All of us have a past, a present and a future – it’s an obvious statement, but so many of us feel a disconnect in the flow of our lives. Sometimes we are hiding from, or are stuck back in our past. Sometimes we are living only for the now with no real understanding of what our future holds. Often we live in the ‘if only’ zone which constantly tells us that we will finally be happy when we get to our perceived destination which is ambiguously sometime in the future, or we fear the future because of our uncertainty in it.

If we are honest with ourselves, we will be able to identify those times, or even our current point of time, where we have been, or are, unable to join the threads that connect our whole journey together. This disconnect can be very uncomfortable, frightening or cause us to procrastinate, hesitate or feel unprepared or unwilling to move out of our comfort zone, even if it’s not really very comfortable. This can lead to unfulfilling lives.

I think one of the answers to helping us lead happy, healthy and full lives is actually quite simple – we need to know and tell our own stories, and hear the stories of others; in a way that builds resilience, empathy, understanding and a knowing that we can take responsibility and make changes for ourselves. I believe we all innately have the answers we are seeking, but often we need to rephrase the question. Often we are seeking a way out rather than a way through and it is only by travelling through that we can grow, gain knowledge and wisdom and live our lives to our full potential.

Our story is also something we need to re-evaluate and re-appraise regularly. We can ask ourselves the important questions; – what is my story today? who do I need to share my story with? whose stories do I need to engage with?

Ancient cultures knew how to keep connected through the generations. Think of our own aboriginal peoples and the wonderful and rich culture that has been handed down for thousands of years and provided the bed of security and understanding from generation to generation. And think of how for many of these people, when their stories were interrupted, dislodged, discarded and no longer able to be told with openness and honesty, how disconnected many of them became. How wonderful that we now realise the importance of all of our stories, and how we need to share them openly, wisely and with a kind heart so that we can all learn and grow together. We all have much richness to gain from the stories of our ancestors; of all races and cultures.

Hearing our own and other’s stories honestly allows us to hear pain, struggle and grief. It allows us to share in joy, success and strength. It affords us the opportunities to say sorry – to forgive ourselves and others. Stories enrich our experience of humanity and encourage us to do better for a better life for all. They open our perspective and help us make connections between our past, our present and our future.

Stories give us hope.

As we embark on this new year, I encourage you to explore and understand your own story, and to engage with others and their stories – and may 2019 be a year of hope.

Be Happy
Merelyn Carter

Merelyn’s writing is supported in part by the sale of her books. Autobiography - ‘The Deepest Part of Me’.  ‘Inspire’ – inspirational reflections for your life’s journey.  ‘Stories behind the Songs’ and her first children’s picture book ‘To The Moon and Back - Grandma’s Rocket Ship Adventure’. To find out more about her work and to support her through the purchase of her writings and music, please go to www.carterandcarter.com.au