When people ask what I write about, that's what I tell them: 'The drama of human relationships.' I'm not even close to running out of material.
Joyce MaynardRead
I believe every one of us possesses a fundamental right to tell our own story.
Interpretation
Everyone has the inherent right to share their personal experiences and narratives.
This quote by Joyce Maynard emphasizes the importance of individual stories and the power of personal narrative. It implies that each person has the right to express their experiences, perspectives, and journeys, which not only validates their existence but also enriches collective understanding and empathy among people.
In practice
During a writing workshop, to inspire participants to share their truths.
When people ask what I write about, that's what I tell them: 'The drama of human relationships.' I'm not even close to running out of material.
I wonder what it is that the people who criticize me for telling this story truly object to: is it that I have dared to tell the story? Or that the story turns out not to be the one they wanted to hear?
Those who rhapsodize about the ease and joy of childhood have perhaps forgotten what it's like to be 12 years old.
As for me, I've chosen to follow a simple course: Come clean. And wherever possible, live your life in a way that won't leave you tempted to lie. Failing that, I'd rather be disliked for who I truly am than loved for who I am not. So, I tell my story. I write it down. I even publish it. Sometimes this is a humbling experience. Sometimes it's embarrassing. But I haul around no terrible secrets.
Sometimes you donβt just want to risk making mistakes; you actually want to make them - if only to give you something clear and detailed to fix.
What strikes the oyster shell _x000D_ doesn't damage the pearl.
Meetings should be like salt - a spice sprinkled carefully to enhance a dish, not poured recklessly over every forkful. Too much salt destroys a dish. Too many meetings destroy morale and motivation.
Nimble thought can jump both sea and land.
Authentic empowerment is the knowing that you are on purpose, doing God's work, peacefully and harmoniously.
The next time you feel unworthy, inadequate or inferior, remember that these experiences have nothing to do with humbleness, any more than lowering yourself to connect with another individual has to do with humbleness. There are no lower or higher individuals in the perception of a humble person. There are only souls. There is only love.
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