What Does “Story” Mean to Me?
A good story takes up my time, gets me lost in a world I’d like to join and makes me ache for the next scene. If I’m reading a really good book, I can’t put it down. Binge-watching TV shows is my crack. I can’t help myself. “Just one more” is my mantra.
There are worlds of fiction I’ve lived in time and time again. I reread books. Re-watch entire TV series. When a good story really touches me, I find ways to continue getting pleasure from it. I used to feel guilty about it. A good story to me was better than sex. Though let’s face it, a good story with a classy sex scene can make real sex later that much better. Anyway, I digress…
Stories are life. I’m sure that should be attributed to someone, though I’m not sure who.
Stories are the windows and doors to the other side. Doesn’t matter what “other” means to me specifically, or to you specifically. It’s just other — not sameness. We crave opposites every now and then. For some more now than then. Stories open up those worlds we can’t necessarily live in but can use as an escape for a time.
I should talk about escapism for a moment. There are people in my life, including myself, that truly believed I used books/movies/tv as a way to escape in an unhealthy way. This is definitely possible, though I’m not currently doing it. However, I have in the past. It wasn’t detrimental to any significant effect, though I’m sure it can be. So if you’re using stories to opt-out of real life, there’s an issue. Check it out.
Moving on…
I’d love to save the world using superhuman powers, have the ability to perform magic, fly, be invisible. I was about to write, live forever, but I don’t want that. Too sad. I’d love to live in a quaint, idyllic small town where everyone knows you and there’s witty banter and I get the same breakfast from the same diner daily. I could sit on the same couch at the same coffee shop with the same people and be endlessly entertained. If you didn’t catch the references we probably won’t be friends.
Stories let us be a part of something bigger. They allow us to wrap life up neatly in a bow; to come full circle. Then on to the next. Through a story, you can try a different profession, relationship, or hobby. You can test yourself by putting yourself in the position of the characters and figuring out if you would make the same choices. You can find unexpected interests that lead you to take classes or try something new. Stories let you view a world that is completely disconnected from your own. They are also good for no other intention than pure enjoyment.
Stories also let us live in the imaginations of people much more creative than us. I’m envious even when I’m absorbed. It lingers in the back of my mind; this ability to create a world that I want to belong in. How J.K. Rowling created Harry Potter and Hogwarts. A massive, intricate, compelling story about children and magic, yet it was really about life and relationships. Relatable to teens and adults alike. The brain that creates a world where we all find something to connect with is fascinating to me. It makes me want to create my own world for people to visit, be entertained by and maybe learn a little something along the way.
Stories are the backbone of our culture — or closer to home — the backbone of our individual family histories. We all have a story. And we should all be sharing those stories. No matter where you come from or what you’re doing with your life, your story is bound to be relatable to someone else. And that association is where we find common ground.
If stories mean to you even a little of what they mean to me, we’ve already got a connection. That’s a great thing. Enjoy living your story. I am.