May 2008: Storytelling

May 2008: Storytelling

Monday, May 12, 2008

Monthly Coaching Newsletter

I was inspired for the topic of this month's newsletter by a mountain climber and a rapper. You'll understand why when you read my latest blog post.

Besides overcoming tremendous obstacles, what these achievers have in common is the power they found in their personal stories. Wendy and Emmanuel looked honestly at their lives. By telling other people about it, they found comfort and purpose.

No matter your story, we all have the capacity to do the same thing.

"I Believe I Survived to Tell My Story, to Touch Lives..."

Emmanuel raps that line in one of his songs. Hearing his story made everyone in the theater want to help Sudan. Wendy telling her story to a fourth grade class made them celebrate her and dream big for themselves.

Openly sharing your story can help others feel like someone understands what they are going through, or can motivate them to take action. It can also be cathartic and energizing for the teller.

What's Your Story, Morning Glory?

You have a story. It's different than everyone else's and it is also universal.

First step is to consider what's happened in your life.

• What memories and milestones stand out?
• What did you learn from these past experiences?
• How are you doing things differently now because of them?

I often ask my coaching clients to write up to five pages of their story before we have our first phone call. It helps us both understand where you've come from and what has shaped your core beliefs and values. It's also a great way to take control of your life.

Let It All Out

Now your challenge is to tell it. When someone asks what you've been up to, you have an answer. Forget small talk. Look for opportunities to tell your story and to hear someone else's.

I started telling my own recently. Reading it, I feel proud and I'm reminded why I'm motivated to do more.

Out of the experience of telling and listening is the potential to know what's special about you, and to design the rest of your story.

Please Help!

Speaking of designing, I'm working on a new website and brand for my life coaching business. Your answers to the following would be a big help.

• What questions do you have about coaching? About my business?
• What do you like about my newsletter, blog or website? What do you not like?
• What topics are you interested in reading about?
• What information would help you understand more or refer me to someone you know?

Please email me any insights and suggestions, the more the better. Thank you and Happy Mother's Day!

Quote of the Day

"I will open my mouth in a parable
I will utter dark sayings of old.
Things that we have heard and known,
that our fathers told us.
We will not hide them from their children,
but tell it to the coming generations." - Bible, Psalm 78:1-4