The desire to share your story and be known

There is in each of us the desire to be known. For someone to simply know our story so they can understand a little better who we are and why we are who we are.

It’s a privilege for others to hear our stories. They shouldn’t be shared lightly. –Photo by Timo Stern

This desire is so strong that we can slip up and tell our stories to the wrong people, or in fear withhold our stories when it’s essential to share.

Brené Brown says it’s a privilege for others to hear our stories.

“Our stories are not meant for everyone. Hearing them is a privilege, and we should always ask ourselves this before we share: ‘Who has earned the right to hear my story?’ If we have one or two people in our lives who can sit with us and hold space for our shame stories, and love us for our strengths and struggles, we are incredibly lucky. If we have a friend, or small group of friends, or family who embraces our imperfections, vulnerabilities, and power, and fills us with a sense of belonging, we are incredibly lucky.”

Experimenting with vulnerability

I am incredibly lucky. I took a risk on my husband (before we were married). I took a chance and opened up. I shared everything: my fears, my joys, my dreams, my mistakes, my demons …. I shared it all and he shared back. For nine-and-a-half hours we spoke in a single sitting, with total and complete vulnerability. We accepted one…