Weekly Round Up: Our Stories Edition

Time for this week’s round-up of the best of the blog posts which I’ve read over the past week. These are the posts that have moved me, taught me something, inspired me, and which I’ve wanted to share with you. Don’t forget if you have written a post which you would like readers to see, just leave a comment below.

Each week I like to set a theme for the round-up, and reading Debbie’s blog this week, the theme that came to mind is our stories, both those told and untold. I believe that in listening to the stories of how others have walked their path, our own journey of discovery and healing can be enriched. Debbie shares a deeply personal story by her friend Lockey about a difficult mother-daughter relationship – a story also told by Sarah on her blog. Both stories are tough to read, but so important that they don’t remain untold. As Justine writes on her blog this week:

We all have an epic story, and we all have hardship in our lives. Because hard is hard. Where we often get tripped up is in how we integrate these pieces of our stories into our whole, and hopefully one day, recovered selves.

Not only can telling your story be a cathartic experience, in some cases, it can be life-saving. This was the story which emerged in response to my writing prompt on Conturtum Designs. And I was blown away by where Lauren took the writing prompt!

After sharing her story of dealing with depression, Susan reports this week that she is starting to feel a little better. Susan, we continue to hold you in light and love in our hearts at this time.

Elizabeth shares an experience from her clinical psychology training of listening with empathy and without judgment to one of her patients tell her story, and concludes with a beautiful reflection on resilience.

Jennifer shares her story of being a new Mom diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer. Cancer is a story we are sadly too familiar with, but each time I hear the story of the experience from the woman herself, it reminds me each time how personal to each of us this disease is. The world may see it as one disease, but we learn through our stories that it is a multi-storied experience, unique to each of us in our own way.

Philippa has just returned from an incredible time spent with some world-renowned story-tellers.

A story from Terri in Tanzania – a story about a remarkably resilient lady called Esther.

Nancy’s beautiful daughter Lindsay shares her story about her mother’s breast cancer.

A heart-wrenching story of unselfish love from Yvonne Newbold – please read and show her your support.

And a request for your stories on breast reconstruction by Stacey, who has hit a bump in the road with her tissue expanders.

Elsewhere in the blogosphere…

Stephanie continues her series on cancer survivorship issues.

A poignant letter by Eileen to her pre-cancer self – I know a lot of you will identify with this.

A post by Knot Telling on insomnia, something I know many of us deal with and which can wear us down.

Lori has coined a new word in the cancer lexicon, “trangst” as she starts a new treatment protocol.

A beautiful tribute to Shelli, aka the Dirty Pink Underbelly from Carolyn

I am still pondering on the title of Audrey’s latest blog, when nothing is sure, everything is possible…great title and the content is great too.

Chris writes about the power of nature to wreak chaos in our lives.

Catherine shares a wonderful review of her novel and writes some more about the healing experience of writing it.

Finally this week, I finish where I started this round-up with a quote from Debbie’s blog:

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Maya Angelou

And a reminder to you all that this blog is always a safe place for you anytime you want to tell your story – you will always find a compassionate and understanding listener to receive your precious stories.

Until next week.

Yours with love

Marie xxx