Scars remind us of what we’ve survived — but they don’t define us. In this episode, I reflect on both physical and emotional scars, from childhood injuries to grief and loss. Through poetry by William Stafford, Carl Sandburg, and David Whyte, we explore how healing transforms us, how letting go frees us, and how scars can become symbols of strength, not shame. If you carry your own scars — visible or hidden — this conversation is for you. Your best days aren’t behind you… they’re still waiting.
stories
Need a Good Story? They are All Around Us
I make a to do list each night before I go to bed. I do that to prevent my mind from waking me up at 2 a.m. and saying, “Ray, don’t forget to pay your electric bill, crazy stuff like that. When I check those items off the list I’m not sure if it eases my mind or not, but I no longer think about it. What I remember about my day is the people I connected with. Each one has a story they want to tell and all I have to do is listen. Yesterday, Jody told me about a close relative who died. I heard about the cremation and memorial service. Corky told me about his hips and how badly they hurt and about his wife who has stage 4 breast cancer. He can’t have operation on his hips because he has a bad heart. Bob told me he doesn’t know how to cook and envies me because I do. Alice told me she is going on biking trip in Europe this summer. Each of us has a story that’s waiting to be told. When we listen to the stories of other people we gain deeper insight and compassion for them,
Inspiring Quote for Today ~ Do You Have a Story?
“Everything is held together with stories. That is all that is holding us together, stories and compassion.”
Feeling Good Tip of the Day ~ We’re Designed to be Active & Engaged
We are designed to be active and engaged. Our level of engagement is directly related to what is meaningful in our life. When we make a decision to commit to something or someone beyond ourselves our lives fill with meaning. Meaning gives us a reason to get up, get dressed and get moving. It provides us with stories and experiences we otherwise would not have. Opportunities for meaning surround us. Reach out and grab an armful.Â
Think About It ~ Story Sharing Has Many Benefits
Each of us is a composite of stories. I called my brother yesterday and wished him a merry Christmas. During during our conversation we began to share childhood stories. We each had fond memories of where we grew up, the people who lived in the tenements, and our experiences with them. We laughed at windows broken by hit baseballs, playing on railroad tracks, and the nearby river. When we listen to each other’s stories, we discover how similar we are. We discover the differences that separate us are not as great as we imagined. Encourage others to share their stories with you and be willing to share stories as well. Who knows, you may make a new friend or heal a wounded relationship.
Think About It ~ Listening Holds Great Benefits
It takes time to listen. In today’s fast-paced world we often set aside listening to pursue what has our immediate attention. Yet, when we listen to others, we hear their stories and discover how much their stories are similar to ours. We discover, in spite of differences of thought, we share a common set of values and aspirations. We discover we share common stores of joy, love, laughter, and sorrow. As we share our stories our respect for each other deepens.Â
✒️ Writers’ Wisdom: Why Write?
“Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those who do not write, compose, or paint can manage to escape the madness, melancholia, the panic and fear which is inherent in a human situation.” ~Â
✒️ Writers’ Wisdom: Refuse to Give in to Reality
“You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.” ~Â
đź–‹ Writers’ Wisdom: The Source of Good Stories
“Stories aren’t made of language: they’re made of something else. . . . perhaps they’re made of life.” ~Â
đź–‹ Writer’s Wisdom: 10 Steps to Becoming a Better Writer
“10 Steps to Becoming a Better Writer
Write.
Write more.
Write even more.
Write even more than that.
Write when you don’t want to.
Write when you do.
Write when you have something to say.
Write when you don’t.
Write every day.
Keep writing.”
―Â
