There used to be a series on a news program where the reporter would go to a city, pick up a phone book, open it at random, and put his finger on a name.
You are describing my life as a writing teacher for the last 55 years! I get to hear stories from all my students and I tell them mine--as examples of how to write them, doncha know? From the beginning of my life, I've loved writing and reading, talking and listening., It doesn't get better than that!!
As a counselor and mentor, I am in the same situation. I have been witness to hundreds if not thousands of people's life stories. It has given me a profound respect for what people's lives can be like. The other day I was remembering when I was an Intake Interviewer at a drug abuse clinic in the 1970's. We saw mostly teens who had developed issues with "soft" drugs. The things that went on in people's households......no wonder the children used drugs to numb their feelings.....
Yes, I heard many awful stories as well as the good ones. Made me believe the percentages of children who are sexually abused that I'd heard. The only one I dispute is how much lower for boys the stats are. What I've learned over and over is that boys have already gotten the messages that they should be brave and shut up, no crying, and that they...as males...really want any sexual experience they can get, in spite of age, etc. The good news is that when they came to discuss these experiences, it was so freeing for them to be supported and to let go of feeling the need to hide their emotions.
"Remember that everyone has a story. Today, especially, when people are so divided in their beliefs and alliances, remember there could be a story that explains why they believe and act the way they do."
This is going on my bathroom mirror. I think it will help me cope thru the election. Every little bit helps!
You are describing my life as a writing teacher for the last 55 years! I get to hear stories from all my students and I tell them mine--as examples of how to write them, doncha know? From the beginning of my life, I've loved writing and reading, talking and listening., It doesn't get better than that!!
As a counselor and mentor, I am in the same situation. I have been witness to hundreds if not thousands of people's life stories. It has given me a profound respect for what people's lives can be like. The other day I was remembering when I was an Intake Interviewer at a drug abuse clinic in the 1970's. We saw mostly teens who had developed issues with "soft" drugs. The things that went on in people's households......no wonder the children used drugs to numb their feelings.....
Yes, I heard many awful stories as well as the good ones. Made me believe the percentages of children who are sexually abused that I'd heard. The only one I dispute is how much lower for boys the stats are. What I've learned over and over is that boys have already gotten the messages that they should be brave and shut up, no crying, and that they...as males...really want any sexual experience they can get, in spite of age, etc. The good news is that when they came to discuss these experiences, it was so freeing for them to be supported and to let go of feeling the need to hide their emotions.
Yes.
"Remember that everyone has a story. Today, especially, when people are so divided in their beliefs and alliances, remember there could be a story that explains why they believe and act the way they do."
This is going on my bathroom mirror. I think it will help me cope thru the election. Every little bit helps!
Yes, we have to remember this especially with the politics going on today. Sigh.