In my book, I include this quote from Ira Glass: “Great stories happen to those who can tell them.”
I love this quote, and it inspired my new mantra: “Everything Happens for a Story.”
At first glance, this might sound like just another twist on the classic “everything happens for a reason.” But there’s more to it—much more. In fact, this idea lies at the very heart of why storytelling is so powerful.
The Power of Perspective
Life is full of experiences—good, bad, challenging, and triumphant. What we often fail to realize is that every one of these experiences holds a potential story waiting to be told. The key is perspective.
When something happens to us, especially when it’s difficult or unexpected, our natural response might be to ask, “Why did this happen to me?” But what if we flipped that question? What if, instead, we asked, “What story can I tell from this?”
This shift in perspective doesn’t just help us make sense of our experiences; it also allows us to transform them into something meaningful and valuable. By viewing every experience as a potential story, we reclaim our narrative power. We are no longer just passive recipients of life’s events—we become the storytellers, the ones who craft meaning from chaos.
Stories as Connectors
One of the most profound reasons I believe everything happens for a story is because stories are the ultimate connectors. They bridge gaps between people, cultures, and experiences. They allow us to see the world through someone else’s eyes and, in turn, help others see the world through ours.
In Open This Book, I talk about the science behind storytelling—the way our brains are wired to respond to stories. When we hear a story, our brains release oxytocin, the so-called “love hormone,” which fosters empathy and trust. This is why stories are so powerful in building connections.
When we share our stories, especially those born out of difficult or complex experiences, we invite others into our world. We give them a glimpse into our struggles, our triumphs, and the lessons we’ve learned. And in doing so, we create a bond that’s far deeper than anything facts and figures alone could achieve.
Finding Meaning in the Everyday
Not every story has to come from a life-altering event. In fact, some of the most powerful stories come from the everyday moments that, at first glance, might seem mundane. It’s in these moments that the saying “Everything happens for a story” really shines.
Consider the last time something didn’t go as planned—maybe you missed a flight, had an awkward encounter, or faced an unexpected challenge at work. In the moment, it might have been frustrating or disappointing. But with a little reflection, you can turn that experience into a story that entertains, teaches, or inspires.
In the book, I say that storytelling isn’t just for the big, dramatic events. It’s about finding the narrative in the everyday, the seemingly ordinary moments that actually have the power to connect us on a profound level. When you approach life with the mindset that everything happens for a story, you begin to see the world differently. Every experience, no matter how small, becomes an opportunity to connect, to share, and to grow.
Why It Matters
At the end of the day, storytelling is about more than just recounting events. It’s about finding meaning in those events and sharing that meaning with others. It’s about transforming the raw material of life into something that resonates, something that lasts.
When you embrace the idea that everything happens for a story, you empower yourself to see the value in every experience. You become the architect of your own narrative, turning challenges into lessons, failures into opportunities, and successes into inspiration.
So, the next time life throws you a curveball, or even just a pebble, remember: everything happens for a story. And that story is yours to tell.
Your Story Matters
I encourage you to start viewing your own life through this lens. What stories are waiting to be told? What experiences, big or small, have shaped who you are today? By sharing your stories, you not only connect with others, but you also solidify your own place in the larger narrative of life.
Everything happens for a story. What’s yours?