The Power of Story

Have you ever found yourself captivated by a good story?

I recently began watching the TV series Lost (years behind I know… better late than never right?). Immediately, I sensed, “this is going to be a good story.” It peaked my interest. Made me curious. Wondering and imagining how each person’s unique presence on the island would bring a new facet to the larger story. How each player would impact another.

With each new clue about the characters, I became more and more curious about who they are. I wondered how their past would impact them in the present.  How the ways they had learned to cope and survive would show up.  How their new relationships would evoke memories of past relationships and influence how they interacted those around them.

Within the first two episodes, I was hooked.

I wanted to know this story.

Their story.

I was so curious in fact, that I stayed up many minutes too late some nights, desperate to know more of the story. Hoping to put pieces together. Pieces that would satiate my curiosity, and at the same time, drive me deeper into the narrative. Into the yet untold story.

I wonder if you’ve experienced a similar thing?   The urge to discover, explore and learn the captivating arc of a story untold.

One of my favorite quotes is by Maya Angelou, from her memoir, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. She says, “there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

Though it sounds a little silly, the agony of the untold stories in Lost was real! If I could have, I would have dropped much of my daily responsibilities, just to get to delve deeper into the story. To release some of the agony of the untold and to start to make sense of all the parts I was seeing.

Like a good story does, it got me thinking about my own untold story.  To be honest, for all of my curiosity about other stories, it took me some time to develop curiosity and interest in my own. It took someone sitting across from me; a counselor asking questions, wondering with me.

In counseling I started to view my life through the lens of a story. To move towards seeing it in terms of a dynamic storyline, complete with different characters, settings, and the occasional (or often!) plot twist. I was invited to look and see the connections that exist and the power of naming them. Putting words to experiences, thoughts and emotions that had previously remained silent within me.

Maybe you are in a similar place as I was. With curiosity sparking and the hints of the agony of which Maya Angelou speaks. The agony of an untold story. A story that some part of you longs to tell.

I wonder what it would be like for someone to ask you about it? For you to be offered a space to share. To speak of things familiar and new. A place to begin to explore and engage your untold story.

A space where you can be with someone as you go.

If you’re interested in exploring your story, know that you don’t have to go at it alone. We would love to embark on that journey alongside of you.