“The universe is made of stories, not atoms”: 10 reasons to tell your story, as inspired by Bobette Buster’s Do Story
“The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.”
Muriel Rukeyser
Bobette Buster, a story consultant, lecturer and screenwriter, covers a huge amount in the 112 pages of Do Story.
The book – one of the “inspirational pocket guidebooks” by the independent publishing house The Do Book Company – is a beautifully inspiring exploration of storytelling, but is perhaps more so an encouragement to accept vulnerability and open up about ourselves.
This is one of the reasons why I started this website back in 2012, as well as a huge incentive to keep writing.
But there are many reasons to tell stories, as Do Story explores. Here are some of them. Perhaps use them as encouragement to open up to a friend, think about the storyline of your life so far, or start off by journaling.
After all, as the wonderful quote by Muriel Rukeyser (and shared in Do Story) goes: “The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.”
10 reasons to tell your stories by Bobette Buster
1. Stories impact everything we do
How well you tell your story can make the difference to anything you do – whether that’s convincing someone to love you, buy something you’ve made, or give something of themselves; or how well you make your way in the world; or, simply, in sharing who you are.
2. Stories connect us by illuminating common ground
3. For inspiration
By telling and hearing stories we become inspired. We can envisage a better life for ourselves and become more courageous.
4. Stories provide clarity
They help us to understand our feelings and interpret the world around us.
5. Stories let us share our vision of ourselves, our experience, and the world
6. Stories develop our self-esteem
As Bobette Buster shares, it’s thought that the more a child knows his family’s ‘story’ – the better informed he is about his family and obstacles they have overcome in order to survive and thrive – the ‘stronger a child’s sense of control over his life, the higher his self-esteem’.
7. Stories are “prescriptions for courage”
In short, stories are prescriptions for courage. They illustrate how to run the race. And win. We are not born with courage. We may possess bravado, even arrogance. Youth normally does. But courage is a quiet, spiritual muscle discovered only when you face your greatest fear. Stories embolden, strengthen, and establish how we can become our very best.
8. By talking about the turning points in our lives, we can nurture the possibility of transformation
9. Storytelling gives us a chance to discover who we are
10. Our stories make us unique and exceptional
And we’re the only ones who can really share them.
Own your own narrative, risk your vulnerability, and tell your stories well. Do Story provides brilliant help for the journey.
If you like Do Books, you might also like the 99u book series. They’re both inspiring and beautifully-produced additions to a bookshelf.
Enjoy more from me
- Retreat into my new book, Your Life in Bloom: Finding Your Path and Your Courage, Grounded in the Wisdom of Nature.
- I'm also the author of Mountain Song: A Journey to Finding Quiet in the Swiss Alps, a book about my time living alone by the mountains.
- If you love books, are feeling a little lost right now, and would love some gentle comfort and guidance, join The Sanctuary, my seven-day course to rebalance your life.
