If you think about it, we are all story tellers.
If I ask you what you did on the weekend, you will most likely share with me a story of the various events that occurred in your life from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening.
If I ask about your family, you will tell a tale explaining the different people that make up the components of what family means to you.
If I ask you what the best restaurant is that you’ve been to, you’ll tell me where you went, what you ordered, and why it was so delicious.
Our words shape the stories we tell, yes, but so do our actions. Our story is informed by how we live our life, how we engage with those around us and more importantly, how we overcome the challenges that have been thrown at us in life.
The crazy part about our story? Our actions dictate a narration greater than we we can imagine. And the tales we tell are more influential than we could ever believe.
One of my friends, Kate, is an incredible story teller. You see, a few years ago, my friend Kate was driving home when she was t-boned by a woman who missed a stop sign, completely. After being airlifted to the hospital, she was in critical condition. Kate spent 6 weeks in the hospital, 2 of those weeks being in a coma. On top of her physical injuries, it was discovered that Kate had a brain injury from the accident. Once she woke up, my friend had to relearn how to walk, talk and even swallow. The beautiful thing about Kate and her story? She forgave, she let go, and, ferociously determined, she continued on and rebuilt her life. In fact, after her accident, she moved half way across the world to live life in a new light ( on a new continent). With her strong sense of adventure and zest for life, Kate explored talents within her that she hadn’t known before she was in her accident. Kate became a skilled painter and her pieces speak to the vibrant, life giving person that she is.
My friend and her story have impacted me more than I can express. Kate’s story reminds me of the vulnerability of life and the courage it takes to live it. Kate’s story has encouraged me to live with determination and great courage- with a dash of reckless abandon too.
While we may not have to face something as devastating as my friend Kate had to face, we are still faced with choices every day. How do we react? How do we respond? How do we live out this story of a life?
Your chronicle counts more than you know.
Somewhere out there, someone is looking for inspiration and insight. And believe it or not, your story can give someone else the hope they need to live out their own.
thank you Jane..i am humbled by your words…strange and unexpected events can bring the best out in us…..and surprise the heck out of us!!
Jane I want to applaud you for expressing your gratitude for Kate’s path crossing yours. I join you in amazement at Kate’s journey to wellness after her accident…her attitude has consistently been one of gratitude and gratefulness for this wonderful gift of life. She is a gift in my life …so thank you !
I remember meeting you at Kate’s … she so enjoyed your friendship…and I in turn was glad you were there…you seemed to be a breath of fresh air !!! Thanks again…Kate’s sister Pat