Do I want to set the world on fire?
Not really, can you imagine the mess.
But I do want to shine a light.
Some of us use our position to do so, our knowledge and experience, certificates and status.
Some of us use our wisdom, insights and truth.
Some use the arts, creativity shaping our vision.
Some simply our presence.
Every one has a story, a truth to tell.
Moments of joy and moments of hell.
Everyone has their story, tales of times gone by
The who, the when, what and the Why
Stories shine a light on our lives, on the connections we forget are there. The shared human experience, the shared happiness and pain.
The losses, the gains, the mystery and answers. The heartfelt love, delight and hope, the feelings we all know and the future we are trying to shape.
The blending of voice, hope, passion and truth is the greatest powerhouse we have.
Combining experience and knowledge, pain and recovery, loss and healing, passion and purpose, in a shared vision can bring about the changes we dream of.
The why is the key.
The where and how are the tools.
The who is the magic.
So although our stories may not set the world on fire. Every one of them shines light and love where it’s needed.
Revolutions can be quiet. Just as powerful. More so sometimes. A talk, a conversation from the heart. A painting, drawings of your truth. Creativity reaching another’s soul. A debate, allowing space to speak. Presentations and courses, innovations, projects of hope.
Your voice matters
Your truth counts
To build our powerhouses of hope, truth, light and care we need to share, share our experiences, our thoughts, our fears. Find safe spaces where we can breathe. Build the paths to a brighter tomorrow for us all. Now and in the future.
We often shrink the power of voice, the power of our stories, our shared values and knowledge. Unsure of where it will lead. Taught to keep quiet, not rock the boat. To stay in the shadows and let others shine. To doubt the wisdom we all have within us.
But there’s another way.
Listen.
Involve.
Connect.
Claim your power. Work together. Support each other. Light each other’s hearts and the fires will grow. We are so much stronger together, a reality I couldn’t accept for a very long time. Being alone, an island with impenetrable walls, hiding and surviving seemed the only thing I could do. Now I have glimmers of hope, recognition of the power of truth. A voice. One of many.
The power we all possess isn’t something to be stifled, muffled or feared. Burning the systems, so they can be rebuilt in safety requires shining lights on the why, on the gaps, on the intentions and omissions. Calling out mistakes and asking how to fix the cracks. Giving each other the opportunity to make the difference, listening, integrating and learning. Using our experience and insight, our individual wisdom to raise the alarm.
Remember the why. Who are you reaching, what do you want, need to say? Look to your vision, not away from it. Doesn’t have to be complicated, mine and my connected voices are building pathways to truth, hope, visibility and understanding. To a safer world for those in the future, for the children and adults living their stories tomorrow.
Maybe that is the fire we all need.
Author – Sebastian Etienne