16 Comments
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Sean Murphy's avatar

So glad I was introduced to Yoruba hospitality as the first thing I read this morning. Incredible job capturing your father’s love and vigilance in taking care of others.

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Olu Ayo's avatar

Thank you, and thank you for being here. What stories are you hoping to tell on here?

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Sean Murphy's avatar

I mostly tell stories through the lens of personal and/or professional growth. I love a hero’s journey and look for ways we can see them in our own lives.

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Olu Ayo's avatar

I really love that! We need more stories to help us see the good in each other.

If you don’t mind sharing, what story are you working on now?

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Sean Murphy's avatar

Hey Olu, sorry for the delay in responding! I just published my latest last night. A bit of a reflection on the anniversary of having a panic attack for the first time. And the journey after.

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Olu Ayo's avatar

No problem, Sean. Oh man, I’m sorry you had to navigate that. As someone who has had multiple panic attacks (some years back now), I’ll never forget how it took over my body. I can imagine just how terrible and intense that must’ve been for you.

I’m glad you have been able to reflect and process your experience. Has writing about it been a healing journey for you, or have there been other unexpected outcomes?

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Maria's avatar

I'd like to write more because I more than just "like" this post. Thank you for your stories.

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Olu Ayo's avatar

Thank you for those kind words, Maria. And thank you for being here.

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Sophia's avatar

"Throughout all those years, he was sloshing against the tides of trauma."

Such a powerful line here; thank you for sharing

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Olu Ayo's avatar

Thank you, and thank you for being here. I’m glad you connected with this piece.

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jung's avatar

This is the power of storytelling. I deeply appreciate your reflections. Thank you for sharing. 🌿

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Olu Ayo's avatar

Thank you, and thank you for being here 😊

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ZM Spalter's avatar

"Storytelling, particularly the stories he repeated, was his way of working through trauma—releasing it." I honestly never thought about storytelling that way before - as a way to release trauma - but of course that is one of the many purposes stories must serve. Looking forward to reading more.

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Olu Ayo's avatar

Right? It all but floored me when I realized this as an adult. I believe we underestimate (I've been guilty of this) storytelling's deep and transformative power.

Thank you for your words and for being here 😊

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Tui Snider's avatar

Scorpions freak me out! It is interesting to think about the stories we and our loved ones tell over and over. Why do we tell them? What are we really trying to say? Anyway - nice to meet you, Olu. I'm new on Substack, too. :)

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Olu Ayo's avatar

Nice to meet you and welcome to Writing Under the Palm Tree! Those are the questions that keep me writing, reading and talking with others.

And yes, I don’t blame you, scorpions are no joke!

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