This week’s post comes to you in the form of verse. I was inspired to write the poem, “A Story Set Free,” after sharing space with several courageous truth/storytellers in Sandra Marinella’s, “The Story You Need to Tell” workshop. The poem also describes my “50 Life Stories” writing journey over the last two months. I have written stories that have made me smile and laugh and stories that have provoked tears and pain; several have done both. Reliving, writing, and releasing the stories to the page has been a freeing experience and one I would highly recommend.
My photos were taken over several dates, and before my photography class began seven weeks ago. I know what my photography teacher would say; I hope you enjoy them all the same. They feature Northern California, Southern Oregon, and one from a mountain trail in Peoria, Arizona.
A Story Set Free
A poem by Michele Lee Sefton
They whisper and wait,
the stories that exist inside of me.
I write about what once was,
to release them, to set them free.
Elusive details captured on a page.
My blank messenger conspires with me,
coaxing the story out of hiding,
and snaring it for other eyes to see.
No longer is the story mine, I am setting it free.
No longer does the story have power over me.
The words and emotions transferred from
me to you and from you to them.
My story becomes your story,
because you understand where I’ve been.
My story released; my mind can now expand.
Cloudy perspectives and timeworn pathways,
no longer weigh me down or slow my pace.
An open mind now ready to explore new lands.
No longer is the story mine, I am setting it free.
No longer does the story have power over me.
There once was a time when I told myself,
that silencing our stories gives us strength.
Not sharing our stories highlights courage
and defines how we conquer moving on.
I now know that lie was just a trapped story,
convincing me that it should stay hidden,
in the dark and under the bed.
“Sweep around me,” it said, “but don’t ever bend.”
A believer, I was, that a shared story
might spend too long dwelling on the past.
“Don’t look too closely,” it whispered,
“For I might provoke sadness, pain, or regret.”
I now know the truth about the stories,
hiding in the crevices of my mind:
walking with the shadows is uncomfortable,
but it is there where freedom is found.
No longer is the story mine, I am setting it free.
No longer does the story have power over me.
Sandra Marinella is an Arizona author and veteran teacher who teaches workshops based on her book, The Story You Need to Tell. After a cancer diagnosis and the journey that followed, Sandra turned to her journals and writing as a way to manage her life-changing experience. Her personal healing journey extended to others and she has since helped thousands of people write their way through their own “trauma, illness, or loss.” Sandra’s book contains extensive research on the benefits of expressive writing, excerpts from her journals, and inspiring stories of others, including her students. For more information, or to order her book, visit http://www.storyyoutell.com.
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If you are going through a life change or know someone who is, I would love to learn more and possibly share your/their story on a weekly post. Please send me a note if interested.
Thank you and have an inspired weekend!
Michele
Thank you for giving your stories life and setting them free. Always look forward to the next one.
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Thank you and thanks for reading. 🙂
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Thank you for being a consistent and encouraging reader.
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Oh my gosh, lady, you are soaring free and I couldn’t be any happier for you than I am at this moment. I love the transformation process and you, my dear friend.
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Thanks to you! Walking away from the familiar terrified me a few months ago. No longer am I terrified – I am inspired. 🙂
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I love this!
The latter half, starting with this portion:
“There once was a time when I told myself,
that silencing our stories gives us strength.
Not sharing our stories highlights courage
and defines how we conquer moving on.”
in particular.
God has you on quite a journey and He’s using you in the lives of others in the process.
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LP, thank you for sharing what you most enjoyed. Your comment, “He’s using you in the lives of others …” means so much to me, as it is part of my daily prayer. 🙂
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Incredible Michele! Love how your words unfolding for others. Blessings, dear friend!
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Thank you Sandra. I just responded to an IG post by Changing Hands Bookstore, that asked people what they are currently reading. I commented that I am finishing your book, following your workshop held at the Tempe location. I appreciate the research, personal stories, and the extensive prompts. Many highlightable sentences and sections. 🙂
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