“Story Girl” by Connie S.
I received the most adorable tag this weekend! It came from my penfriend Connie S. I sort of coveted the tag when I saw it in a Facebook photo among several tags she crafted a few weeks ago for a “Little Wings and Tim Holtz” challenge on swap-bot. This one was an extra, so she sent it as a gift as I “get back into teaching mode.” Happy dance!
Connie wrote a note on pretty floral stationery and ended with the question–“Are you happy with your story?”
On this rainy, bluesy Monday when the headaches are unrelenting, it’s difficult to answer when my mood and pain are trying to do the typing.
Interestingly, though, I’ve been thinking a lot about “my story”–the narrative of my life that shapes who I am, my path, and who I am becoming. Particularly, I’ve noticed just how often other people insist on writing my story or are set on what they think I should do and be; I’ve also taken note of just how often what they think I should do, think, and be benefits them in some way.
Though sometimes [most times, maybe?] individuals are actually advocating for us, I realize if we’re just going along and not paying attention, we can make it easy for someone else to write or rewrite our story. Therefore, we must be intentional about guarding our own developing script.
My life isn’t perfect–it’s certainly “been no crystal stair,” but those ups and downs and all arounds have developed in me a deep sense of empathy and compassion. The questions yet unanswered have taught me to love the questions and either seek the answers with an open heart and mind or patiently wait through the process. I’m learning still that sometimes the answers will come on “the other side of glory.” In my weakest moments, through Christ I’ve found strength–grace sufficient–to overcome the seemingly insurmountable.
I have an amazing family, the best friends, and good energy in my most important spaces. When I count my blessings, they far outnumber my setbacks and disappointments. Even in my most dejected state or my hour of most profound need, my gratitude deepens and widens over the blessed life God has given me and over His indescribable, incomparable love for me.
Am I happy with my story? Yes indeed. I’m not sure I’d know how to behave with a different story.
Are you happy with your story?
*My apologies to those of you who received a draft of this post via email or in your reader. Somehow the WordPress bot decided to publish before I hit the publish button.
No worries! I’m just glad I came back and saw the picture of the tag, it’s precious!
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I so agree! I’m trying to figure out what’s the best use for it.
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I love that tag! I’m happy with much of my story, My history made me what I am today! I loved tasing my kids! I had a fulfilling career serving others for 3 decades! I know how to have fun and my life includes many good memories.. My biggest challenge at the moment is having a pretty living space full of good energy.. As soon as I have my house as my own, that will change.. I do have my favorite places to go hangout when I want to escape 🙂
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Having an escape is good–can save you from madness, for sure. Challenges are part of our story, and I’m glad you’re happy with yours.
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*raising* not tasing…
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I’m happy with my story with its many ups and downs, failure and success. I’ve lost many battles and won a few. Together, they make up the tapestry of my life, molding me into the person I am today and am becoming.
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Yes–it’s so important for us to realize the messy, not-so-good parts also play a role in who we are and who we are becoming.
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Hope you are feeling better and enjoying a pain-free day Chandra. Happy with my story. Knowing that where I am now, is not where I will be in say, a years time. Knowing that change is constant. And having found hope again, after many years of struggle to remain hopeful. Really enjoyed this post, and that card is pure delight. Blessings my friend 🙂
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Isn’t the card adorable? I’m happy you have claimed the story and plotted it’s direction…
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Yes!
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I’m happy that you’re happy with your story!
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Ugh, sorry about the headaches. I was suffering this weekend, too. I hope you have a wonderful semester, and here’s to your students writing stories they’re happy with!
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These headaches are no joke. They’re really begin to get on my nerves! LOL! Thanks for the semester blessing and blessings to you and your students as well!
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Yes! Thank you for posing the question. It caused me to realize that there are many different ways I can tell my story based on the same set of facts. My faith has helped me choose to tell the version I am happy to tell.
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Yes. Same facts. Different story, but you choose. 🙂
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That’s beautiful. The tag, AND your story. You’re absolutely right that how we see our story is very different to how others might see it. I recently had occasion to correct someone about what had been my happiest, most productive time.
I’d like to change the last few years of my story – yet thinking about it I know that I wouldn’t change the way I responded to some things that shaped those last few years. So your prompt is making me reevaluate. Thanks!
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I’m happy the question made you reevaluate. It certainly made me think. Good for you in correcting the individual about your story! Hope you have a restful weekend!
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