I think this question is truly worth thinking about. I suppose by the time we are in our twenties, we have claimed that we have read and heard thousands of stories. We have read the picture books when we are younger and then the reports and the research in college and high school. Some of us even claim to be superhuman and read material while also listening to a podcast or a story whilst driving in the car or completing some other task. We tell ourselves that we know how to tell a good story and we know how to listen to one. In fact, sometimes our brain becomes so convinced that it has listened to enough stories that when someone is telling a story we wave our hand quickly in passing and say, "I've heard that one." When in fact...maybe we haven't. 

I attended a leadership conference of sorts this weekend and Saturday was a day in which we were asked to stop what we were doing and take thirty minutes to tell our story. We had to think of a way to tell our story such that it captured our important childhood, middle childhood and young adulthood in just five minutes. And it was hard and emotionally taxing because, at least in my mind, I thought about just how many little twists and turns have happened but yeah how all of them beautifully interconnect and thread together in a way we don't usually think about. And I think when we ask someone to tell us a story, we want it to be entertaining and thought-provoking but most importantly we always hope it will pass by quickly so that we get to tell the next story passing by. 

But this was the first time I've sat in a room with a group of people where everyone was forced to tell their story such that tears were in the eyes of those who had gone through tragedies or who were clearly recalling times in their lives that were profound but revisiting was difficult. And I suppose revisiting what has come and gone can be the most emotional journey of all - for if we are forced to revisit we are forced to remember but we are also forced to truly listen. 

I sometimes wonder if we hope that other's stories are short just so we don't have to feel extra vulnerable inside. Because the longer a person talks perhaps the more uncomfortable we will become and then- where is the comfort and entertainment in that? But I guess what I'm really trying to get at is...up until this Saturday, I have listened to thousands of stories. But I do not think I've ever really hard a story the way I heard stories this weekend. Because I heard so deeply that I think it is safe to say my perspective of life was shifted and shaken. Humanity is confusing. But it is powerful. And rich. And good. And full of puzzling rivers of shame and shadows, triumph and passion. If only we asked eachother to tell our story- there would be less judgement and more connection and true empathy. I suppose before you hit the pillow tonight you may want to ask yourself- am I person who claims to be a consumer of stories? Have you ever actually heard a story? There is no shame in admitting...you may have heard but never listened or you may have listened but never really heard. The gift of humanity is learning to do both.