My Therapy: Sharing My Story

“There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside you.” – Zora Neale Hurston

I was riveted by a recent installment of stories about “sharing your story” in last month’s “O” magazine. I have always been drawn to writing; either for cathartic reasons or to reach an audience. Certainly, my blog has nurtured this need as well.

But, in reality, it is with telling my story of raising Arizona that I have found the most profound connection with others. I am able to echo my experience in a way that feels organic to me. I can talk about my experience without shame or guilt or righteousness. I become vulnerable and raw in certain moments; heroic and ruthless in others.

I have a lot of Mommy friends in the special needs community and we all know how important it is to get our stories out. I was on the phone with a girlfriend last night. She was struggling with a few things going on in her life. An hour and a half later, we were left inspired and uplifted by the stories we shared with each other. This morning, we both felt lighter. We were able to create the space in our hearts for new stories to take root.

Whether you write it or speak it, our stories are meant to be shared – yes, all of them.

“For what is story if not relief from the pain of the inconclusive, from dread of the meaningless?” – Mona Van Duyn