008 | The Power of Storytelling: Honoring the Highs & Lows of Life with Angie Lucas

Life Rebuilt

Human beings are natural storytellers. Some stories are written down; others are only thoughts. We use stories to interpret and make sense of the world. We also use them to teach abstract principles and connect with others.

Angie Lucas is a professional writer, former magazine editor, and voracious reader. In this interview, Angie and I explore the power of storytelling from three different angles.

CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS

The power of storytelling begins with our thoughts—the internal narratives we tell ourselves about who we are and how the world works. Some of these stories are less helpful than others; we call these stories “limiting beliefs.”

In part one, Angie demonstrates how to recognize, examine, and reframe limiting beliefs. She also explains how this process differs from putting on rose-colored glasses or faking optimism.

SHARE YOUR LIFE STORY

The power of storytelling can also help you record your personal history for posterity—and no one is more qualified or capable of writing that story than you!

In part two, Angie offers three simple storytelling strategies to help you get started today. She also shares a bit of her own story, including her experience with infertility and pregnancy loss.

LEARN FROM OTHERS

Storytelling also has power to help us understand the human condition by making abstract ideas—like grief—more concrete.

In part three, Angie shares how her experience with loss helped her write My Big, Dumb, Invisible Dragon, a grief allegory for children. This beautiful book belongs in every family library and is a perfect gift for any child who is grieving the death of a loved one or experiencing life-changing loss (such as a divorce or cross-country move).

SHOW NOTES

Connect with Rachel on Instagram

Connect with Angie Lucas Instagram | Facebook | Website

My Big, Dumb, Invisible Dragon (Book)

Connect with Birgitta Sif (Illustrator) Instagram | Website

Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (Book)

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown (Book)

Maya Angelou

Loving What Is by Byron Katie (Book)

Chatbooks

Evernote App

Prixm App

Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell (Book)

It’s Okay That You’re Not Okay by Megan Devine (Book)

A Long Way from Chicago & A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck (Books)

Skellig by David Almond (Book)

Ida, Always by Caron Levis & Charles Santoso (Book)

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld (Book)

Daphne’s Blog

“Using Self-Love to Rebuild after Loss”

“Keeping a Marriage Together after Loss by Grieving Separately to Give Space to Heal Together”

“How to Support Those Who Are Grieving”

Note: This list includes affiliate links to books mentioned in this episode. I receive a small commission for products purchased through these links, which helps to support free content on the podcast.

MAY 2020 GIVEAWAY

Two ways to enter:

(1) Post a review to Apple Podcasts, and send a screenshot to @rachel_rebuilt on Instagram.

(2) If you don’t use Apple Podcasts, send a direct message to @rachel_rebuilt on Instagram. List the podcasting app you use, and tell me what you like about the podcast.

Two winners will be selected on June 1, 2020. One winner will receive a $30 gift certificate to Happy Beads; the other will receive a Fawny Pack from Fawn Design.