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Sharing Our Stories


I was listening to Impact Theory's (Tom Bilyeu) interview with Trent Shelton. Trent was talking about sharing our gifts with the world and how we usually doubt ourselves, how we doubt that we actually have anything of value to contribute. Then he shared how his mother inspired him to speak, to share his message, when she said to him "Trent, somebody needs your story" 
As usual, the timing of certain messages never ceases to amaze me. This was a message I really needed to hear. You see, lately I have been wondering if my 2 year delay in publishing my first book was a sign that it shouldn't happen. I was wondering and doubting that I really had written anything of value to share. Despite mind you, being told many times over the years by different people (both males and females) from all walks of life, that I have helped, inspired or influenced them in some way. Although, these moments of hesitation and self-doubt are infrequent, lately I have been having them a little more and so hearing Trent Shelton share his own story was a powerful and inspiring message for me. I needed to hear his story.
It pushed me to finally make an appointment with a graphic designer who will be doing the cover photo for my book since I have decided to change the title of my book. My new title is "Balls the Size of Melons". My goal is that next month's Blog will be a section of my chapter titled "Balls the Size of Melons" and my book will finally be published.
It's funny to look back at my life as far back as age 11 or 12 and realize how much I love stories (both written and oral) and how much of what I have read and heard has had a significant impact on my life,  in so many different areas. Just as an example, I would have to write a book to share how many stories of depression, suicidal plans, failed suicide attempts and actual suicides people from all walks of life shared with me after my son's death. At first I couldn't understand why people felt I could hear their stories when I had just lost my son to suicide. However, in the end, I realized that something in me had given gave them the courage to trust and share a very painful and often not spoken of part of their lives and for that I feel honored.
I believe we all have stories we can share to help, inspire or support others. And you don't have to write a book to inspire others. Now more then ever, there are so many ways to share our stories (You Tube, PodCasts, self-published books, etc..) but the one way I strongly encourage us all to partake in, is the stories we share in our day to day lives. A young person, perhaps even your own child, may need to hear that you yourself struggled with feeling different, feeling depressed or confused in your life. A friend may need to hear you share how your marriage or relationship is not perfect and that you too have struggled with issues with your spouse/significant other. A co-worker may need to hear that you too are feeling stressed and unsure of what the boss's expectations are.
I look forward to sharing my story, well, at least the first chapters of my life, with others via my first book and hope that those that need to hear it, will hear it.
As always please join me in enjoying the journey of life. Please visit my website below for upcoming events and workshops where I continue to share my story.

www.vida805.com

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