Why Now?

There’s never a wrong time to tell your story.

Stories are the fabric that connect us to the past, the future, and each other. It’s in sharing our stories that we reveal truths, alleviate the burdens we often have to carry, and share who we are as humans.

I’ve been a fan of The Moth, Dear World, TED, Humans of New York and Story Corps because they each bring something really interesting and unique to the storytelling landscape. For a long time, I’ve been interested in a vehicle to tell, not only my own stories, but also other people’s stories.

Before I left my Associate Professor position at the college, I wanted to dig deeper into what made my colleagues drawn not only to their particular field, but what made them curious about life. I was looking for what makes them tick as human beings. It was a lot of work and eventually we corralled some folks to talk about what they were passionate about. Some of it was related to their field, and some of it wasn’t. At the time, very few resources were dedicated to this cause and getting anything done was really tough. But, the reward of seeing them light up as they told their stories, was well worth it. I understand that after I left, the marketing department put their own spin on it and showcased faculty in different ways. I prefer our grass-roots effort.

Another thing I developed before I left the college was a course called “Storytelling as Communication.” It was approved by the Curriculum Council, and since I left, there’s probably a slim chance that it will ever be taught. Such a shame. It was my gift to the college.

I have a number of stories I’ve been sitting on for a few years. It wasn’t the right time to tell them. And, I had to think, “who does it serve” in telling them now?” It serves me. And if by some chance I help someone along the way, that’s another gift I can give.

Holding the stories back limits me, and all of us, from continuing to be our true selves. There is pain in telling them. There is more pain in holding them in.

I encourage you to share your stories. They are worth it.

…and so are you.