The process of writing your story goes beyond crafting words. It's about discovering the deeper layers of your journey, embracing joy, and unlocking the transformational power within your narrative.
Living within your own narrative requires more than just recounting events. It requires immersing yourself in the emotions, lessons, and growth your journey has provided.
Keep reading to discover the steps to writing a story that not only inspires the world but also transforms you.
Experience the Journey
My story started in my early 20s when I had a near-death experience. It rocked my world. But I was given a second chance at life. And when I left the hospital, I saw humanity in such a different way from before. I had this gift of seeing the world through other people’s eyes and feeling love for them.
Since then, over and over again, I have been privileged to see the power of stories in others.
When I was first married, I had the opportunity to work with young, at-risk youth in Denver. I saw firsthand how their stories were influencing everyday life decisions. They thought they didn’t have choices. It was because of the stories they lived in. When something affected them to change their story, I would watch their lives take off in very remarkable ways.
I had the opportunity to co-author a book with a former skinhead who changed his life and began to teach kids to stay out of gangs.
I wrote about the daughter of a serial killer and how she overcame the box of beliefs and the stories she came from to claim an extraordinary life. Now she is a producer in LA and doing amazing things.
All of these people experienced their journey and learned from it.
Find Joy
Joy is paramount, but I have to be careful because I can be a workaholic!
Stories are important to me. Writing is important to me. Helping other people with their stories is important to me. Family is important to me.
I have all these juxtapositions, and I constantly have to monitor myself.
But I also have reminders of joy all around me.
I have a hummingbird feeding right out my window.
I ensure I’m scheduling time with family and other things that bring me joy.
I’m doing what I love, and that always brings me joy! When you hate what you do, finding balance is much more complicated.
I’m surrounded by joy on a daily basis, but I have to pay attention.
Finding joy in life is a critical part of telling your story. You must find joy and hope in your journey to write about it.
Discover the Transformation
Transformation happens when people dive deeply into their own story, their past, and their reasons for believing the things they believe about themselves. When they do that, they can transform.
I grew up with adoptive parents who were amazing and phenomenal people. I felt love from the first day in their arms. When I had my near death, I was surrounded by unconditional love. This unconditional love was so extraordinary it vibrated in every cell of my being and completely changed my way of looking at life and the world. The love I felt overpowered all the mistakes I had made, student loan debt, and struggling at work.
It allowed me to see what was possible for me and to share that with other people. That’s why I was able to work with high-risk youth, cultists, skinheads, families of serial killers, and other extraordinary stories of where they come from and what they can do with their lives.
It transformed how I see the true character and unconditional love for every walk of life and the importance of humanity.
It's magic when you get out of victim mode into wanting to use your story for good as a leader. And that’s when the transformation happens.
The journey of writing your story is profound, filled with challenges and self-discovery. It's not just about putting words on paper but about delving into your experiences, perspectives, and the lessons they hold.
Embrace your narrative. It’s the opportunity to inspire the world and transform yourself in ways you never thought possible.
If you are looking for support in writing your story, I can help!
I created the Inspired Writers Retreat so people have a safe place to explore their own stories. We dive deep into your book. There is a lot of intensive instruction and group interaction. Writing your book can be a solitary experience, so it’s wonderful to be surrounded by authors, and to have your voice and story heard.