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Writer's pictureDayna Sharp, LCSW

What's Your Story: Becoming an Author of Your Story

"I came to explore the wreck. The words are purposes. The words are maps. I came to see the damage that was done and the treasures that prevail"

--Adrienne Rich




The Power of Our Stories


Our story, our past, shapes who we are and the future we choose--whether we are aware of it or not. If we grow up with interpersonal violence, we are going to be affected by that throughout our lives, even if we don't recognize it. Maybe we subconsciously deny and/or tolerate abuse from our romantic partners. Or maybe we choose our partners based on who makes us feel safe. Our story penetrates how we see ourselves, what kinds of thoughts we think and even how we feel in our bodies. For example, if we have difficulty trusting others, we may feel tense and tight in our bodies when we're in a group of new people.

As an author of your story, you are reclaiming the power of your past. You are naming it, putting it into words. And maybe it doesn't haunt you as much because the unthinkable is not only thought of, thinkable, but written. Sometimes trauma can leave us frozen--it literally leaves us speechless. Part of recovery then, is transcription. Allow your story to make you feel. Let it make me feel. Authoring your own story allows others to walk with you in the darkest of moments, builds connection and brings hope. Dan Allender said "We resist telling a story we don't like, and we don't like our own stories. But consider this: if you don't like your story, then you must not like the Author. Or conversely: if you love the author, then you must love the story".


Writing Your Story is a Practice in Self Love Loving yourself is honoring your experiences and your feelings--just as you would a child's. Writing your own story can give you the space to find curiosity, understanding, tolerance, compassion, empathy and even forgiveness for yourself. The very qualities that pave the way to recovery, balance and integrity. Maya Angelou said "there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you". Tell your story. Write your story. Creating Space Counseling and Wellness can help support you through the incredible journey of authoring the stories of your life!


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