Why Our Stories Matter
We all carry stories. Some we share easily, while others we keep tucked away.
As a child, I always loved a good story—whether it came from a book or a family member. I would embrace the characters, their adventures, and the lessons that were always learned. In my younger years, stories felt like entertainment. But as I grew older, I began to understand how important they truly are. They help shape our identities and make meaning of our experiences.
Each person carries a multitude of stories within them, and each one offers a glimpse into who they are. Each story has the ability to expand our perspective and open us to new ways of understanding. It is stories that help humanity improve, grow, and learn.
It’s as though each person is a book, and with every chapter, we come to understand their story a little more.
As a tribal member, stories have always held deep importance in my culture. In Native culture, stories are always told with purpose—each one carries meaning.
Stories are used to pass down traditions and cultural practices
Stories teach lessons and help shape values
Stories offer a way to process, reflect, and heal
For generations, stories have carried knowledge, identity, and resilience within my Native community. It has been a way for tribal members to connect and form a place of belonging.
As a therapist my understanding of stories grew even more. When people enter therapy, many are unsure how to tell their story—or even how to understand it. As time goes on, some begin to hold back their stories due to shame, embarrassment, or fear of what might happen if they are shared. As a therapist I always ensure my clients that I will never force them to share their stories, but I am always there to listen. For many of my clients, their stories have been met with judgment or misunderstanding, which has led them to hide parts of themselves away. But as clients begin to share, even samples of their stories, a change happens. Their shoulders loosen, their smiles grow, and I see a weight lifted from their shoulders. Healing begins when a story is shared and acknowledged.
Sharing your story can be intimidating – but it can also feel like a weight being lifted.
Maybe your story feels unfinished.
Maybe it feels heavy.
Maybe you’re not ready to share it.
But your story still matters
Even in the parts that are still unfolding
Telling Your Story