Can we talk?

Everyone Has A Story

         It sometimes amazes us what we don't know about people we think we know. I can't tell you how many funerals I've attended only to discover fascinating things about the person when it was too late.

         Recently I attended a group seminar where we all know each other fairly well and see each other often. The leader finished his lecture, then gave us an exercise to do. We took a few minutes then took turns going around the room, no obligation to share anything. We were overwhelmed with the the answers and the deeper understanding and appreciation for the others we found. We felt closer than ever. No one brought up anything that was shared later on. (There were no dirty secrets or criminal activities.) Instead, they wanted to get together again just so everyone could tell his or her "story".

         In the fall, we plan to go to one couple's house, for a meal and a sharing time. We get to talk about ourselves, no pushing, and to listen to everyone else without interrupting. We can talk about our dreams, our passions, our blissful childhood, our accomplishments or whatever we want.

         Everyone has a story. We don't always know our story until we think about it or have some helpful questions. And we forget that everyone else has a story. Listening to their stories helps to validate them. It also builds the bonds between us. My group does community service. Hopefully the sharing will strengthen us and make us more caring servants of our community.