Write Your Story, Shape Your World
By Kim Groshek
"Facts are important, but facts don’t create learning. Stories do." — Kim Groshek
The Scene:
You’re sitting at your desk with a cup of coffee, staring at a blank page. It’s just you, your thoughts, and the weight of everything you haven’t written yet. You’re 25, caught between knowing what you want and feeling unsure how to start.
Here’s the reality: your story isn’t going to write itself. It’s waiting for you to take charge.
The Truth About Stories
Stories aren’t just a way to pass the time; they’re the lens through which we understand life. Achievements, facts, and milestones are just fragments until we weave them into a narrative. The way you tell your story shapes how others see you—and more importantly, how you see yourself.
Think back to the moments that defined you. Maybe you landed your dream job or overcame a personal challenge. Chances are, the story you told yourself about those experiences—whether of perseverance, luck, or determination—gave them their power.
But here’s the kicker: you’re not just the protagonist of your story. You’re also the writer.
The Power of Taking Notes
What’s the secret to writing a great story? Start with great notes.
Not the kind of notes you frantically jotted down in college lectures. Think of notes as snapshots of your life—tiny observations, fleeting thoughts, or moments that make you pause. They’re not just a record of facts; they’re the seeds of the stories you’ll one day want to tell.
Imagine opening a journal five years from now and finding this:
"Watched the sunrise while sipping coffee. Felt grateful for the quiet, like the world was on pause just for me."
That note isn’t just a memory. It’s a window into how you saw the world in that moment. It’s a reminder of what mattered to you.
The Art of Noticing
Taking good notes starts with noticing.
Here’s how:
1. Slow Down: You can’t notice the details of life if you’re rushing through it. Give yourself permission to pause.
2. Tune In: Listen to the world around you. What sounds stand out? What emotions bubble up during ordinary moments?
3. Ask Questions: Why did this moment catch your attention? What does it remind you of?
It’s not about waiting for big, dramatic events. Life’s best stories often come from the little things: a stranger’s kindness, an unexpected laugh, or the way sunlight filters through the trees.
Connecting the Dots
Once you’ve captured these moments, look for patterns.
Let’s say you’ve written these notes over a week:
“Felt restless at work today—like my shoes didn’t fit.”
“Heard a street musician playing a song I haven’t heard in years. It took me back to high school.”
“Spent an hour doodling last night. Forgot how much I love drawing.”
Individually, these might seem random. Together, they hint at something deeper: a longing for creativity, nostalgia for simpler times, or dissatisfaction with routine.
The real magic happens when you connect these dots and start seeing the bigger picture.
Turning Notes into Stories
Now it’s time to craft your story. Here’s the golden rule: don’t just record what happened—explore what it meant.
For instance, instead of writing: "I felt uninspired at work today,"
try: "Sitting at my desk, I stared at the spreadsheet on my screen and felt a tug of restlessness. It wasn’t the work itself; it was the realization that I wasn’t using my creative spark. That’s when I knew I needed to explore something different."
See the difference? A simple observation becomes a compelling narrative.
Living Your Story
Writing your story is just the first step. The real challenge is living it.
Every note, every reflection, and every story you craft is an invitation to take action. If your story is about bravery, what’s your next bold move? If it’s about connection, who do you need to reach out to?
Your life isn’t a static script—it’s a dynamic, ever-evolving masterpiece. And every time you add to it, you’re shaping not just your world but also the impact you’ll leave on others.
Kim’s Advice:
A story fits into (and changes) our understanding of the world. Good teachers are storytellers, and storytellers are teachers. Notes, then, aren’t recitations of facts. They’re story prompts. A good note reminds you of a story that you already understand.
Three Simple Tasks to Start Shaping Your Story
1. Start a Note Journal
o Grab a notebook or open a notes app. Commit to capturing one observation, thought, or feeling every day.
2. Notice the Small Stuff
o Slow down and pay attention to the tiny, beautiful details in your daily life. Jot down what catches your eye or tugs at your heart.
3. Turn Notes into Stories
o At the end of each week, review your notes. Look for patterns or themes, then write a short reflection about what they mean to you.
Take good notes. Shape your story. Shape your world.
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This is Written by: 🔆Kim Groshek
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