Beyond Social Media: Why Some Stories Are Meant to Be Held, Not Shared

Even though I am a storyteller, I am acutely aware there are many stories that are not mine to tell.

In a world where very little feels sacred anymore, I am deeply conscious of the sacredness of the stories I am entrusted with as a celebrant.

I am honoured to hear them and to share them within a funeral ceremony, but they are not mine to share beyond that space.
I have a very clear code of ethics around how I use social media and I will never use someone else’s grief or misfortune for likes or for sympathy that does not belong to me.  I also believe not everything I do is meant for Instagram.

Brené Brown concept of story stewardship resonates deeply with me.  It is the believe that story stewards have a responsibility to hold people’s stories with care, respect and privacy, honouring them only in the right places and at the right moments.

The work I do is profoundly sacred.
And although I have a social media presence, I want every family I walk alongside to know that their stories and privacy are safe with me.