Can You Hear Us?

If you know me, you know I believe in the power of story.

Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable enough to share our story makes us stronger and give us permission to own our truth and stand strong in it. Our stories can serve as catalysts for change when change is needed.

Writing our stories enables us to take a step back and view situations and people from a different, detached, and safe perspective. The possibility presents to learn more about ourselves and others through the process of writing. Through writing, we can find healing.

Finally, reading someone else’s story opens the door to compassion. It removes the barrier of “other” and reminds us that we are all human beings, loved beyond measure, who hurt and bleed the same as everyone else. Reading stories creates space to consider the plight of another and offers the sacred opportunity to seek to understand without the feeling the need to defend our own position—if we’re wise.

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been working behind the scenes at a site called Can You Hear Us creating space for Canadians who have felt silenced over the past two years to speak their truth.

I’ve connected with people of all ages across Canada, felt my heart break and my anger rise, and been deeply touched by the resilience, kindness, and support they show toward one another.

This morning, I’m inviting you to visit the site and read stories written by ordinary people about their experiences with health mandates over the past couple of years. These stories might make you angry or sad or frustrated or something else. You might not understand their choices and that’s okay. Sit with those thoughts and emotions and explore your reaction to the stories.

Whether we agree or disagree with someone’s personal choice is not the point. What matters, is whether we’re willing to look past headlines into hearts and, maybe, have our preconceived
opinions challenged about where the right side of history will fall.

Canadians are sharing their stories. Is anyone listening?