What story are you still living, even though that chapter of your life is already over?
Amanda Johnson, known as The Story Oracle, joined me for a conversation that started with storytelling and writing books and became something much deeper.
We talked about the stories we inherit. The ones other people tell us about ourselves. The stories we create to survive something difficult. And eventually, the stories we get to choose for ourselves.
Amanda shared a moment from when she was 27. On the outside, people saw a high achiever who could accomplish anything she decided to do.
That wasn't the story she was living internally.
Then a mentor asked her:
What value do you have to give today?
That question changed everything.
We talk about why so many capable people believe they still need another degree, certification, accomplishment or permission before their story has value.
We talk about writing as a way to see yourself differently.
We talk about how unprocessed stories can keep showing up in our lives.
And we talk about something I believe deeply:
Sharing your story creates connection because it gives another person somewhere to see themselves.
I also share a story about an eight-year-old boy I met while shoveling snow, my own struggle with reading when I was younger, and why becoming an author once felt impossible to me.
This is not an episode about becoming an author.
It's about becoming more connected to your own story so you can decide what the next chapter looks like.
And maybe your story becomes medicine for someone else along the way.
We all have moments of impact.
What are you going to do with yours?
