How you can use your story to help others right now
Something that’s been inspiring me in the past week has been watching people share their stories. Despite all of the fear and uncertainty in the news, individuals are doing what they can to share something positive and helpful with others. They’re posting recipes you can make with limited ingredients, sharing their goofy dance moves or cute puppy pics to lift spirits, or offering free resources and tools to help people keep their businesses going.
This to me is what great storytelling is all about: digging deep with empathy, honesty, and creativity. Finding ways to use whatever stories, ideas, and experiences we have to help others.
You can do the same.
Today, I want to invite you to use YOUR stories to help others.
Here’s how.
1. Know that you have an important contribution to make.
You might be overwhelmed right now, but know this:
Your story matters. Maybe more than ever. And I mean “story” in a very broad sense. For example, your story may be your...
Knowledge. What knowledge or expertise do you have that might be useful to someone else at this time?
Perspective. What unique point of view do you have that might benefit others?
Experience. How might your own experiences or personal stories teach, inspire, or support other people?
Honesty. How could simply sharing your own thoughts, feelings, or situation help other people feel less alone?
Humour. How could your own way of being silly or funny bring joy to others?
Creativity. How could you bring your art or creative expression to inspire or uplift?
… And so on.
Essentially, I want to encourage you to think about your own skills, strengths and experiences, and consider the fact that they might be exactly what someone else needs right now.
2. Share generously and bravely.
Look, now is not the time to hold back. If you have something positive to contribute — and I know that you do — this is a perfect time to share it.
Sharing your story, in any form, can be a scary thing. We wonder about doing the wrong thing, or making a mis-step, or getting vulnerable. And most of already feel vulnerable enough already these days!
But around the world, people are craving connection, support and solidarity. We need your voice, your story, your message.
So if you’ve been hiding or holding back or waiting for the perfect time, it’s time to push past hesitations. If you give thoughtfully, generously, in the spirit of helping others, and in accordance with your own values, I don’t think you can go too far wrong.
3. Throw out the rule book.
Here’s the good thing. So much of the “old way” of doing things has fundamentally changed. That’s a breeding ground for creativity, innovation and resourcefulness. I’m seeing online zine fairs and digital drag shows and virtual “coffee shops” for workplaces.
So… how will you share your story? Use your imagination. You can simply post on social media, send a supportive email or text to a friend, start a blog, start a podcast, host a webinar, get started working on that book or course… or something completely different.
If you have expertise in a certain area, think about how you might share what you know in new ways, whether that’s a free e-book or pdf, a tutorial or webinar, a group discussion, a blog series, a digital demo, etc.
This is a great time to break the rules. Make things your own way. Let go of constraints and hesitations. Be audaciously, uniquely you.
4. Commit to being the person who "shows up".
Not in person, of course. But by virtually putting your hand up. By finding ways to serve the communities you care about. By offering to help. Putting out content. Making a contribution. Bringing forth your creativity, your caring, your enthusiasm. And by being as consistent as you can.
When we look back, we will remember who was there, who kept showing up. Be one of those people.
5. Go at your own pace.
The effects of COVID-19 on our social and daily lives are far more likely to be a marathon than a sprint. I am all for making intentional, productive use of this time. But you also don’t need to overwhelm yourself and burn out. Balance your effort with compassion for yourself and others.
Whatever you are able to do is good enough. Even the tiniest efforts add up over time.
6. Establish a routine to explore and express.
When we give ourselves space to privately reflect and explore our thoughts, ideas and feelings, we are more likely to be able to share our stories with others in a helpful and positive way.
A journaling practice is a great way to do this. (It’s also a great self-care tool. It’s been a lifeline for me many times over and is something I’m relying heavily on right now.)
With that in mind, I’ve created a free download for you: The Storytelling with Heart Free 14-Day Journaling Workbook. It contains 2-weeks worth of daily feel-good journaling prompts for difficult times.
Grab your absolutely free workbook here: www.camilledeputter.com/14-day-journaling
The workbook is designed to help you:
Implement a daily journaling practice
Explore and express your thoughts and feelings
Focus your mind in a positive way
Experience a little reminder everyday that you are not alone. Whenever you turn to your journal, know that we are together in this.
Finally, feel free to comment on this post and say hi. :) I’m a real person writing this, and I’m feeling scared and anxious myself. We’re all in this together.
Thanks so much for reading. Always remember: I believe in you and your story.