On September 10th, 2019, my husband forced me to get out of the house to attend a workshop. It was a workshop held by a nonprofit for its sponsors. My husband had become a Sponsor by providing photography and videography for this nonprofit, so we were invited.
At that point in my life, I couldn’t think clearly. I was in what you would call survival mode. My daughter, who was my second child, was nine months old. I had hardly left the house since having her. I was overwhelmed with now caring for two children while supporting my husband in his growing business. The last thing I wanted to do was get out of my house and talk to strangers. He didn’t even tell me what it was! I basically went in blindfolded.
Well, what do you know? It was such a gift to speak and connect with other adults. We were told to tell stories. I ended up telling a story about how my marriage almost came to an end during my pregnancy with my daughter and how I realized all the work it’s going to take to keep our marriage thriving. It felt SO good to be able to share that part of my life and for the listener to be able to relate. I was also in awe listening to the teller who I partnered with. She told a story of bravery and strength as she had complications after giving birth. I was so moved by this experience.
That was the day I first met Liz Warren. On September 10th, 2019. I had no idea that in December of 2022, three years later, I would be taking my third Storytelling class, Fact-Based Stories. Storytelling has become such an important part of my life, but I never realized it until finally taking my first class with Liz, herself.
You see, I realized, as mothers, we need to share our stories and listen to stories of fellow mothers. This is how we normalize the hard stuff. This is how we connect and don’t feel so lonely through the ups and downs of motherhood. So here I am three years later using social media platforms and mom circles to share stories with other mothers.
And after taking Personal Storytelling, The Art of Storytelling and now Fact-Based Stories, I have become so empowered and motivated to strengthen my skills. Why? Because through these classes, I have witnessed first-hand the impact others’ stories have on us and the power of connecting with others who may have been considered strangers initially but soon after listening to their stories, have become people I deeply care about. They are now people who I see for who they are and have such a loving appreciation for what they’ve lived. They are people whose stories have left an everlasting impact on me.
That is the power of Storytelling.
(The image at the top shows Nereyda at the first workshop she attended holding her daughter.)
Nereyda, you are doing amazing work and I know you will touch many hearts with your authentic and open style of storytelling.
Posted by: Dee Dee | 12/16/2022 at 08:05 PM