What stories are you ruled by? Are they stories you've learned from your family, friends or even the media that shape your greatest highs or mark your greatest wounds? Does your story actually come from you?Spoken Word Poet, Author and Speaker Arielle Estoria speaks about the power of not only your words but your story to renew, strengthen and heal. She shares about the power of your story is not just for your own edification but to move and inspire those around you. Author and Professor Brené Brown said herself "we are wired for story" - as Arielle and Elyse unpack why our stories are not just a powerful but crucial for the world to become more empathetic, connected and united despite differences. She also notes in order to tell your story you have to know your story. If we do not even take the time to articulate our story, and unearth it from within ourselves and face our pains we simply can't share it. Arielle encourages us to be courageous as we have been uniquely woven we are by our creator as we have each been given a story that the world needs. Only we can share the "magic in our bones". Begin this New Year empowered by the fact that your words matter, your story matters, and you matter.

From award-winning producer and actress Roma Downey's LightWorkers Media, welcome to the On a Lighter Note Podcast hosted by writer & speaker Elyse Murphy. Here we have conversations with people from all walks of life to speak into the ways we are coping with the ups, the downs and the detours of life to help us thrive even in challenging times. Even when it seems we're surrounded by darkness, there's always a little bit of light to be found - so let's go find it together! New episode airs every Tuesday.