The Power of STORY – So Do It!

I‘ve only just begun to completely understand the significance of STORY.

Martha Beck teaches that if we continue to repeat the same sad, “somebody done me wrong” story, we continue to run into more of those same “somebody’s.”  She call’s this “wallowing in our story.” And I’ve seen first hand how, in this context, STORY can and will keep us stuck in unproductive patterns.  But we can turn this around, begin telling a NEW STORY – and truly change our lives for the better.  This I Know For Sure!

Daniel Pink talks talks about the importance of STORY in A WHOLE NEW MIND.  He says that, along with Design, Symphony, Empathy, Play and Meaning, STORY is a critical element for what he calls the conceptual age.

“Together these six high-concept, high-touch senses can help develop the whole new mind this new era demands.”

In a very positive way, Story allows us to relate to one another – like attracts like.

So, without further adieu, here’s my story about STORY…

THE PSYCH PAPER THAT CHANGED MY LIFE

The year: 1977
The course: “The Psychology of Personality” at MN State University Moorhead
The assignment: apply the theories of personality to our own lives
The pressure: Most of our grade depended on this paper

Little did I know my entire life’s path also depended on it as well!

I chose to tell my life story in the third person and, without editing my thoughts, in a stream of consciousness style.  While writing, it came out that I regretted not pursuing my talent as a dancer.

Dr. Reed gave me a good grade on the paper (a few points off for typos! No computers then!)   But the other thing he gave me that was so much more valuable – it was a kick in the ass.

You see, I was in BUSINESS SCHOOL.        ME!       BUSINESS SCHOOL!  Yeah, those of you who know me are looking perplexed right now…

“I think I just gave up.” I’d written “I have discovered, through writing this paper, that since I quit dancing, I’ve put all thought of it into my sub-conscious. … I did not have to admit that I had cheated myself.”

On the cover page of my paper he wrote

So, do it!“

And I did!  I immediately walked over to the theatre department and enrolled in a “dance for stage” class with Eddie Gasper.  Eddie was  fabulous dancer who’d come to us from Broadway!  He’d even worked with Bob Fosse. Talk about an amazing opportunity!  He asked me to audition for his new dance company which led into more than 5 years of living and breathing dance.  It was fabulous.

Dr. Reed’s comment changed the course of my life – I would not have the life I love today if it hadn’t been for this STORY and my cool, hush-puppy wearing Psych prof!

That’s my STORY.     I’d love to hear yours!