doesn’t have to be a public document. It may simply be recorded in a journal for you and you alone.
You can choose to blog your story, give it away for others to read and learn from.
Find your voice to tell your story.
How you tell your story is up to you.
A Fullness in Brevity - Adam Byatt 