The Stories of our Lives

I was recently at a Regional Sync Up meeting with some of my Origami Owl friends and our Dream Manager, Donavon, had us do a REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE role playing situation.  What was uncomfortable in that room with a stranger, has been weighing in heavily with me ever since and may have been the best thing for me after all!

We were to ask questions of our partner, getting them to share portions of their life as we conversed for just a couple of minutes.  While some THRIVE on this kind of activity, I have a hard time with it for a few reasons.  First, I am more naturally shy...I know...if you have known me for a while, you may not believe this.  In a group where I do not know very many people, I feel VERY out of place.  Second, in these role playing situations, I feel awkward and clumsy, like I am 12 and in school giving the wrong answer in a group or something.  There are some other reasons that I won't take the time to go into here, but I just find it awkward.

 I was paired with someone I had not previously met and as we were chatting through this exercise, I found out pieces of her life story...things I probably will not ever forget and I made a connection with this woman in those two minutes, because she told me a story, HER story.
Here is part of Michelle's Story...this is her ADORABLE Little Black Rain Cloud Locket...

There is just something about telling your story that causes a connection to be made with another person.  We do not often get the chance to tell our story, because we are BUSY, BUSY, BUSY..

Those of us with Origami Owl say,

I want to encourage you to listen to someone else's story today and share at least a part of your story with someone as well.

Oh, and Donavon, I may need to re-think that vanilla!