Today we're discussing storytelling and it's profound impact on the way we're able to navigate grief with my guest Tricia Brouk, an award winning director and documentary filmmaker whose passion for storytelling has shaped her worked in film, television, and theater for over two decades.

If you're thinking: why on earth would I want to tell the story of the worst day of my life? - you're not alone. Which is why this episode is SO important to hear.

Most of our encounters with grief feel incredibly private, painful, personal...and vulnerable to ever consider sharing. Often, the reactions we get when we do share even a small part of our story are uncomfortable enough to never want to speak of it again.

Tricia and I talk about the impact that hiding our story has not just on our own identity, but also the way the narrative around our experiences gets represented within the culture. Telling our story can actually make it easier for others to be courageous enough to seek the support they need to move their own lives in the direction of healing. As we share our truth, we not only change the status quo, but we also encounter a community of solidarity in the process, one of the most important ingredients in the recipe for healing any traumatic experience or loss.

Topics we covered:

How (and why) to share our true-blue story within the small and complex interactions throughout our day-to-day.
What's shame got to do with storytelling.
Some important steps to take in owning our story before sharing it.
How to discern who has earned the privilege of hearing the details of your story (and who gets to hear the less intimate version of it).
How we can create a more honest and authentic conversation about mental health so we can be more graceful with ourselves and others when intense emotions and experiences present themselves.
Separating grief and trauma from the label of mental illness.
Understanding the impact of our own personal village in navigating the complexities of life and all its highs and lows.

Resources:

Speakers Who Dare, a groundbreaking speaker series!
Explore her website!
Connect with her on Facebook.
Her podcast, The Big Talk.
TEDx Lincoln Square

The Power of Storytelling with Tricia Brouk