Home » Seedlings » We Tell Stories not Only to Find Ourselves

We Tell Stories not Only to Find Ourselves

By Constantin Stanciu on Shutterstock

We tell them to find and connect with, each other.

January 7, 2021

As a strength, I can fit in almost anywhere. I fine-tuned interpersonal skills by learning to read people and situations to be prepared for anything.

Compelling writing is about telling stories. Art in any form is about telling stories. We share the deepest parts of ourselves so that we can connect.

We lay our hearts and souls bare to know and better understand ourselves and find kindred spirits. The world is less scary and lonely when we face it together with others who have shed their protective shells and stand tall in their tender woundedness.

Writing, like any art, is meant to move us. But more importantly, to connect us. Yes, we want to inform or convince, but we must find the commonalities and places we share to connect.

I write to get honest with myself about who I am, what shaped the person I’ve become, and ensure I don’t get lazy or complacent about what I have left to do.

Much love,

6 comments

  1. Ed Gorman says:

    Thank you so much for sharing your story . It takes a lot of vulnerability to share what have been very difficult journeys in life . The challenges you have let us know about lets , at least this reader , know I am not alone in my travel and gives me encouragement to write my story . It is ongoing . I wish you peace and continuing healing in your journey .

    • Robyn says:

      Thank you for your kind words, Ed. I’m excited about your story! At this point I have nothing but gratitude for the challenges. I look back on them with some affection and surprise at how things turned out. Sharing our stories and connecting below the surface has been the adventure of my life.

  2. Ed Gorman says:

    Had a audio chat with my counselor recently and shared some more of my family of origin story and some of the dysfunctional bits . She drew the observation that there was some PTSD . When I stepped back it clears up a good part of my lack of understanding of my siblings and my parents. Helped me to also get some pressure off me . I had never thought about it in this fashion.
    Best wishes for your journey and healing.
    Ed

    • Robyn says:

      It’s interesting. For a long time we thought that PTSD was relative to returning war veterans and horrific abuses. I think that, like everything, PTSD is on a continuum. Some of us are lower and some higher on the continuum. It doesn’t really matter where we are as long as we are aware/awake enough to do something about it. We are amazingly resilient creatures, and I’m so glad you’re doing what you need to do to take care of yourself.

  3. Marie Bartolotta says:

    I think there are many types of stories, Robyn. Some we tell to garner attention by entertaining listeners. Others are to fit in – “I’ve had that experience, too.” However, the stories you are talking about take courage, and I appreciate your sharing yours. Reading it makes me think about the stories I tell and why I tell them.

    Thank you!

    • Robyn says:

      Marie, I really appreciate this. I thought long and hard before I posted it as a Seedlings. And then I thought, why wouldn’t I share some of my humanness and challenges? They make up who I am and color the world. And in hindsight, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Comments are closed.