You may not have heard this said lately, but I think it is worth repeating again and again…You have a unique story, one that only you lived and one that is your journey. Your story can lift a spirit, provide insight, and unveil a golden nugget to ease someone’s pain. You and your journey matter.
I was watching a new series yesterday about the impact of COVID on the Restaurant Industry. They mentioned emotions that flowed through and around the hospitality workers like hopelessness, despair, anger, and panic. It resonated so much with me. These were the same feelings of a cancer individual as they are thrusted into their Cancer Journey – one unexpected, unwanted, and unknown.
Once their emotions have their attention, the next “real” part of the journey kicks in and the swirl and deeper questions comes up…”Who am I? What is my life about? What do I want my life to be about? Where do I go from here?”
Ten years ago, we knew that your stories are more than just words, but rich backgrounds that make you special and uniquely you. Pictured here is our first training group. We decided to elevate those stories and teach our trainees to utilize them and stand in their power. And today, we’re thrilled to still share this gift with our community.
As a witness to hundreds of cancer individuals on this challenging and exposing path, I have seen the range of emotions and states of being from denial to enlightenment. It’s all part of their story, unfolding as it does and taking shape into their Great Story if they are willing.
Savannah couldn’t find the motivation, energy, or purpose to go back to her office job after she finished treatment. She knew there was more for her, more of a life to live, and more of herself to give. She went to her local animal shelter and started by volunteering and soon found out that advocating for the animals flowed out of her and was soon hired to raise awareness and funds. The profile of the shelter soared.
My story isn’t too different. After returning to work, I remember sitting at my desk staring at the phone knowing that I needed to pick it up and scheduled meetings to connect with my clients, but there was no will or desire to do it. I felt empty inside. This work had no meaning. I found myself on the quest to find where meaning was for me. This exploration focused on providing what I most wanted from my cancer journey. For me, that was about having the conversations with others that opened up the door for the “true” me to show up.
What I know to be true is that our pathway is revealed in our story. So, we begin there with this month devoted to the exploration and attention to each of “Our Stories.” We will offer you thoughtful inquiries through-out the month for you to ponder and probe for insights and nuggets and a Zoom workshop to provide focused time to go deeper.
In celebration of us and our stories, we invite you to join us.
GIVEAWAY: follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for details on how to enter and win a copy of our new book The Call to Cancer.
WORKSHOP: Writing Your Story with Karen Newcomb on Saturday, February 26 at 10am PT
With Love and Light,
Shariann
