There is incredible power in sharing our stories. Our experiences—both joyful and painful—shape who we are, and it’s through storytelling that we process, connect, and heal. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we create space for deeper connections, both within ourselves and in those with whom we share.
I was reminded of this truth during the NWI Re-Imagining Wellness webinar with Newton Chang, Director of Health & Performance at Google, and Chuck Gillespie, CEO of National Wellness Institute. Newton spoke about the importance of sharing our stories, and it encouraged me to reflect on my own journey—one marked by childhood bliss and adolescence, deep connections, family struggles, love/loss, and ultimately, resilience.
Born in 1964, we’ll fast forward to the 1990s when my husband and I were blessed with two beautiful children, their soulmates, and fast forward to 2020’s, two grandchildren. I am now “Gee Gee” and embracing the pivot into grandparenting, albeit solo; my husband would have likely been called “Popsy.”
My Story of Navigating Loss and Transition
I lost my father and mother in 2013 and 2015, respectively. In 2016 my husband was diagnosed with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML); for three and a half years we battled the disease together embracing chemotherapy, blood transfusion, infections and lengthy hospital stays. We did it as a family and, during the upswings, we LIVED.
However, in 2020 during the start of the pandemic, my husband took a downturn. Strict hospital protocols prevented us from being with him in his final moments. It was fast and it was gut-wrenching—not just for me, but for our children as well. For a man that was so loved, there was a ten-person service as per Covid protocols; tragic.
After 34 years of marriage, I began navigating life as a “widow.” Do I mark “single” on those intake forms now? Can I still refer to myself as Mrs. Jones? How do you make the drill go in reverse? Where is last year’s tax return? Ugh, so many questions. Perhaps the most poignant was asked during a Grief Share session, “Who are you without your husband?” Bolstered by my children and often too caught up in my own feelings to have been as aware as I should have been of theirs, I began writing my chapter two; determined I’d embrace my unsolicited independence and I’d be joyful.
In 2021, another change came. Through company restructuring, my job was eliminated. I was given a choice: take severance or apply for a new role. As difficult as it was, I realized I was ready for change and embraced severance. After thirty-two years working in corporate HR, I said goodbye. But, when one door closes…
… another one opens. I navigated so many decisions. How DO you grieve, really? Will grief, anger, and bitterness define me, or will I embrace my story and choose to write the next chapter walking in faith? I chose the latter. With a goal of creating a healthy, dare I say joyful, new normal, it was an easy choice, but it wasn’t always an easy road.
Guided by my faith and core values, I took the next step knowing it would inform the next, and the next and the next. Soon I’d be walking and even running again but it took TIME and a LOT of introspection, journaling, and accepting support from family and friends. I took long walks and talked to God and, through God, to my husband. Together, we figured it out. Approaching the five-year anniversary of his death, I’ve found love again and am grandparenting for two whom he would have called, “his little spoofers.”
Am I oversharing? Will I have a vulnerability hangover after posting this? Maybe, but if it bolsters the hopes of a single person, then my heart is full. As I’m ever hearing song lyrics to match life in my head, the essence of the song, “Carry on my Wayward Son” is now playing.
Why Sharing Your Story Matters
We all experience challenges, losses, and unexpected changes. But when we share our stories, something powerful happens:
- We Give Ourselves Permission to Heal – Telling our story helps us process what we’ve been through and make sense of our journey.
- We Create Connections – Vulnerability fosters human connection. When we share our experiences, we remind others they’re not alone in their struggles.
- We Inspire Others – Our stories have the power to encourage and uplift those who are facing similar challenges.
- We Take Ownership of Our Narrative – Instead of being defined by our circumstances, we become the authors of our own transformation.
Embracing Your Story and Moving Forward
If you’re navigating change, consider these steps to help you process and share your journey:
- Lean on your faith. Period.
- Acknowledge Your Experience – Give yourself the grace to feel every emotion that comes with your story.
- Find Your Tribe – Share with those who will listen with empathy—whether it’s a friend, therapist, or support group; they will put wind in your sails.
- Reframe Your Perspective – Every experience, even painful ones, can lead to growth. Ask yourself: What have I learned from this? How will it make me stronger?
- Use Your Story to Help Others – When the time feels right, sharing your experience can be a source of encouragement for someone else.
Journal Prompts for Reflection
- What is a defining moment in your life that shaped who you are today?
- How has sharing your story—or hearing someone else’s—impacted you?
- If you could write a letter to your past self during a difficult time, what would you say?
- What strengths have you developed through your experiences?
- How can you use your story to support and uplift others?
- How can you lean into your faith?
Ready to Share Your Story and Navigate Change with Confidence?
At Rudder Consulting, we believe in the power of personal and organizational storytelling. Whether you’re leading a team through transformation, redefining your career path, or navigating personal changes, we can help you turn your story into a source of strength.
- Leadership Development: Learn how to communicate with authenticity and inspire others.
- Change Management Coaching: Navigate transitions with confidence and clarity.
- Organizational Culture Transformation: Foster an environment where open conversations create resilience.
Your story matters. Let us help you embrace it and move forward with purpose. Visit Rudder Consulting to learn more.
