Untold Stories

Untold Stories-

In the secret places of my life, there are countless untold stories.  Why will they remain untold?  One reason they will remain held close is I refuse to be the one responsible for heart attacks.  Gasps- yes, I can handle that.  But shock-well, no.

So now you are wondering exactly what those untold stories are, aren't you?  You are picturing different scenarios.  Even imagining where, when, what.  Maybe a thought comes to your mind, but you quickly dismiss it because you can't believe that could be one of my untold stories.  You move on to the next possibility.  When we meet, you listen for any clues in conversation shared.

Let's get real.  Everyone has untold stories.  Everyone has dreams that have been smashed by good-hearted people who have no clue what you wish, or even who you are.  Your secret place is the repository for all those untold stories.  Only you hold the key.  Even the key is hidden.  What if someone actually found it and unlocked that door?  Can't allow that to happen.  You and only you have access to that door.  That key is yours.  Should you allow another beyond that door, it will be because they have earned your trust.  Perhaps they have had similar life experiences so you feel they will understand.  Even so, trust comes slowly.

Life throws so much at us.  Daily we are given choices.  Which ones we choose will direct our future.    Not all choices carry the same weight.  Some are easy and light.  Which food to choose off that huge menu, what shoes make our feet look smaller, which colors show off our eyes.  Those are simple choices.  Then there are those choices that are heavy.  They leave us drained. How to pay bills, which one can be left for the next month, who is the best doctor for our particular illness.  These are difficult.  If challenging choices haven't smacked you in the face yet, wait a little bit longer.  Wish I could say everything in your life will be peachy keen, but the human experience extends its arms to all of us. How we walk through these times is our choice.

I do believe that choice drives us.  However, there are times when that word seems a bit simplistic.  Life comes at us from all sides.  Just when we think we have made all the right choices, we are bombarded with unexpected challenges.  We don't always get to choose the path life puts in front of us.  Often we find ourselves adrift in the middle of the river with no paddle to get us to shore.  Even more-we don't have a boat to sit in as we paddle toward safety.  We feel lost and afraid.  Yet, even amid circumstances that threaten, we dig deep.  We push that paddle deeper into the water and make our way to safety.  One steady stroke after the other.

Times like these fill us with untold stories.  We hold those thoughts and fears inside.  We put on that facade and move through life.  We say all the right things and do all the right things.  We are fine. At least that is what we tell others.  We don't want to bother others with the real story.  They might find us difficult or different from the way they see us.  Too much at stake.  Keep it light.  Keep it simple.

A benefit of untold stories is we identify with others.  We don't have to share our story to feel their pain or disappointment.  We have been on that path.  We know.  And because we have walked that same path, we can offer understanding.  No judgement.  Simply care.  A listening ear.  A pat on a back.  A hug.

Not all untold stories are negative or worrisome.  Some are happy.  Joyful.  We keep those close for the moments when we need that little boost.  We smile and laugh aloud when we remember.  It is delightful to have those moments to shove us down the path.  To pucker those lips and whistle a tune along the journey.  These stories allow us to connect with others who are having good times.  To be energized.  Smiling eyes looking into smiling eyes.  What joy.

Untold stories are part of everyone's life.  They help us understand this journey we are all on.  My path will differ from yours as will yours differ from mine.  We all feel pain, fear, despair, disappointment.  It is my hope that we all also feel joy, love, care.  On this journey we may pass one another.  We may stop and share a bit before we move along.  We may pull deep inside until we have the strength to take that next step on the path of our life.  What we need to remember is we are all on the same journey.  We begin.  We end.  It is what we do with the middle that tells our story.

Will I share my untold stories with you?  Probably not.  At least not until we have sat together and shared.  Not until we have cried and laughed together.  Not until we have connected in a deep and meaningful way.  Even then it may be very difficult.  Not impossible-just difficult.

Life isn't over.  Many more untold stories to store in my secret place.  Don't you dare search for that key!