We are all storytellers
How the Democratic National Convention can inspire us all
This photo was taken in 2015 at the White House Holiday Party. It was the 2nd time our daughter had met Mrs. Obama.
On Tuesday morning, I told my husband to hit the snooze button on the 6 a.m. alarm. And the day after, then the two that followed. I could barely rouse myself out of bed before 7 a.m. after staying up until 1 a.m. for 4 consecutive nights.
I’m tired, but like a party you can’t leave because it’s too much fun, I couldn’t tear myself away from the Democratic National Convention, and it’s not because I was hoping for a surprise appearance from Taylor Swift or Beyonce. I was a little disappointed that James Taylor was cut from the Monday night’s lineup, but after getting in the groove of exactly what kind of convention this would be, and what the organizers were tasked to do in a small window of time, I knew that some of the celebrities would have to wait.
Many consider this one of the most critical elections in decades, and I agree. Given what our country has endured in recent years, there were many points to make, and topics to confront, that it was necessary to say as much could be said, even if that meant forsaking the 11 p.m. news coverage
I’m not unique. I’m only one of millions who watched and even felt a little FOMO at not being there in person to witness the historic moments that culminated in the first woman of color to accept the nomination or President of the United States.
I’ve heeded the call after receiving marching orders from former First Lady Michelle Obama, then VP Harris to “Do something!” As I did when my husband was fighting for a 2nd term as mayor of our city in 2017, I’ll call voters. I’ll learn the message, the most important talking points, then meld them into my personal way of communicating, lest I sound as if I’m reading from a script.
I know authenticity when I hear it, and I’m more likely to listen to someone who speaks from the heart than from a sheet of paper. That’s the beauty of sharing a part of yourself with others. When we listen to others, we open ourselves up to the possibility of considering another’s point of view through their lived experiences. We learn.
I know Obamas’ stories, but it was the words of others, names we didn’t yet know, that reminded me that there is space enough on the big stage for all. President Obama set the tone when he, “This convention has always been pretty good to kids with funny names who believe in a country where anything is possible.”
Anything is truly possible and dozens of people from diverse backgrounds demonstrated through oratory, song and sometimes comedy, which having the same lived experiences is not a prerequisite to harnessing empathy and compassion. When we listen, we learn. We can even become inspired to direct our efforts positively to affect change.
Pick your issue - I can’t think of one that wasn’t covered - and figure out how you can join the effort to, as Mr. Fred Rogers said, “Be a helper.”
You don’t have to have lost a loved one to gun violence to get involved with Moms Demand Action or Everytown for Gun Safety. You needn’t have suffered through infertility or sexual abuse to advocate for the rights of all women and girls to choose what is best for their bodies. And, while few in my family have served in the military, I support veterans to the degree I am able, but most certainly by honoring them when possible, and certainly never denigrating their service to our country.
One speaker after another - actors, politicians, veterans, mothers, fathers, a first lady and a former first lady, icons, coaches - had a story to tell. I learned something from each of them. They all inspired me to recommit to improving democracy through action.
If you were like me and watched every minute of the Democratic National Convention, no doubt you could list the overarching themes of joy, freedom, inclusion and (true) patriotism. Those are the big ones, but certainly you can count resilience, compassion, action, and most of all, love.
Every story was a chance to allow myself to be captivated, and while he did not speak in front of the big crowd, Gus Walz’s unabashed declaration of love for his father was one of the purest displays of emotion I’d seen in a long time.
Whether it was the 15 years I worked with people with disabilities at a local non-profit or an innate acceptance of all forms of expression, I only saw love. It never occurred to me that he might have a disability, and it doesn’t matter.
We can all learn from Gus how freely he shows his love for his father, and I suspect, most people in his world.
It’s that kind of passion that we must exude when working toward electing candidates who will preserve democracy while celebrating all who live in the United States.
Each speaker powerfully informed, educated, and entertained - simply by sharing their personal stories. Those who recounted their grief over losing children, whether to gun violence or medical issues during pregnancy displayed vulnerability as they invited viewers and attendees into a world few can understand or will ever experience. Understanding creates empathy, which fosters compassion and connection. We want to help so we are inspired to get involved to make a difference.
I expected to be impressed by the famous folks who spoke. I’d heard many of them before, and while I was awed by their words and reminded of their brilliance, it was the people whose names I didn’t know that impacted me the most.
Therein lies my belief that we all have a story to tell. Our stories are valuable, and they deserve to be told. I believe this to my core. While not worthy of a spot on the big stage, I believed in the power of my story. I knew that by sharing my experiences in a book could help someone else, if not provide a respite from the world.
That’s why I wrote, then persevered for 3 years to continue, pausing for chemotherapy and radiation treatments, to finally publish. The power of our stories to create connection and community is why I encourage anyone who desires to tell their story through memoir to do so.
It’s also why I offer expertise through my lived experience of writing and publishing my memoir as an average person. Unlike other memoirists, I didn’t have a social media platform with 6-figure followers, or a team to craft my image and every word. I had my story.
If you have a desire to share your unique story through memoir, but you're unsure of where to start or even how to begin writing, I invite you to join me for a 1-hour masterclass, 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Kickstart Your Memoir.
When I say "simple," I mean it. The solutions I share will help you transform thoughts and ideas into words on the paper, and a cohesive narrative that can become your memoir.
I invite you to register for 1 of 3 dates, whichever one fits your schedule. I hope to see you there! And no matter your political party, become engaged in the democratic process. If you’re not registered to vote, do so. If you are, get involved by helping others register. There are many jobs, many ways to be a helper. Pick the one that excites you the most!