We humans like to imagine that our lives are this one linear path; when the truth of the matter is that the points between life and death are hardly that. The grand selection of roads that we travel on during the journey from crib to coffin is staggering if you stop and think about it. Even the most boring individual has loved, laughed and mourned multiple times in their lives. Children have begat from two strangers who just so happen to be in the throws of passion. A slight mistake from one individual can lead to the demise of another. Relationships and careers begin and end and begin once again numerous times. Random excursions become daily routines and more random excursions occur to break the monotony of daily existence.
Not all the roads we travel are highways and dead ends. Most of life lies somewhere in-between.
I started this blog on a whim and its continued success and existence surprises even me. It helps that I have no agenda for it beyond just telling the story of my life as it occurs. I make no illusion of perfection and I try and be as honest about my shortcomings as I can be. I disclose much; but also refrain when the need arises. You could easily make the case that I write about everything and nothing at the same time - and be correct in doing so. And the full reason I continue on is simple: to tell my story.
You see, we as a species need stories just as much as we need food, water, and air. Whether it's in the form of a song, a play, a novel, or a painting; we need an escape from our realities and the ability to dive into others. In this modern age, we have the luxury of ebooks, blogs and vlogs, podcasts, and Netflix; but they all fulfill the same need. it's fact or fiction matters not. Honestly, not even the quality of it matters (our "guilty pleasures"). But, nevertheless, as much as we need the stories that are told, we need those who tell them. I was born a storyteller and I honestly don't feel fulfilled unless I am telling one. My existence is but one speck of sand in a universe of beaches, but the fact that it's narrated draws others to it. And so, my story continues.
The point I'm trying to get at is that you don't have to be famous or a historical figure to have your story told. I have encouraged friends, family, and even strangers to start blogging. We all have facets of our existences that are fascinating to someone else. Lessons we have learned (or should) and mistakes that we overcome that someone else needs in their life. Storytelling is an integral part of the building of relationships and communities. And, let's be honest: it's what we need to keep us sane in this utterly chaotic world that we live in. And I can personally attest to how completely cathartic it is. To purge what is on my heart and dwelling in my mind is freeing - to say the very least. It keeps the demons at bay, helps me work out problems that seem too insurmountable, and even allow me to see the opportunities that are staring me in the face.
So, long story short, we all have a story to tell. We all have lives that matter to others - even to individuals whom we may never meet. But, unless you tell your story, it remains with you until the very end. Because, even the most skilled biographer cannot truly tell your story for you.
