Writing was the earliest form of storytelling I remember doing. I would actually write stories to then play them out with my action figures. I was 25 when I first started…just kidding, I was 9.
Writing comes naturally not easily. It’s therapy. I can get something off my chest or out of my mind. Or it can just be something I think is entertaining. When write a more meaningful piece, I’m writing it for myself and people like me going through something similar. Storytelling, on both sides, can be a safe place to explore or confront your feelings.
I know there are others that have it worse than me, but I only have my experience to draw from. Honestly I wish writing about adversity wasn’t my thing. My mom used to write feel good love stories, but then again we all have different stories to tell.
Right now I’m an unhappy person. I carry that unhappiness with me with a little bit of guilt. I feel guilty because there are things I’m also grateful for. But when I’m being honest with myself, I know I’m not living the life I want. I’m still trying to figure things out. Storytelling is the only thing in my life I haven’t given up on. Whether it’s through writing, photography, improv, filmmaking, or whatever, I’ve always found a way make my voice heard. It’s a mechanism to combat loneliness and it’s proven to be effective. My hope is that when someone reads a story of mine, that it will resinates on some level for them. If not to make someone feel better, it’s to say you’re not alone.
Austin
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“I know it hurts, but it will get better.”
“Still Standing.”
“I’ve got you now, my friend.”
“The stars will align.”
I’ve found the stars usually do align. It’s interesting to look back at certain events in my life and see the outcome – either good or bad, it always seems to benefit me in the now.
I had an experience where we moved into a small place that was a dive. We found when it warmed up that there was a horrible stench from the crawl space. Turns out the place was non-inhabitable and we moved with gas masks on. No joke. I always wondered why we had to go through that situation but then it was a domino effect. While living there I met a neighbor that worked at a place I had wanted to work at. I ended up getting a good job through that connection. While working that job I found out about a market on Saturdays to sell my small Pocket flutes at. That was 7 years ago and I’ve now sold over 50,000 of my Little Pocket flutes. Long story short – I have found that most of the rough times in my life have a silver lining if I look through the lenses of “what can I learn from this”. Then it becomes a learning opportunity that helps my growth.
By the way – that last image with the stars aligning is epic! I love it.
Thanks Austin for such an honest write up that comes from a genuine place of vulnerability. I noticed you used the words “unhappy” and “unhappiness” as opposed to “sad/sadness” and I can only assume that there is a desire for something to fill a gap. I do sincerely hope you find it and a sense of peace as you search.
The last words of your article certainly resonates with me – “… you’re not alone.” The knowledge that there is at least one person around who cares does make a huge difference. It gives hope and a sense of belonging.
Janan