"How can I be a content creator if I'm not a storyteller?"
That's the question I asked ChatGPT this morning.
When I write, my tendency is to focus on facts and data, getting straight to the point. And when I am tempted to tell a story, it's a one-liner. Although I consider myself an introvert, in the right company, I can chat up a storm. Still, it's rarely ever a story.
So, how do I participate in this world of content creation when I'm not what people want to listen to? How do I break through this ceiling to deliver a message I think the world needs to hear?
Let's take a quick Google break... What is a story?
"A story is about how the things that happen affect someone in pursuit of a difficult goal, and how that person changes internally as a result... it begins and ends with asking, 'Why?' We're born to 'story'. We're wired for it. Trust your inheritance, and as you write, just keep asking why." — Lisa Cron
Okay, this is interesting. I can see a framework layered in there:
- What is this story about?
- What happened that started it all?
- What did they go through?
- What do they know now?
- Why does it matter to others?
Testing the Framework: My Origin Story
What is this story about? This story is about discovering that love — real, lasting, fulfilling love — isn't just a feeling. It's a skill you learn, practice, and grow into. And sometimes, the person who ends up teaching you that is you.
What happened that started it all? Not even 24 hours after saying, "I do," I found myself sitting on the edge of a hotel bed, crying. My happily-ever-after hadn't made it past the threshold. My new husband was stonewalling. I was stunned, heartbroken, and unsure what had just happened. That moment shattered my certainty. I had thought I was ready for marriage. I thought I knew how to love well.
What did they go through? At first, I just sat in it. The disappointment, the silence, the disconnect. After a few months, the shock wore off just enough for me to take a step. I ordered my first relationship book. Then another. I watched videos, studied human behavior, took notes, and highlighted everything. I didn't realize it at the time, but I was rebuilding from the inside out.
What do they know now? I learned that love alone isn't enough to make a relationship thrive. Awareness, tools, and emotional literacy matter. I learned that just because we weren't taught how to do relationships doesn't mean we can't learn. I know that pain can become a purpose. And I've learned how to love better.
Why does it matter to others? You might be where I was — wondering why it's not working, feeling like you're failing at something you were never given the tools for. I want you to know there's nothing wrong with you. You're not broken; you're being invited to grow. And if I can turn my pain into my purpose, so can you.
That was decent, I think. With a lot more practice, this storytelling thing may work out after all.