Be Your Own Storyteller

     I've been hearing a lot lately about how we should be careful with who we are vulnerable with. We should be careful who we share our story with. People need to earn our vulnerability. This is often accompanied by hearing that, under certain circumstances, it is alright to blatantly lie about huge aspects of my life. 
     I'm struggling with that. Yes, I believe that people do need to earn my vulnerability. However I also believe that there is a difference between being vulnerable and being authentic. And I believe in being authentic. I want people to know who I am and I'm not going to lie to people just to appease their narrow sense of comfort. 
     Let me give you a brief example of the difference between authenticity and vulnerability I'm talking about here-

Authentic-If someone asks what I spend all day doing I will openly tell them, "I am in day-program getting treatment for an eating disorder."

Vulnerable-Someone asks what I do all day and i respond with something along the lines of-"I am at a day program getting treatment for an eating disorder. It started when I was 14 and... blah blah blah....I've really been struggling with following my meal plan this week....on and on.."

See the difference?

     I believe in openly sharing my story. That being said, I still get to choose when and with whom I share it. There are times when it's not appropriate to bring it up, and there are people with whom I don't feel keen on discussing it. 
     I also believe that it's a very personal decision as to whether or not someone shares their story. And I'm talking anyone, any story. Mental illness, disability, trauma, abuse, financial struggles, educational or occupational crossroads, life-changing turnarounds, subtle changes of heart, addiction, family problems, childhood dreams, regrets, finding religion, losing religion, escaping death, conquering a fear- whatever your story may be. I think within that list, I've managed to include everyone.
     Some people overcome and talk about it. Some people conquer and remain silent. Whether or not you share your story is not a sign of your strength. How much you share or who you share it with is for you and you only to decide. The number of people who know your story does not dictate how "inspiring" you are. You are an inspiration whether everyone knows, only your mom and your best friend know, or no one knows. 
     If you are the type of person who shares your story with every bus driver and barista, you deserve a round of applause. If you speak about it with only those you are close with, that's inspiring. If you hold your story close to your heart, cheers to you. 
     You do what is best for you. After all, it's your story. You are the author if the story. You are the main character of the story. And you are also the publisher. You share it in your time, in your own way, and with who you feel has earned the right to hear it.
Whether you're an open book or a locked safe, share your wisdom in a way that's true to you. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

P.S. Don't Wear Crocs- And Other Generally Obvious Life Advice From The Ginger

1. Learn to drive a stick. Do it. I promise you WILL use it someday. 2. Always go out in public dressed like you're going to meet the love of your life. Also, if you die, that's the outfit your ghost will be wearing for the rest of it's life. At least one of those should be pretty strong motivation for you. 3. At-home, DIY piercings are not the best idea. 4. Same goes for haircuts. 5. And tattoos. It doesn't matter how bad your impulse issues are, please find some other destructive outlet that maybe isn't as permanent and potentially toxic. 6. Take LOTS of pictures.With people. Of people. Places. Firsts and lasts. I've never regretted taking too many pictures, but I have regretted missed shots. 7. If it takes more than 2 tries to open a door, you're doing something wrong. Or the door is locked. And if it's locked, maybe you shouldn't be trying to open it. Maybe it's a bathroom. And maybe someone's crying in the bathroom and doesn&
Read more

The Ginger Is Not Anti-Social *GASP*

I am an introvert. I have severe social anxiety. But no, I am not anti-social. Sound contradictory? Let me explain:      I am an introvert. I get my energy and feel most at home in a small, close-knit social group. I thrive in one-on-one conversation and interaction, but can also enjoy small group activities within my comfort zone. I tend to avoid huge parties, or being in large groups of people.      I have severe social anxiety. Introducing myself to groups of people makes my heart race. The thought of walking late into an activity, and feeling like everyone is looking at me, physically makes me dizzy. Going out in public (grocery store, museums, malls...) alone is not even an option in my mind because I become so petrified that I start to shake.      I remember being four years old, getting ready to go onstage for a 6 minute role I had in the community theater's production of The King and I. This was dress rehearsal, and there would be 3 additional showings after this.
Read more

So The Ginger's a Flight Risk

     Adventure. My favorite word is adventure. I've always had this idea that when you call something an adventure, it makes it sound more exciting. And I am more apt to go into it willingly and with an open mind if it sounds exciting. It doesn't matter what it is. Walmart? No no, it's a Shopping Adventure. Therapy/Treatment-Recovery Adventure. Work-Employment Adventure. In all honesty, I probably use word incorrectly sometimes and bother people with the excessive amount of which I say it. I am always down for an adventure. Most often in the form of road trips.      Road trips are the best medication. Pack a little bag, gas up the car and drive wherever my little heart desires. It has the perfect ratio of soul music, personal space, beautiful scenery, and thinking time. Interstate highways, dirt paths, county roads, or city streets, it never really matters as long as I'm moving. I love road trips so much in fact, that I keep a tote bucket in my car trunk labeled "
Read more