Why Stories Matter

My first few weeks back in DC have been a whirlwind! From moving into a new apartment, starting a new job, even going to the White House, and of course weathering blizzard 2016, I have definitely been busy.  Being back here has also given me a good reminder of why I started blogging in the first place. Being back in DC has reminded me why it is so important to tell your story.

Disability rights activist, attorney, and author Harriet McBryde Johnson once said, "storytelling is a survival tool.” This is true beyond measure, but the power of stories goes beyond mere survival. Stories help us thrive.

Over the past few weeks, I've had an opportunity to interact with many of the women whose stories changed my life, and I've come to realize that I would not be here today without them. Stories are powerful because they remind us that in a world of 7 billion people we are never the only person to experience something. Storytelling certainly helps us survive, but it also helps us grow. Without the stories of strong, powerful disabled women in my life, I do not think I would fully understand what I am capable of. Without the stories of those who came before me I know I would not be brave enough to strike out on my own and leave my parents house. Without the stories of other amazing disabled people I know I would still believe that I was a problem that needed to be fixed instead of spending my days fighting ableism and trying to change the world around me. Stories are important because they teach us how to exist in this complicated world.

During my first week of work, I got the opportunity to see firsthand the impact of stories on young disabled women, and it was amazing! When I looked at these young girls I saw myself reflected back in their eyes. I remembered what it was like to for the first time to hear stories of people living with their disability, not merely existing. I remembered what it was like to hear stories of the capital steps crawl, of people like Ed Roberts who went to college before it was a reality for disabled people. I remember the impact of these stories. I remember what it was like to realize for the first time that there was a whole community of people like me. I remember what it was like to realize I was part of a rich history of struggle, tenacity, and self-determination. I remember realizing for the first time that all the world was open to me. I remember understanding in a true, and deep sense that my disability was not a problem that would stop me from having a real-life. When I reflect on these moments I remember how grateful I am that we tell stories.

I am grateful for the stories that teach me how to do things because life does not have an instruction manual. I am grateful for stories from strong disabled people because through their stories I learned to understand myself. I am grateful for stories that constantly remind me that I am never ever alone.

Almost 3 years ago, I started my blog because a good friend told me that if I wanted to change the world I had to learn to use my voice. When I first began, I often wondered if my voice could really change anything. What difference could the voice of one twenty-something disabled girl really make? Would it even matter?

Now, a few years later, I understand it a little better. I understand that the power of our voices comes from the stories we tell. Every story we give voice to is a reminder that no one goes through this world alone, and that every experience has value. I learned to use my voice because I realized that there is value in telling our stories. I realized that stories validate, and they teach. I realized that stories give hope, light, and laughter in a world that can so often seem dark.

Stories matter because they have the ability to alter the way people understand themselves and everything around them. Never be afraid to tell your story. You don’t need a national stage to make an impact. Even if a story only affects one person it has infinite value. I am so grateful to be a storyteller, because stories really do have the power to change the world.