Our Stories | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Our Stories

There is power in the sound of our testimonies

17
Our Stories
Breanne Thornton

I sat down with my dad recently and listened to some of the stories from his childhood. Iv'e always known abut the deep heartaches, and turmoil that has existed in my family roots, but I realized during this conversation, that regardless of what I knew, and now know, there will probably always be more, and I will never fully know how these stories have effected the previous generations before me.

Then I got to thinking about stories.

Our entire lives are made up of countless stories that have affected who we are, who we've been, and who we are becoming.

And I got to thinking about how influential our stories are to us, and to those around us.

Every hurt, every rejection, every tear, every failure. Every joy, every victory, every insight, every moment of courage.

I believe our stories are meant to be treasured and to be valued. And I think we also are to treasure and value the stories of those around us.

Take time to ask about people, and their lives, and their history. Take the time to listen, understanding that the things they have experienced are the very things that have brought them to where they are, and turned them into the person they are.

Take time to share your story with others. Be willing to be transparent and vulnerable at times in order that your story could bring encouragement, comfort, and hope to those listening. The very thing you faced, may be what they are currently facing, and they need someone to provide them the opportunity to say "Me too."

Sometimes we don't have the chance to hear everyones story, and some people keep their stories hidden away. With this in mind, be slow to judge and ever so quick to love. We all hide stories behind our exterior. We hide secrets, fears, regrets, and deep hurts from the world. You never know what kind of story the people around you have lived, or what they are currently living. Be gracious to them. Be ever so gracio

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
sex and the city
Warner Bros. Television

1. You don't have to feel guilty about flirting with customers for tips (or just for shits and giggles).

2. You can be obnoxiously flirtatious with anyone you want. You are free to be that girl that flirts with everybody and makes 'em all smile (it's especially fun when the guy is as cute as Collin Jost). No shame.

3. Making random men nervous with your superior beauty and intense eye contact just for the hell of it is really amusing and empowering.

4. No one gives two poops if ya legs are hairy (your man shouldn't either but *Kermit the Frog meme* That's none of my business)

5. The toilet seat will remain down.

6. There's more money to spend on yourself.

7. There's always this secret butterfly in your tummy that marvels at the possibility that when you go out this weekend you're gonna meet someone super handsome/wonderful/prince-like and have this moment of dazzling dalliance.

8. Nothing is that serious...you can take it all with a grain of salt...you don't owe anybody anything.

9. You can dance with anyone and everyone...or no one (Hello frat boi w/ glasses, I see you).

10. You don't have to fluff anyone's ego but your own.

11. Free drinks and dinners from single guys (It's not taking advantage if they're offering; a girl's gotta eat).

12. You have more time to learn how to love and improve yourself rather than constantly pouring your energy into another person.

13. You don't have to sacrifice your cheesy Jen Aniston rom-coms and Gilmore Girls for his Fast and Furious/other dumb action movie featuring blonde that is only in the movie to supply a relationship to the male lead and to make him look more masculine/empowered in juxtaposition (In other words, you don't have to deal with a guy being a crabby Patty while you watch your cute movies).

14. You can daydream about what your future husband may be doing right now (and not get stressed/guilty out because you're not picturing your current boyfriend that's crazy about you as your future husband).

15. There is more time to be spent with your girlfriends.

Girls Night In
Milk + Blush

We've all been there - you've been saying since Tuesday after French that this weekend is the weekend. You're finally going to break out those new heels and actually put on eyeliner on and make this Friday night be one for the memory books! That is, of course, until Girls Night Out turned into...Girls Night In.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

What Is Your Zodiac GIF?

Characteristics of the astrological signs, explained through GIFS.

626
zodiac
Wordpress

Whether you believe astrology is a legitimate "science" or not, we have all found ourselves looking at our horoscopes from time to time. The 12 astrological signs all fall under one of four elements: air, water, earth, or fire. Air signs are rational, social, and love to communicate with others. Water signs are are emotional, intuitive, and mysterious. Fire signs tend to be passionate, creative, and adventurous. Earth signs are conservative, realistic, and loyal.

Each sign is determined by the relative positions of celestial bodies to ourselves at our moment of birth, which is said to influence our personalities. Find your zodiac GIF below, based on the traits and characteristics provided by each sign.

***Disclaimer: GIFS are meant to be lighthearted and are based on descriptions of signs from http://www.astrology-zodiac-signs.com/.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

The Importance Of The Friends You Make In College

They're not just your friends, they're your family.

2694
friends
Kristin Buggy

College is supposed to be one of the best times of your life. However, it is also one of the toughest transitions to make. There is so much anticipation and excitement leading up to moving into college. It doesn’t truly hit you until move in day when your parents say their final goodbyes and you see their car drive away. You truly are on your own. I was blessed to meet my best friends within the first week of school. Your college friends are so important and here’s why:

Keep Reading...Show less
13 Real Thoughts Every College Student Has At Some Point
Good Call

There are a few thoughts that go through a college student's mind on a day to day basis. Some of those thoughts come from class, some of then come from when you are bored in class. Here are sixteen thoughts that college students think of on a day to day basis.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments