“The action you take is a vote for the person you want to become.” -Unknown

Currently I am in the midst of a home remodel and without a kitchen. Creating in the kitchen is my happy place, but what I have realized by not spending time in the kitchen is I have freed up time to think about other aspects of my life, one of which being the power of story.

I have always struggled with being confined to any type of ‘box’ – because I do believe we are far more complex than a box- be it self- imposed or one imposed upon us by society as a means to connect and relate to us (or not-depending on the choice).

I will use myself as the example, after all- it’s the person I know the most about & the person who is always trying to stay curious, learn and grow.

• I am an extrovert
• I am an empath and highly sensitive
• I am a baker
• I am a small business owner
• I am a creative
• I love people
• I know that even the most difficult of moments are opportunities to grow, even when I may not see it at that particular time.
• I love nature.
• Nothing is perfect.
• I need quiet time to recharge.
• Integrity is hugely important to me
• The people I surround myself with impacts my life
• I am always curious and constantly learning
• I don’t have to agree with you to love you

All of the aforementioned are true snippits about me- Not nearly all- as individuals we are highly complex, based on not only DNA, but also our life experiences, who we choose to spend time with, whose voices we give power to, including the one inside our own head (more often than not, the most powerful).

How many of us tend to focus on one thing when it comes to people, which ultimately becomes the lens in which we see them- good, bad or ugly, without ever pausing to realize the picture is much broader than we are seeing? (Insert me raising my hand here)

I’ve done it- Even though I try NOT to do it- I still do at times, but I’m getting better at reminding myself of the very fact that none of us are ‘one’ thing- we are many things & when we fail to see that many things can be factual about a person- especially if it’s something about that person we’ve zoomed in on and deemed as ‘not ok’ or offensive- then we, as a collective are missing out on the opportunity not only to challenge our own narratives, but also the opportunity to grow-

I’ve been spending a lot of ‘kitchen-free’ time thinking about these very things- and I do believe in order to truly connect with someone, we have to find a way to show up with no expectations, fully open, curious and willing to learn. When one can do that – magic happens.

The power of story can connect- or it can divide. The choice is ours.