Everyone has a Story

“Everybody has a story. And there’s something to be learned from every experience.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

Someone you know is dealing with a dramatic life change even though life is moving along. There is no magic wand to wave and certainly no quick fix moving through life changes. It is a process. One which requires attention and lots of patience.

As we enjoy everything there is to love and celebrate during this holiday season, may you also be aware of those around you who are dealing with something they didn’t think they would have to. Holidays or not, life happens and never at the most opportune time.

We have no idea what someone is going through. It’s not until something happens or a conversation is had before we realize the stories people live with.

There’s a lesson in that. You may not have any idea what they are dealing with. And if you do know, the choices one makes may not be the choice you would make but it doesn’t mean their choices are wrong. And, sometimes, the decisions they make may help you with choices you have to consider at some point.

Everyone has a story. And unless and until anyone of us are walking in the shoes of someone else’s story we have no right to judge, criticize or condemn the choices one makes.

It is a small world in the grand scheme of things. I would imagine you have a story in your arsenal of coincidences and moments along the way where lives connected and there was a “wow” moment or “I had no idea”.

We’ve all had those moments. They are real and connect us instantly. Moments become awkward with sadness and loss. What do you do? There is a loss for words. Maybe the only thing you can do is pause, take a deep breath and say, “I’m sorry”. “My heart goes out to you.”

Will that be enough? Who knows. In just being there, you have stepped up, acknowledged someone and tried to help. That is enough.

Every life has a story.

There will be times where what you want to do, you can’t.

There will be times when nothing you do makes a difference.

There will be times when your very presence means everything.

Everyone has a story.

It doesn’t matter what the story is. It’s their story. We have an opportunity to stop, hear the story and be there. Nothing else is needed.

Are you available to listen to someone’s story?

Is someone available to listen to your story?

The point is….

You and I both have a story. Sometimes the story is great. Other times the story is not so great.

And, every story is real, important, and worth telling.

Every story is certainly worth listening to especially for those you hold dear.

Is there a story you haven’t listened to and need to?

Is there a story you want to share?

Everyone has a story

It doesn’t matter what is happening on any given day and especially during the holidays even under the best of circumstances, we may not be feeling our best or feel like celebrating.

Do you have a story you need someone to listen to? Can you be present to hear someone else’s story? I wish for us all to slow down, enjoy the holidays but also to be aware. Stories are worth the time to listen to. We might just realize we’re experiencing the same things and we’re not so alone as sometimes we may think.

Listen to a story or share a story. You won’t be disappointed.