By Amy Wright.
What is the most powerful tool we have as humans? Is it something that we have created by hand, or constructed with machinery? Is it only available to a select few? In my eyes, no – it is not. To me, the most powerful tool we have is the ability to share stories. Our lives would not matter without it; we would be made up of nothing – stories are what makes us who we are and show the world how we wish to live in it…
“In the end, we’re all just stories. Stories are what our lives are made up of. Stories are how we remember people, and stories make us feel a little less alone in the world.” – Andrea Gibbs.
For thousands of years, humans have been telling stories; they are now an intrinsic part of our society and culture. In fact, storytelling is one of the many things that define and bind our humanity. We do it without even realising it, every day.
But how is this so powerful?
Well, stories can influence the way we see the world, change our perspective, connect with others. You don’t even have to have met someone to know their background, their opinions, or their life. The written word is, and always has been, a precious gift. And to help someone else, simply by sharing your story, is the most powerful gift of all.
“We can’t always choose the stories we have in our lives but if we take a risk, and we show that we’re human, and vulnerable, then that’s where the best stories lie.” – Andrea Gibbs.
It can be a terrifying prospect to share something that is perhaps very personal. But, in the knowledge that doing so could provide comfort to others, to help them feel less alone, the act of telling this story suddenly becomes more achievable.
Stories aren’t always fictional. One study found that reading fiction significantly increased empathy towards others, especially people that the readers initially perceived as ‘outsiders’ – for example people of a different race, colour, or religion. We know that truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Some of the stories in Women of Spirit – well, you just couldn’t make them up. So if fiction has the effect of increasing empathy towards others, how powerful might reading the stories in this book be?
It is our vision to share our stories with women who need support and inspiration.
That’s why Women of Spirit exists.
If you’d like to share your story, whenever you feel the time is right, please contact Susie.
Click here to read the stories others have told.
