I need your help to tell a story.

I wrote a poem last week.

Although “poem” seems to be overselling it a bit.

It was a series of random thoughts, bullet-pointed, simple journaling that looked poetic when I looked back on it.

I need your help to tell a story.
Might be the most life-changing sentence ever penned.
It’s an invitation to a quest. This is the power of the characters in our lives, in our stories.
And as we all know, we can’t change the characters, so we must change ourselves.
We must face–not their dragons, but ours–to earn the right to wield the sword.
The pen. (the brush, mic, corner lot)
This is the call of the writer. (artist, voice, neighbor)
Every day, as a mama, I write into their lives. Sometimes I call them to adventure, but more often, they call me. Children are great at calling me. And it is an adventure, all the time, because it is a challenge.
What will the challenge be today? Laundry? Homework? More gasoline? More patience? Oh yes, definitely, more patience.
We cannot change the characters; we must slay the dragon of self.
Every day is a call to that adventure–to die to self. The self I love so much. Am so proud of. And I know you must love so much even more Lord.

As I re-read it tonight, it felt vulnerable, putting that out there.

Does it make sense? Did I connect all the dots? What if someone misinterprets my intention? Have I fully explained myself?

And suddenly, I realize I’m coming at this world with fists up, ready for a fight.

But I’m attacking the wrong dragon.

But we’re not here to talk about me.

How can you help me tell a story?

You know this truth deep down: we are all storytellers.

Our most powerful contribution to propel this world forward is confronting our inner challenges, vanquishing our dragons, and sharing the tales that arise from our triumphs. And failures.

Maybe, more importantly, our failures.

Because what’s a hero without a few of those?

So, on that note, I’ve compiled a list of inspirations for you. Because you help me tell my story when you tell yours, too, with humility, grace, authenticity, and beauty.

Here are five ways in which we can enrich each other’s storytelling journey:

Share your personal experiences: Your unique emotions, perspectives, and life moments can serve as invaluable inspiration for one another’s stories. Through these shared experiences, we can create characters, settings, and plotlines that resonate deeply. Whether this is Sunday school, girls’ night, or family dinner, find your safe people and places and be willing to be vulnerable.
Receive constructive feedback, i.e., be unoffendable: Hardest by far, but when we exchange thoughtful critiques and suggestions, we can help refine our storytelling skills, enhance narrative depth, and broaden our understanding of various perspectives.
Collaborate on creative ideas: Joining forces in the brainstorming process allows us to explore different narrative directions and generate innovative story developments, leading to a richer, more compelling tale. Just never break the cardinal rule: there’s no such thing as a bad idea.
Support each other’s work: By spreading the word about each other’s efforts, offering encouragement, or shopping small/local, when possible, we can help our stories reach wider audiences and continue to create narratives that matter. If you see the good, say it, and share it.
Challenge one another’s perspective: Engaging in thought-provoking discussions, asking questions, and presenting alternative viewpoints can encourage us to delve deeper into themes, ideas, and narrative styles, resulting in more nuanced and captivating stories.

Every day presents an opportunity for each of us to embark on a personal adventure—to set aside our ego, embrace vulnerability, and allow ourselves to grow.

It is through this process of self-discovery and transformation that we become the best versions of ourselves, ready to make a meaningful impact on the world around us. Seize each day with courage and humility, for the Call of The Storyteller is not just about the stories we pen, but also the lives we touch and the legacy we leave behind. Take a leap, challenge yourself, and embrace the adventure with the confidence that comes with this wisdom: Life is not a solitary endeavor, but a collective one – a shared adventure, a tapestry of human connection that begins with a simple, yet powerful sentence.