Sharing stories has never been a problem for me. I’m an over-sharer by nature, a blurter, a confessor. I’m pretty unfiltered and have been known to hug strangers with reckless abandon. I know that’s not the case for everyone. Some people find it more challenging to share, to open up, to extend. I understand that it’s treacherous water for some. After all, once your story is out there, it’s no longer yours.

And that, for me, is the beauty of it.

I love that the words I write are never the words someone else reads. Whatever my intent might have been, it is altered and changed and morphed by every single reader’s own experience. I find that to be infinitely amazing. My words are your words, yours are mine.

I believe that at the core of our humanness, we all have an innate desire to be loved, accepted, understood. And if my writing makes one other human being feel that she is not alone, then my mission has been accomplished. It is what I was put on this earth to do. (We all know my purpose was not to prep and serve food for others. Thank God I didn’t spend years trying to perfect that particular art form. I was obviously holding the door when God passed out the cooking prowess.)

Because I believe so strongly in the power of story to unite us in our humanity, I couldn’t be more excited, more proud, more humbled to be a part of a national event called “Listen To Your Mother.” Hosted in 24 cities, “Listen To Your Mother” is a series of readings — in honor of Mother’s Day — about being a mother, having a mother, loving a mother. It has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Huffington Post. I am over the moon about being a part of the Indianapolis show.

Based on an essay I submitted for consideration, I have been cast along side some amazingly brilliant, funny, talented human beings. Read their blogs… I’m sure you’ll agree. In April, we’ll gather together to rehearse, to share, to laugh, and to cry. In May, we’ll bring it all to you.

I can’t wait to hear their stories. I will be changed. You will be, too. When we let others in, we can’t help but be changed. When we listen, when we share, our lives become so much richer.

Our Indianapolis event is taking place on May 2 at the Indiana Historical Society. There are only 300 seats, and they’re going fast. If you want to be a part of this amazing event, grab your tickets today!

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll get to experience…

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrZQLjYDb-A&w=560&h=315]