I love story. It has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was raised by people who taught me from a very young age that story is the best way to connect with those around me. Whether it is listening to my mom's storytelling performances, sitting with my dad as he read of Bilbo's unexpected journey, watching a movie, studying the scriptures, listening to music, curling up with a good book, or even having a discussion with a stranger, I have always found myself drawn to the magic that is story. I don't just listen to story. I picture myself in story. In my head, I become a part of it. I even remember as a little girl lying in my bed at night concocting ridiculous or exciting or scary or romantic scenarios in my head to ensure that I would have the best dreaming experience possible. There is no better way for me to grow to love a person than to hear them tell me of their past: their triumphs, their mishaps, their adventures, their tragedy... Through those stories I find help for my own current trials. I find hope for what I may find in my future. And, most importantly, I gain knowledge that sometimes our "happily ever afters" come in unexpected ways and at unexpected times, and that they don't just come once in a lifetime.
I have always loved the saying, "We are the hero of our own story." I like the idea that, as we speak, I am on my very own heroic journey. It makes me feel like the fairytale character I have always longed to be. As such, I'm making it my mission to spread story. I want to share my own stories, but I also want to spread the stories of others, whether they be loved ones, acquaintances, or even strangers. I've read book upon book and heard story upon story, but now it's time for me to open a book that I have never before thought to open:
I want to learn your story.
