MORE FROM HUFFPOST
MORE FROM HUFFPOST
Personal narrative
The author of “The Recovering” talks to HuffPost about the power of personal narrative to show us what we share with each other — and what sets us apart.
Having no idea what to do next hurts, even as it might excite us on some level. Whether graduating from college or retiring from a long career, the road ahead may appear to be devoid of landmarks - intimidating in its blankness, goading because freedom is supposed to be so desirable yet its reality is often heavy with perplexing dilemmas.
If you're tempted to let a blogger know her struggles with an alcoholic husband in prison for his third DUI just isn't as bad as your cousin with some late stage illness, why not bypass personal blog essays or posts about the Kardashians or the latest celebrity divorce to spend a few hours reading Proust or Kafka?
WHAT'S HAPPENING
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Even by Hollywood standards, the majesty and misery of Judy Garland's short life was extreme, defined by its operatic intensity and an epic series of (mostly) public peaks and valleys.
Life is chaotic, and the order we impose upon it in the form of storytelling is crucial to our own happiness and success. I think it is the main difference between an optimist and a pessimist.
Perspective is so personal -- like faith. You either choose to believe or you don't. You try to make sense of everything. You try to set your own course. That is, until you find yourself floating. Not because you are lacking something, but instead, because you are ready for something different.
The Pascales are the few people who can light that flame of hope through their beautiful and touching stories, especially during this grim time of capitalism that overshadows individuals' basic rights and needs.
They could champion me; I was the brown girl at student senate representing what otherwise looked like a very homogeneous white space. I was Muslim, but not "scary Muslim."
What exactly is your story? Your story is the culmination of your entire experience both personal and professional. Within your life story, there are dozens of chapters. Within each chapter are nuggets of wisdom.
