Episode #118 Your Story Matters

Three Problems

• We tend to believe that our story is not as important as others’ stories.
• When we only familiarize ourselves with a single brand of story, we often inadvertently minimize stories that exist in the margins.
• So many of our history books are written from the perspective and framework of the oppressor.

Five Principles

• Every face has a name, and each name has a rich personal narrative.
• Reflecting on our personal story helps us to see our past, culture, and heritage with greater clarity.
• When we share our story, it affirms our identity and reminds others that their stories are worth sharing as well.
• Representation matters in every aspect of our lives, and it matters particularly in the context of storytelling.
• Each human being is unique, so even two individuals who grew up in the same household or cultural context can have vastly different stories and experiences.

Three Practices

• Write the script or draw the map of your personal trajectory, and practice sharing it with the people who care most about you.
• “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” – Toni Morrison
• Seek out historical accounts written from the broad perspectives of minoritized people.