Listen to this lesson (3:54)
[audio:http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/authorcartel/Rule%201.3%20-%20why%20share%20your%20story.mp3]We take words for granted, especially words like story and share that we’ve heard since children.
These are the kinds of words I love looking up in the dictionary because the definitions always surprise me. For example, the word “story” means, “A narrative, either true or fictitious, in prose or verse, designed to interest, amuse, or instruct the hearer or reader,” according to Dictionary.com.
Photo by Arnau Amengual Bonnin
What I find interesting is that the definition of story seems to imply an audience, that there has to be someone listening to the narrative for it to be considered a story. The word narrative itself suggests “narration,” sharing your story with other people.
We often think of a writer as some loner slaving away in a dark closet with his imaginary friends, but the truth is that story itself comes from a social urge to connect.
Stories are meant to be shared.
You Are Entitled to Share Your Story
In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell shares a surprising study that links success with a sense of entitlement. A researcher named Annette Lareau followed the children of twelve families, choosing families who were poor, rich, white, and black. What Lareau found was that children raised in middle-class and upper-class homes, regardless of race, had a “sense of entitlement.”
Gladwell points out we usually have negative associations with the word entitlement, but Lareau’s study showed it as a positive trait. “[The middle and upper-class children] acted as though they had a right to pursue their own individual preferences and to actively manage interactions in institutional settings. They appeared comfortable in those settings; they were open to sharing information and asking for attention.” In other words, says Gladwell, this sense of entitlement leads to success.
What does this mean for your writing?
Writers are often shy people. Many of us take to writing because we have a difficult time expressing ourselves verbally in the moment. However, shy or not, you are entitled to share your story. In fact, by definition it is not a story at all until it’s shared.
Do something for me. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. And whisper to yourself, “I am entitled to share my story.”
Say it a few times.
How does it feel? Empowering? Exciting? Terrifying?
If so, that’s great! It means we’re getting somewhere.
Repeat the mantra, “I am entitled to share my story.” How does that feel? Share in the comments section.
Then, move onto the next lesson.
Honestly, it feels like when your grandparents sneak you a piece of candy even though your parents don’t want you to have it. I know you’re telling me it’s okay to say, but it’s been drilled in my head for so long that it’s not that it feels almost sneaky and decadent to say it… And I’ve had things published before, so I can imagine how daunting it must feel for someone just starting out. It’s a bold statement.
It is indeed. Thanks for this perspective, Staci. It’s very true.
The first time, it felt like a wonderful, empowering release. The second time, I felt stupid. Maybe because I said it out loud. Lesson: the mantra needs to be saved to be whispered for special occasions 😉
Ha!
When I say that the resistance kicks in, saying “Why should you share? There’s already too much content online. Yours will just drown in the ocean and not get any attention. Who cares? Do you deserve it?”
Darn voices. It takes a long time for the truth to sink in. Repetition will help bring the truth to light. I’ll say it until I believe it! Entitlement is not a four-letter word; I can share my story!
Do it, Ryan. I love your attitude.
It feels totally alien to me as I come from a background where anything remotely associated with art is not frowned upon but simply ignored. The idea of sharing my stories with these people is scary but exciting at the same time.
That’s sad. Why do the people around you treat art like that?
We are told from children that we should stay away from risks, that’s common sense, right? So when we risk and share “they” tell us to be quiet. However, I feel that with the writer and artist our biggest risk is NOT investing in an unknown, NOT risking telling someone our story, NOT communicating. Those same people who tell us to be quiet are probably still hiding money in their mattresses. Take a buck, buy a candle from a Dollar store and light it. Scratch a number in the wax, the number of times those people have silenced you. Light the candle. Enjoy it, as all of those doubts go up in smoke. When it burns down you’re left with a nice smell and all of the doubts that actually matter – Zero.
I love this, Scott.
I let this mantra brew inside my head peacefully and quiet for a few days. Now I feel like it matters. Who cares about all the negativism in the world, I grew up surrounded by mathematicians, engineers, and lawyers telling me that the arts will take you nowhere, yet here I am. We are all different, we all have a voice, and we all have a right to share it.
Yes!
That felt really good. To be honest, I moved to the US from Brazil, but since my mother is a diplomat I’ve traveled the world all my life and when I started college, I went to Rutgers University and found people from New Jersey to be very cold. Basically, it sums down to this: people who went to Rutgers mostly are from New Jersey, have friends from NJ since childhood, and they all went to Rutgers and continued to live in their circle and an outsider had a harder time finding a place to fit in when everyone else already had friends. And being from a place in the world where everyone enjoys talking to each other and values friendships and social life, I tried to speak with as many people as I could, but many, in fact a vast majority told me to shut up. And those words stung. Not only that, but I saw so many messages saying for people to be leaders, etc., but when someone wants to join the crew it was shut up or get the hell out. I chose the latter and although I have a few good friends, I always had my stories to cheer me up and give me hope. But still, when it came to sharing, a part of me remembered those people who told me to shut up and I felt afraid. But I never gave up hope and repeating the mantra reminded me of that.
Mmm… I’m so sorry. I can picture how what that was like. I think many of us become writers out of a loneliness. I was just at a conference where an author said he has to BECOME lonely if he’s not feeling it already to write well. Stephen King says, “If you want to be a writer, remember your scars.” As hard as this was, maybe it’s the secret to your power.
I like the idea of entitlement, I have never thought of it as applied to the written word, but anytime I feel like I am entitled it feels like some thing that I can just have. I don’t have to earn it…….jlw
I do think you have to earn the trust of your audience. You can’t have that without work. But you are definitely entitled to share. We’ll dive deeper into that idea in our class time.
I liked the calming effect of taking in a deep breath and repeating the mantra. Half the battle is sitting still long enough to do it.It to It pulls positive energy in and helps diffuse that pesky inner critic who loves to convince me I’m not good enough. We’re all good enough and we could never write as perfectly as our inner critic pressures us to do!.
I felt that calming effect, too. You articulated it very well.
Well, it felt like a challenge to me. BUT I felt I spoke the truth. I AM entitled to share my stories. And I will share my stories. I’m not going to settle for being a journaler. I AM ENTITLED TO SHARE MY STORIES!
Love it!
A great phrase – a definite mantra. Terrified is how I felt first time saying it aloud. As I repeat it, I am storing it away to pull out when I am feeling inferior and need confidence. It IS calming and reassuring. Say it enough, I can move to being empowered. I will also remember those three words T E E to remind me in case I tumble.
It feels really exciting to know I am going to share my story, that in turn gives me more power to follow through with writing and sharing. I will keep saying it as I go through this process.
Awesome.
I’d like to share my stories. It’s good to share a story and get feedback. It’s great that someone would like to read your story and would pay to do so.
I said it. I said it twice. Now to believe it.
The word entitlement has so many negative connotations, it’s nice to link it to something positive. “I am entitled to share my story.” Yes, I am entitled. It is a privilege to share my story. Okay – I’ve said it. Now on to sharing!
You had me at Malcolm Gladwell–I am such a huge geaked-out fan of his. 🙂 I liked the connection you made between his research into entitlement and storytelling. It’s something I need to mull over a bit more so that I can understand not only what it means for me as a writer, but also what it means for me as a friend to other writers. I feel like understanding this connection will help me empower other writers. Repeating the mantra felt affirming, a kind of, “ah, that’s what was missing.” I liked the sound and the feel of the words very much.
“Ah, that was missing.” I love that.
It felt empowering. 🙂 I guess, I’ve been nervous to share my work, but I see now that I need to share more of my stories! 🙂 I am entitled to share my stories!
This is a difficult concept for me. Mostly because I have an ego much the size of the Rockies and it has actually been my journey to actively DENY it sustenance, lest it get too big and consume me entirely. To remind myself that I am entitled to something is not at all an idea I am comfortable with. Entitlement, in of itself, is not something I am comfortable with, but I did say the mantra and I did ruminate on it. I am entitled to share my story. I just need to remind myself to not let that go to my head.
Here’s the thing, egos are easy to have in isolation. When you put your story out there and it fails. Miserably. Utterly. You won’t have to worry about your ego. Or rather, you’ll be trying to keep it from getting defensive, trying to keep it connected to your audience and your story. I think the sweet spot here is realizing that yes, you’re talented and capable, but that all the talent in the world doesn’t matter unless you’re serving an audience with your stories.
I’m glad you shared that, Joe. I had the same fears Jeff Ellis expressed: that my pride will get in my way and that I need to make sure I don’t feel entitled to anything.
I grew up in a family that silenced my voice and where I learned to watch quietly, but not to participate. Those life lessons stayed with me of course, (and I’m no spring chicken – trust me,) and motivated me to write only for myself and to actually hide what I wrote. It wasn’t until I took a community college course a couple of years ago, which was designed to help wannabe writers come out of the closet and taught by a writer with an uncanny way of making her class a safe place to share, that I gained the confidence I needed to be able to not only share, but to read my pieces aloud! I love the power the mantra holds! I am entitled to share my stories!
Um yeah I got nothing. Repeating the mantra doesn’t do anything for me.
HA! Sorry about that.
Life is filled with experiences and stories and I love doing new things and exploring then writing and sharing stories about it on my blogs and in my journals. I do it with current family, friends and acquaintances in mind, but I also do it for unborn relatives and people in the future – to give them a glimpse of what life was like “back then.”
I repeated the mantra out loud, but I have a brutal Inner Critic who spoke over my empowered words. In an effort to tame him, I even made him the star of the show. I created a character based on him and wrote a story about him (I even gave him a nickname!). Surprise, surprise, he didn’t like it. At first I was terrified and his voice was strong, but little by little, day by day, his voice is getting weaker. There is an exercise video that I do that was quite difficult in the beginning, but now that I’ve done it for several months, it’s getting easier. “If you can say it and believe it, you can achieve it,” says one of the instructors as my muscles shake in pain. He’s right and if I’m empowered in exercise, than I can also empower my writing as well.
It makes me feel confident and strengthened in my resolve to tell my story. It reminds me that telling my story isn’t all about me but it’s about the light I will bring to the world by telling it.
My first thought after saying it outloud was that I could share it but it didn’t mean people wanted to hear it. :-/
And that’s the point, isn’t it? Because your job isn’t to make them want to hear it, your job is to write the best story you can and share it. If you let go of the outcome, you’ll not only be happier, you’ll be freer to create.
I liked the centering effect of repeating the mantra. It reinforced my focus and resolve to sit down and work on my story instead peeking at Pinterest 😉
I believe that story implies audience. I’m always amazed at writers who don’t care if their work is read. A story is a communication between author and reader, not a shout in the dark.
I too have problems with entitlement. i’ve worked with marginalized groups too long to be comfortable with the study you cited. So I edited the mantra 🙂 (trust a journalist to edit) — My story deserves to be heard. That makes me sit up straight.
Sharing a story is empowering, exciting, but mostly terrifying. It is terrifying to put myself at the mercy of others and I’ve avoided it as much as possible through the years. Allowing others to read what I’ve written forces me to take uncomfortable chances that make me vulnerable to their opinions.
I shared my story; it is a little scary. But, I am determined…
At 81, if not now, then when???
Go, you good thing!
I’m entitled to share my story! And I’m entitling you to share your opinions…
Ha! I feel so entitled! 🙂
I will repeat this mantra. I will repeat this mantra. I will…Actually, I did use it the past two days and have actually sent part 1 of my novel to two people and asked two more if they would read it. It helped me a lot. I am entitled to share my story, and, as Mirel said, they and you are entitled to share their opinions.
That’s so cool, Ann. How did it go?
“I am entitled to share my story.” Who knew hearing those words in your own voice could be so powerful and motivating?
I know. Isn’t it great?
I convinced myself yesterday that I am entitled to share my story. So I converted the playroom in our house (kids aren’t using it anymore) to my office (specifically for writing so I don’t have to use the dining room table or the living room couch). When my family got home from vacation yesterday, they all thought it was a good idea and were supportive.
That’s so cool, Debbie. How are you enjoying the space now?
I LOVE IT!!!!! I have to admit, having my own space helps me write more. Part of my daily (and I do mean daily) routine is to sit at my desk and write.
Yes, so true, I am entitled to share my story! May there be some people out there it might connect with – throwing it out like a pebble into the universe.
On there hand I think, Yes, I am totally entitled to write and share my stories and on the other hand I worry, What if I have no stories? The struggle is good though, as long as it pushes one to work
*the one hand, not there. 🙂
The reward of sharing is easily seen from the reactions, I love getting comments on my work!
Those who decide they cannot do something cannot do that thing.
I can write. I can share my writing. I can writing good stories. I can move people with my writing. I can change the world.
If you can put “I can” in front of it, you can do it. That is how I feel.
I’ve felt this way for at least the last three years — since I got serious about becoming a traditionally published author. I am entitled to share my stories. As long as I keep that in mind and continue to try, then there’s hope it’ll happen someday. Like James said, determination and positive thinking are the key.
Another thing to keep in mind is to always be humble and willing to listen to the stories of others. Some people tend to think if they are out for number one they will make it, but in the writing business, you alienate the very people that might be talking about your works.
I think there is so much truth in this. It is so easy to get lost in your own fictional world, tucked away on your own with the keyboard, and wonder if anyone will ever read your work. But sharing it is great. I love the definition that ‘it is not a story at all until it’s shared’. That makes sense of all the hard work we put in. Thanks for Story cartel for allowing me to share my work!
When I share that I am entitled to share my story, fear starts rising up in me. Perhaps it’s because when I have shared some of my story, people become uncomfortable. So what would give me the right to make others uncomfortable?
I too loved the definition that it is not a story unless it is shared. That was great.
I am entitled to share my story. Sharing my story can be challenging at times, exhilarating at others, and ultimately rewarding.
It’s a great joy to read other people’s stories, and to have the opportunity to help nurture their talent. Being part of a community of writers is hugely motivating. It’s what’s been missing with my previous writing attempts. The reason this works for me is that I like to discuss ideas, and then start writing my stories. I guess that makes story-telling very much a conversation and not a monologue.
The mantra “I am entitled to share my story” doesn’t raise a lot of new emotion with me because it is a truth I already hold in my heart. Sharing my story makes me anxious, certainly, because I want my audience to connect with what I share, but it does not keep me from wanting others to read my stories.
At times I feel very humbled and insignificant, and I ask myself “Who do you think you are, that people should waste their time reading your nonsense?” That’s self-doubt, and I have to squash it. People can judge for themselves whether my stories are a waste of time, and will do so without my help.
I’m entitled to share my story. Period.
Wow. I don’t normally comment on things like this, but repeating “I am entitled to share my story” out loud had more of an impact than I expected. I guess the power came from the word “entitled.” The fact that I deserve to.
I am a shy person. Often, I don’t speak in social settings because I feel that no one cares what I have to say, anyway. Given that, being “entitled” to share is empowering.
Thanks.
I wholeheartedly agree, Astrid.
It resonates with me. ‘ I am entitled to share my story.’
Looking back, I can see that it’s always been the knowledge that *someone* was listening that moved me forward with my writing. Every single time!
Entitlement to me has always sounded arrogant. So, this is a stretch for me to consider that I am ‘entitled’ to share my story. However, it is good fodder for reflection…and, maybe even a story.
The statement “I am entitled to share my story” makes me nervous and excited at the same time. Nervous because I’m afraid that if I share my stories some readers wouldn’t like it. Excited because I know I can never please everybody so I want to find ‘my’ audience for me to tell them my stories. hey, that’s why I’m enrolled in this course. 🙂
Entitled to share — I love this. But I’m also humbled by the obligation to share it well, in a way that will have the most impact on those who hear it.
yes, well terrified, not entitled. But that’s ok because I know where all that comes from,which is why I am enjoying this course and it’s freedom to express without the emotional mantra of the past. This is a new way to think of myself and allow the good to come and shine on the doubts I have had about saying ‘hey,this is me’.
I am entitled to share my story, but recently I feel like my writing has gone down the drain. I need more practice, but I will share.
We all need more practice, Benjamin. Don’t be discouraged.
I don’t know. Is there a way to respectfully disagree? The word “entitled” strikes me in a negative way, as though to say “I am entitled to share my story” might mean that I am owed the chance to share. Which, perhaps to certain people I am.
All that to say, I get it. I get what we’re going for here.
When I think of myself as one who has a story and should feel empowered to share it, I am hesitant, but mostly because I know there are far better stories out there than my own. But, when I repeat the idea of this statement aloud, I remember that I am one of millions out there in the collective unconscious who has a story, and perhaps my story can be of help to another. If that is why I write, then that’s something I can get behind.
“I am entitled to share my story, so that others may come to know theirs better.”
No respectful disagreement allowed! Ha, of course you can disagree. The thing is, you ARE owed the chance to share. Or rather, you are FREE to share. But you are not owed attention, that you have to earn. Instead, readers are FREE to ignore you. 🙂
I love your final statement! A story is a seed. Your job is to spread them. But who knows, it might just bear fruit in someone else’s life.
I had to find my voice in this area before submitting my two stories this year, even though it was a self-publishing experience. I had to overcome the “not good enough”/”Is it worth paying to print” phrases screaming at me daily. I’m now at the stage that if people don’t like it, I’ve still reached the long-held goal of actually being a published writer. No one can take that from me, even if I never make money on it. It is a high that I can’t explain. Not from ego, but from at last doing something with what little talent God gave me.
I’m not grabbed my the “entitlement” aspect. I’m tend to think a bit more practically on 2 grounds:
1. Accountability helps in getting things done. Having to share one’s work provides the discipline to get it done rather than drowning in the “resistance” that hits us every day.
2. We can’t improve as a writer if others aren’t reading our work.
1. Agreed! We’ll talk more about accountability and how others can inspire us in the next unit about Cartels.
2. Of course we can, but you’re right that will take a lot longer. Feedback is a key element to deliberate practice, which is why we stress giving each other feedback so much in this course and on The Write Practice. But you can’t be read—and get that feedback—until you share your story.
This lesson is about taking responsibility for your platform and your career. It’s easy to blame readers for not paying attention, but you can’t control what they do. You can only control your own writing and sharing. As we say, “You’re entitled to share but not to be read.” That you have to earn.
I grew up in a very entitled family (symphony members play in the living room), that quickly devolved into rough roads and a sense that I was entitled to nothing. Each new devolution saw me pick myself up by my bootstraps, but the situation was never one where I felt entitled to share any of my stories. It feels good to say that. Very good.
Terrifying in an exciting sort of way!
Yes – because our stories matter, and they are full of power. Each of us has a unique script, and the opportunity to share it.
Feels – great, nerve-wrecking – ESSENTIAL.
The are so many amazing writers in this course!
It feels great. This is exactly why I’m taking the course: so I can share my stories. My husband is ambivalent (loves the memoirs, hates anything fantastical) and my dog is a tart. She has no discrimination at all.
So I feel totally entitled to share my stories; I just need people to read them.
Ha. Very good, Judith. Yep, let’s get people to read them!
It feels liberating!
“I’m entitled to share my story.” I feel empowered when I say that. There’s something so powerful about saying words aloud. Love it! Thanks for that, Joe.
Writing can be intimidating, I just don’t want to suck, but waiting to be as good as a master is causing inertia to creep moving up slowly (Massive Attack paraphrase). This was a freeing exercise <3
When I do it, I get kick back with “who would want to read it”? I guess that my own self-talk, huh?
As someone who has shared many times, and now published, telling myself it’s okay brings peace. Every so often, I feel silly for thinking anyone would care about what I have to say… or, *gasp*, pay money for my words.
It’s okay. I am entitled to share my story.
We do deserve to be heard. Let’s face it, it’s human to desire a connection with others. When a person enjoys a story it’s normally because they connect with a person or situation. That means the connect with the Author.
My reaction is: I am entitled to share my story? Even if people think badly of me, because of it? Even if it hurts people? I may be entitled, but ….
Not that is what I really think, but it is one of the crippling voices that can arise. What about these voices?
Forums like this make those voices very difficult to hear. They’re still out/in there but they lose there edge. I’ve experienced this with a prvious writing group. I forced myself to share a few ideas and they were enthusiastically received. Other writers encouraged me to inprove and learn, because – gasp – they really wanted to know what happed next. Very empowering!
I’m entitled to share my story. I’m hoping there’s someone out there, to listen. Hello world, are you out there?
Entitled is one of those words that does tend to rub you the wrong way. Certainly I feel as entitled to share, or not share, my ideas as the next person. But it’s hard for me to swallow the idea that I’m entitled to spout off my ideas, opinions, stories, etc., unless I also recognize that entitlement comes with a certain level of responsibility, or obligation to the reading audience. There is so much noise in the world – so many words being shared by so many people… And yet, we still have just 24 hours in a day. So yes, I can share all I like, but being a good citizen means taking care when I share, doing so with the deepest respect for the reader, who I know has very limited time to waste and faces a long list of things she should be doing to be the best mom, friend, sister, employee, neighbor – person – that she can be.
“I’m entitled to share my story.”
I love how empowering this sentence makes me feel. The problem I have with it though is ignoring the voice at the back of my head telling me, “Well, is your story written well? Is your poem polished and ready to be published? Oh, it still needs work. Back to the drawing board.”
Having taken classes where craft and quality are the ultimate signifiers of a well-rounded writer, it’s difficult to ignore the self-doubt and nervousness.
“I’m entitled to share my story.”
Come on, Stef!
I grew up in a church. Although not practicing now, there is something that stays with me-the idea that one must give back. Those of us that have abilities or have honed talents-well-we are obligated to use them for the betterment of all. We are not alone in this life and we are to help best we can. Of course, I am entitled to share my story and more then that, I think I should. I am an elder now. Elders tell stories because they have experienced things. I was just on a Blog Tour and here is the answer I wrote to this question:
I have this idea/dream that we are all on this ship together and looking at the passing scenery, but only from our own porthole. Now, when we share what we see, the view gets bigger. Maybe the word I should use is “compelled.” I am compelled to write it down, to share my view just as Garth Brooks has in this centermost stanza of his hit song, Standing Outside the fire. http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/garthbrooks/standingoutsidethefire.html
There’s this love that is burning
Deep in my soul
Constantly yearning to get out of control
Wanting to fly higher and higher
I can’t abide
Standing outside the fire
I think repeating this mantra is helpful for me right now. Writing my second book, BROKEN was extremely difficult emotionally. Not that I had not worked through issues, I have for years. But I knew reading the book would not be a light read. So to tell myself that I am entitled to share my story means I am entitled to share what might stir some people up. It’s hard because I want to give people hope, but first I’m establishing how I was given hope.
What a great mantra! It is both exciting and terrifying. It wasn’t until recently that I considered myself a real writer. Stepping out on a limb and sharing my writing will be my biggest obstacle to overcome. Silencing (or better yet diminishing) the inner critic that threatens to hold me back when I write will be my second biggest obstacle to overcome.
I am fortunate to have found this writing community where I am quickly learning I am not alone in my fears of being “good enough” or sharing my work.
The statement, “I am entitled to share my story” makes me feel confidence in myself in that it is a privilege and honor that I NEED to claim. If I do not claim it, then I may not be able to help the one person in this world that needs to hear how I got where I am today. That is a loss and tragedy.
I think these kind of positive ideas should be sprinkled over peoples brains until they are absorbed into a person’s subconscious. How many times have we been told as children or told our own children, no or you can’t do that? Now imagine what the world would be like if we drilled a different message into our minds from early on – yes, you can do that, you are entitled to do that. How does it make me feel? Exuberant!
I have to say that sharing my story doesn’t terrify me, because sharing it will mean that I’ve finished a piece and that is the most difficult thing for me.
If I have got to the point of sharing then the euphoria of finishing would cancel out any anxiety. Ultimately I am writing to prove to myself that I can do it, any feedback would be icing on the cake.
Saying the words out loud feels like a promise to myself . My dogs think so too. It’s so nice to have roommates that support your creative endeavors.
I’m glad to be a part of this community. It’s new but so far it feels right.
Saying out loud, “I am entitled to share my story” calls to mind the guilt I sometimes feel when I sit down to write late at night instead of washing the dishes, making the lunches, tackling the massive stack of work on my desk, or paying bills. There are so many things I need to do after the kids are finally in bed, but all I want to do is write. If I am entitled to share my story, I guess my husband is entitled to the scut work around here. 🙂
I would like to say I am privileged to share my story. that makes more sense to me and makes me feel like I either could sit quiet or get out there. to get out there is a privilege. Not a right, but a privilege not to be taken lightly.
we are all called to use our gifts and talents and we need to remember the story was given by a creator and he intends for others to be blessed in the sharing. It’s selfish to keep these gifts to ourself.
that’s all I’m sayin.
I said it three times – everytime with the emphasis on different words
1. I AM entitled to share my story..
2. I am ENTITLED to share my story.
3. I am entitled to share MY STORY!
It seems to add a different perspective every time you say it.
I don’t know why, but going through this part of the course for a second time; I all of a sudden feel empowered, whereas I didn’t so before.
Maybe just from the experience of feeling part of this community?
I love to hear that, Michael!