A Thousand Stories Within Us

I believe each of us has at least one thousand stories within us, if not many, many more. Stories that can be pulled from the closets of our brains for every type of occasion. Stories that can comfort a hurting family member or friend. Stories that tell of our most embarrassing moments-to show someone who is embarrassed it happens to us all. Stories to entertain children. Stories that have brought us wisdom and experience through the years that we can pass on to others.

Those of us who choose to write often fall prey to writer's block. We can rack our brains for days in agony, for there seems there is just nothing left to write about. In reality, there are plenty of things to write about. It is just that we chose to keep some stories in the vault. Vulnerability can be beyond frightening. Admitting how we feel about certain subjects, especially if our views are not of the mainstream, can isolate us.

It is not that we don't think others will want to read of our deepest thoughts and most painful experiences. The truth is, those thoughts and experiences are probably what would draw the largest audiences. Why? Because every one of us has such stories in our vaults. Those stories make us human. Those stories make us reach out to complete strangers across the country and the globe to offer help after crises and disasters.

It captivates and amazes us when someone is brave enough to bare his or her soul and relay a personal and painful story. The courage to do so comes from knowing that perhaps if just one other person is helped by one's painful experience; it will not have been endured pointlessly.

I am not trying to say that every writer should start writing about personal, painful experiences. Like everyone, I have plenty of stories like that in the vault. They will stay there until the appropriate time comes to tell them, if ever. When and if they do get told, it will be because I want to comfort and encourage someone going through a similar experience to gather strength and overcome.

In the meantime, I try to gather inspiration from other people's stories. Each of us has a thousand stories within us that we pick and chose from to tell others on a daily basis. For me, the trick is to listen. The inspiration for my next article is often only one story away.