What if your story was not only about staying on top of things, but about getting to the bottom of things? What if you actually needed unforced rhythms and slower paces to truly live through this season in a way that helped you grow? What if there are stories inside of you that are waiting to be shared? Thoughts and ideas stirring inside of you, that can only be cultivated when you're not in a rush?

When we think of expressing ourselves or sharing our stories, it's normal to think of social media or sharing with a crowd of people. But this is only one kind of sharing. The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves matter too. The way we talk about our childhood, or our frustrations, or the root of our joys is much more than small talk. Human beings need stories. And yet, it's far too easy to get wrapped up in everyone else's. The stories we see on our social media feeds, the stories of our siblings or friends. Who’s further along, who's more interesting, who actually has a story worth telling?

In the rush of life, it's hard to see our stories for what they actually are: a never ending circle, filled with depth, life, fullness, mystery, hope, wisdom, strength, grace, resilience, and the rush of life. Sometimes it seems like our stories are nothing more than well, I was born here, then this happened, and I went to this school, and then I was in this relationship. But oh, our stories are so much more, more than can ever be put into words. Our stories are filled with emotion.

Think of a movie you've recently watched, reflect on how the characters invited you into their experiences, not from the plot summary, but through what they were feeling. Even if your life looks completely different than the characters, you felt a connection to their story. Of course, you can't see your life objectively in this way. But you're free to use your imagination - imagination that allows you to look at this season of your life, the emotions that you're currently experiencing, as if they were played out on screen. And perhaps then, you will find that no matter how boring or ordinary, it seems in the everyday, they're still feeling there. There is still a beating heart at the core. You will find that there was grit, and there was also grace.

It doesn't always feel like it in the moment. Resilience is woven through your story. Even the parts of your story that aren't inspirational or easily understood. Even the parts of your story that don't seem relatable or good. Remember that the resilience in your story is found in your stories roundedness - the wholeness of it all. And yes, there are moments and maybe even entire seasons where you feel weak, incapable, and too small. And somehow through it all, you have continued to rise up, day after day after day, proving that all by grace, you have been able to go into the grit of it all and come out, stronger, wiser, more equipped to continue to become who you were meant to be. You are resilient, even if it takes some time to see.

Journal: What are the first three words that come to mind when you think of your story?

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