10 Ways To Tell Your Story

It seems everywhere you turn someone is talking about the need to tell a story. Story telling used to be looked at like a waste of time or a silly hobby. Now everyone wants to tell theirs story and have it heard.

Books have been written about how to tell your story. A bit coincidental there are stories about telling stories. Movies are produced not only to tell a story but with actors learning their own story along the way. There are conferences held each year around the country like Storyline in Chicago and Story in Nashville. Each of which focus on teaching how to tell your story and being creative. One of which I hope to attend to learn more myself.

A story is like a testimony or even just the sharing of dreams. Our voices have been muffled for way too long. In order for each of us to grow and thrive we too must tell our story.

Stories come in the form of journal entries, poems or songs. Maybe it is dance, art or spoken word. No matter the story buried inside, the world is waiting for your voice, your story to be heard.

Many will behind fear of their past. Thinking their story is not big enough or that it won’t matter. These silenced stories rustle in our hearts like leaves in the breeze. We wish to share but fear takes over. Hiding our stories even from those that are dear.

Telling your story requires vulnerability and trust.

Being vulnerable enough to share your truth. Allow your wounds and scars to be visible so that others may heal. Going through the catharsis may open your life to others in a way that only through God’s grace will you heal. Showing others that they are not alone in their brokenness will build their trust in your story.

In building trust your story becomes a living breathing machine. Developing a personality all its own. Your story becomes your brand, it becomes a part of who you are.

Here are some easy steps to develop ways to tell your story.

1. Speak from your truth — stories even those that are fiction are many times based in truth.
2. Uncage your voice — whether you are a writer or other artist, your voice is usually different than your person.
3. Give UP — when telling our story we try to control the direction. Our story began as His story, give Him the glory when telling your story.
4. Look within — inner reflection can bring healing. Healing in the form of story telling brings about grace.
5. Write a lot — our stories are not tidy little packages bound up with a bow. They are messy and take time to share and expose. Start with a journal and see where that goes, next thing you know you may have a book to propose.
6. Punch fear — squarely in the nose, repeat as needed throughout. Jabs and right hooks will be necessary to keep fear at bay as you tell your story.
7. Community Gatherings — share your story with your community. They know your heart and will give you feedback and accountability. A tribe will keep your story afloat as you work to find your voice.
8. Use humor — life is a comedy of errors even when tragic. A little self depreciation can go a long way. Don’t take it too seriously.
9. Read other’s stories — reading the stories of others will help you create your own. Be an original in your story no one likes a copy. We learn from others as we hope they will grow from you.
10. Live your life — continue to build your story as you grow. The story is not the destination it is the journey along the way.

How will you begin or continue to tell your story? Will you write that book that has been buried inside you? Maybe draw that doodle that someone’s life inspired. Or could it be that you are a music maker and the song needs to come alive inside of you.

Whatever it is that inspires your creativity, it is time to share it. Step out of that comfort zone, off the couch. Launch yourself into the wide blue yonder with your dreams as your oars and rudder. Tell your story so that the whole world may hear. It is time to use your one voice and tell your story like no one else can.

To read more of my story be sure to check out SecondIron’s Blog for more.